Ait Ben Haddou Film Locations: Game of Thrones Spots

Ait Ben Haddou Film Locations: Game of Thrones Spots - Complete Guide

Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco's most iconic film locations: the UNESCO-listed earthen kasbah (fortified settlement) has hosted productions including Game of Thrones, Gladiator, The Mummy, and dozens of films. The dramatic clay architecture, medieval atmosphere, and mountainous backdrop create cinematic perfection. This guide maps Game of Thrones filming locations within the kasbah and explains the production history.

Ait Benhaddou Overview

Location and Access

Where: South of Marrakech, 200km (3-4 hours drive) Nearest City: Ouarzazate (37km, 1 hour east) UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (1987) Significance: Centuries-old trading post; architectural masterpiece; film hub

Access: Car rental, tour operator, or guided day trip from Marrakech/Ouarzazate

Kasbah Architecture

Kasbah Definition: Fortified settlement (houses, storage, defensive walls) Construction: Rammed earth (clay/straw); centuries-old (precise age unclear) Population: Historically 600+ families; now 50-100 (depopulation as tourism increases) Reconstruction: Ongoing preservation efforts; visitor funds support maintenance

Game of Thrones Filming Locations

Game of Thrones Background

Seasons Filmed: Season 5-8 (2014-2018) Locations: Ait Benhaddou and surrounding sites Characters: Multiple Westerosi settings portrayed Scenes: Market scenes, character arrivals, crowd shots

Specific Filming Locations Within Kasbah

Braavos Scenes (Game of Thrones Season 5)

Location: Upper kasbah, main plaza area Scenes: Arya Stark's arrival in Braavos (House of Black and White exteriors) Visual Markers:

• Clay walls and arches (distinctive architecture)
• Central gathering area (crowds, market scenes)
• Multiple angles (various shots from different vantage points)

Visiting: Walk upper kasbah; plaza clearly visible (imagination helps connecting to show)

Note: Interior House of Black and White actually filmed in studio (not Ait Benhaddou); exteriors here

Market Scenes (Multiple Seasons)

Location: Lower/middle kasbah streets Scenes: Marketplace atmosphere (buying/selling, crowd interactions) Identified by: Narrow alleyways, merchants' stalls, atmospheric lighting Seasons: 5-7 (recurring location for various Westerosi cities)

Visiting: Walk main thoroughfare; stalls still operating (textile vendors, cafés); feel medieval marketplace

Character Arrivals (Season 5-6)

Location: Main entrance area, river crossing Scenes: Characters arriving at city gates Notable: Dramatic entry sequences, establishing shots Identifying: Gateway architecture; river (Ounila River) crossings

Note: Some scenes shot near kasbah (not inside); broader area used for establishing shots

Other Film Productions Locations

Visitor Experience

Self-Guided Exploration

Access: Open to public (small entrance fee €2-3, collect funds) Parking: Below kasbah (walk up 10 minutes or donkey ride €5) Duration: 2-4 hours typical (leisurely exploration, photography) Wear: Comfortable shoes (uneven clay paths, steps)

Organized Tours

Available Through:

• Hotels/riads (arrange local guide)
• Tour operators (Marrakech/Ouarzazate)
• Viator, GetYourGuide (online booking)

Tour Duration: 4-6 hours (usually includes transport from Ouarzazate) Tour Cost: €50-80 per person (guide, sometimes lunch included) Advantage: Expert interpretation, film knowledge, photography guidance

Guided Experience Benefits

Film Knowledge: Expert explains shooting locations, production details Cultural Context: Kasbah history, Berber life, architecture explanation Photography: Guide positions for best light/angles Safety: Navigate safely, avoid uneven sections Duration: Often shorter (2-3 hours focused exploration)

Photography Opportunities

Best Photo Spots

1. Upper Plaza Vantage:

• Overlook entire kasbah
• Sunset lighting (golden hour, magical light)
• Crowd-free early morning
• Panoramic scope

2. Gateway Entry:

• Dramatic archway (framing)
• Contrast light/shadow
• Traditional architecture showcase
• Classic film production backdrop

3. Narrow Alleyways:

• Intimate clay walls
• Texture and color
• Local interactions
• Authentic atmosphere

4. Terrace Viewpoints:

• Terrace rooftops (private homes allow access sometimes)
• Mountain backdrop (Anti-Atlas)
• River valley below
• Expansive views

5. River Crossing:

• Ounila River below kasbah
• Bridge/ford location
• Dramatic approach vista
• Historical caravan route

Photography Tips

Lighting: Golden hour (dawn/dusk) ideal; clay glows orange/pink Respect: Ask permission before photographing people (€1-2 customary) Crowds: Early morning (7am-9am) less busy; sunset busy but beautiful Equipment: No restrictions on cameras/drones (though drones may need permission) Composition: Clay walls create natural frames; geometry excellent

Getting to Ait Benhaddou

From Marrakech

Distance: 200km Duration: 3-4 hours drive Route: Highway A1 south (Ouarzazate direction) Options:

• Rental car (independence)
• Organized tour (transport + guide)
• Bus (cheaper but longer)

Recommended: Car rental or guided tour (convenience, logistics)

From Ouarzazate

Distance: 37km Duration: 45 minutes-1 hour drive Nearest City: Most convenient base Accommodation: Ouarzazate hotels/riads (next morning/same day return)

Recommended: Base in Ouarzazate (stay overnight, visit morning or afternoon)

Day Trip Itinerary from Marrakech

6:00am: Depart Marrakech 9:30am: Arrive Ait Benhaddou 9:30am-12:00pm: Kasbah exploration (3 hours) 12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch (local restaurant, kasbah/nearby town) 1:00pm-3:00pm: Continued exploration or Ouarzazate visit 7:00pm: Return Marrakech

Duration: Full day; tiring but doable

Better: Overnight Ouarzazate (less rushed, more relaxed)

Ait Benhaddou Costs

If Overnight Ouarzazate: Add €50-100 accommodation

UNESCO Heritage Context

Why UNESCO Listed

Criteria: Outstanding architectural/human settlement example Significance: Medieval earthen architecture; surviving despite modernization Rarity: Few fully-preserved earthen kasbahs in North Africa Preservation: Ongoing restoration efforts

Conservation Challenges

Depopulation: Younger generation leaving (tourism jobs, education elsewhere) Modern Development: New construction near kasbah conflicts heritage Maintenance: Rammed earth requires upkeep; funding from tourism vital Balance: Preserving authenticity vs. allowing contemporary life

Visitor Impact

Positive: Tourism funding preserves site; income supports families Negative: Overcrowding, pollution, habitat disruption

Responsible Visiting: Support local economy (eat local, stay local guesthouses, hire guides)

Cultural Etiquette

Respectful Behavior

✓ Ask permission before photographing residents ✓ Respect prayer times (midday call, evening prayer) ✓ Dress modestly (shoulders, knees covered) ✓ Don't enter private homes without invitation ✓ Support local economy (buy crafts, eat at local restaurants) ✓ Be patient with slow internet/infrastructure (not tourist resort)

Photography Sensitivity

• Avoid photographing women without permission (cultural sensitivity)
• Don't photograph children without parental consent
• Respect when asked not to photograph something
• Understand photography creates expectations (small payment sometimes)

FAQ

Did Game of Thrones film extensively here?

Extensively in seasons 5-8. Not all Braavos scenes (some studio); but significant production location.

Can I recognize exact filming spots?

Possibly, if GoT fan. Architecture distinctive but many similar clay cities. Guide helps identify specific locations.

Is it worth visiting if not GoT fan?

Absolutely. Kasbah spectacular regardless of shows. UNESCO site, architectural masterpiece, authentic experience.

How crowded is Ait Benhaddou?

Peak season (July-August): Very crowded. Shoulder season (May-June, September-October): Moderate. Off-season: Quiet.

Can I stay overnight in kasbah?

Guesthouses within/near kasbah available (€30-80/night). Experience locals, morning/evening solitude.

Is the climb difficult?

Clay paths steep but not technical. Shoes with grip recommended. Not strenuous for moderate fitness.

How many hours needed?

2-3 hours minimum (casual walkthrough). 4-5 hours if detailed exploration, photography, guide.

Can I visit independently or need guide?

Both possible. Independent: Explore freely, save money. Guide: Expert interpretation, film knowledge, cultural context.

Best time to visit?

April-May or September-October (mild weather, manageable crowds, golden light).

Is photography expensive for residents?

Not required, but small donation (€1-2) appreciated when photographing people. Respectful approach expected.