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Ait Ben Haddou Travel Resources

Ait Ben Haddou Travel Resources

Ait Ben Haddou Morocco Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Google Maps/Maps.me

    Download offline maps for navigation without internet connection.

  • Google Translate

    Download offline language packs for Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and French.

  • WhatsApp

    Widely used for communication by guesthouses, guides, and operators.

  • Currency Converter

    A simple app for quick exchange rate checks.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT)

    Their official website has general information and travel advice.

  • Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Check their site for visa and entry requirements.

  • CTM and Supratours Official Websites

    Use for bus schedules, routes, and reserving tickets.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Centre

    Detailed information on Morocco's Famous Ksar's cultural importance.

  • Social Media Accounts to Follow

    Look for official tourism accounts or bloggers who travel for Morocco on Instagram or Facebook.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

General guidebooks for Morocco like Fodor's Essential Morocco, Rough Guides Morocco, and Lonely Planet Morocco.

Specific Maps

A detailed road map of the Ouarzazate region and the Atlas Mountains is handy if self-driving.

Books About the Destination

"A Road in Marrakech" by Elizabeth Warnock Fernea and "Lords of the Atlas" by Gavin Maxwell.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

  • General Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire): Dial 19 (fixed) or 177 (mobile).
  • Royal Gendarmerie (rural areas like Ait Ben Haddou): Dial 177.
  • Nearest Hospital: Ouarzazate Provincial Hospital in Ouarzazate.
  • Pharmacies are in Ouarzazate; some basic ones in Ait Ben Haddou's new village.

Embassy and Lost Documents

  • Keep your country's embassy or nearest consulate contact details.
  • For lost documents, report to local police and get a police report.
  • Then, contact your embassy for guidance on emergency travel documents.
  • Natural Disaster Protocols: Stay informed of local weather advisories; follow local authority instructions.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  • Many films and TV series (Gladiator, Game of Thrones) shot here.
  • Watching these creates visual context.

Music and Art

  • Listen to traditional Berber music for cultural sounds.
  • Makers in Ait Ben Haddou demonstrate their skills.

Online Communities and Language Learning

  • TripAdvisor Forums, Reddit r/Morocco, and Facebook Groups.
  • Apps like Duolingo or Memrise teach basic Arabic or French phrases.
  • Online courses or phrasebooks for Moroccan Arabic (Darija) are beneficial.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Essential Preparations

Months Before Your Trip

  • Check Passport Validity

    Ensure validity for at a minimum of six months past your departure date from Morocco.

  • Research Visa Requirements

    Determine if your nationality needs a visa; begin the application process if so.

  • Book International Flights

    Secure your flights to Morocco (Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Casablanca).

Month Before Your Trip

  • Book Accommodations

    Reserve guesthouses or hotels in The Clay City and other cities.

  • Plan Main Activities and Day Trips

    Outline attractions and decide on any organized tours.

  • Arrange Ground Transportation

    Finalize car rental or book private transfers; understand bus and grand taxi routes.

Pre-Trip Research and Home Care

Research Recommendations

Read Moroccan culture and etiquette. Learn basic Moroccan Arabic or French. Understand local currency and tipping.

Home Preparation

Ensure your home is secure. Unplug unnecessary electronics. Empty perishable items from your refrigerator.

Trusted Contacts

Inform a trusted family member or friend of your itinerary and contact information.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • Clear immigration and customs with documents ready.
  • Exchange currency or find an ATM to withdraw local currency.
  • (Optional) Purchase a local SIM card from a provider at the airport.
  • Locate your pre-arranged transfer or the taxi stand to your accommodation.

Orientation and Purchases

  • Upon arrival, understand the layout of the new village and its proximity to the ksar.
  • Ask your host about local eateries, the nearest ATM (if any), and shops.
  • Exchange enough currency in Ouarzazate to cover initial expenses in Ait Ben Haddou.
  • Make immediate purchases like bottled water and basic snacks, especially if arriving late.

Departure Preparation

Souvenir and Shipping Considerations

  • Pack souvenirs carefully, especially fragile items.
  • If you bought larger items, ask the vendor about shipping services.
  • Keep receipts for any significant purchases.
  • VAT refunds usually do not apply for tourists on most goods.

Pre-Departure Timing and Return Trip

  • Allow ample time for travel to Ouarzazate Airport or bus station.
  • Consider potential delays from road conditions or shared taxi waits.
  • Arrive at Ouarzazate Airport 1.5-2 hours before domestic, 2-3 hours before international flights.
  • Reconfirm your flight or bus times; have passport and tickets accessible.

Helpful Tip

Create a digital folder or cloud space for all travel documents and contacts. This offers a backup.

Ait Ben Haddou Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts