Ouarzazate Travel Guide: Kasbahs, Film Studios and the Desert Road

Ouarzazate lies on a high plateau south of the Atlas Mountains, where the roads to the Draa Valley, the Dades Valley and the Sahara meet. Most travelers pass through on the way to the dunes, but the town and its surroundings deserve a night. This Ouarzazate travel guide covers what to see and how to fit it into a southern Morocco itinerary.

Ouarzazate at a Glance

Best for: kasbah architecture, cinema history and a break on the road south.
How long: one night; two if you explore the surroundings.
Best time: March to May and October to November.
Good to know: the drive from Marrakech crosses a high mountain pass and takes about four hours.

What to See

Taourirt Kasbah

This large earthen fortress in the center of town once belonged to the Glaoui family, who controlled the caravan routes of the south. Part of it has been restored and can be visited: a maze of stairways, small rooms and painted ceilings, with views over the palm grove and the reservoir. The old quarter behind it is still inhabited.

The Film Studios

The light and landscapes around Ouarzazate have attracted filmmakers for decades, and the town calls itself the Hollywood of Morocco. Atlas Studios, on the road to Marrakech, offers guided tours of sets left behind by international productions, from Egyptian temples to medieval streets. A small cinema museum faces the Taourirt Kasbah.

Fint Oasis

About 15 kilometers south of town, a rough track leads to a green ribbon of palms and gardens hidden between black rock hills. A few villages live from the oasis, and a walk along the river with a local guide makes a peaceful half-day.

Ait Ben Haddou

The most famous sight in the region is half an hour away: the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the day-trip coaches from Marrakech are absent.

Beyond Ouarzazate

East: the palm grove of Skoura, then the Dades Valley around Boumalne Dades, the Todra Gorge near Tinghir and finally the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
South: the Draa Valley to Zagora and M’Hamid El Ghizlane, gateway to Erg Chigaga.

Getting There

From Marrakech, the road climbs over the Tizi n’Tichka pass at about 2,260 meters, with long series of bends and wide views. Allow around four hours by car or bus, more in bad weather; snow can close the pass briefly in winter. Daily buses make the trip, and Ouarzazate has a small airport with a few domestic and seasonal flights.

Where to Stay

The town has hotels in every category, from simple guesthouses to large properties with pools, mostly along the main avenue and near the kasbah. Travelers who prefer something quieter can sleep in a guesthouse at Ait Ben Haddou or among the palms of Skoura.

Practical Tips

Summer days are very hot and winter nights are cold on the plateau. Pack for both extremes in spring and autumn.
If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare for the mountain road.
Ouarzazate is the last large town before the desert: use its banks, pharmacies and supermarkets.
Do not try to see the pass, Ait Ben Haddou, the studios and the town as a day trip from Marrakech. Stay the night.