Ouarzazate Travel Guide: Kasbahs, Film Studios & Ait Benhaddou
Ouarzazate sits on the edge of the Sahara, between the High Atlas and the Draa valley. Known as the door of the desert, it is a convenient base for exploring kasbahs, film locations and the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou. It also hosts one of the world's largest solar power plants.
At a glance
- Setting
- South of the High Atlas
- Highlights
- Taourirt Kasbah, Atlas Studios, Ait Benhaddou
- Allow
- 1 to 2 days
- From Marrakech
- About 4 hours via Tizi n'Tichka
- Airport
- Ouarzazate (OZZ)
In this guide
What to see in Ouarzazate
- Taourirt Kasbah: a former residence of the Glaoui family, with decorated rooms and views over the town.
- Atlas Film Studios: Morocco's film industry hub, which has hosted productions such as Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and Game of Thrones.
- Ait Benhaddou: a UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified village) of rammed earth, about 30 km away.
- Fint Oasis: a quiet palm oasis near town.
- Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex: a large concentrated solar power station. Tours are sometimes possible, so check locally.
Day trips and drives
The Draa valley road leads south to Zagora, while the Dades and Todra gorges, reached via the road to Tinghir, offer dramatic cliffs. The Tizi n'Tichka pass road to Marrakech crosses the High Atlas at about 2,260 metres and offers spectacular views.
Where to stay
Ouarzazate has hotels in all price ranges, and nearby kasbah guesthouses in the palm valleys offer a more atmospheric stay. Book ahead for the high season, spring and autumn.
Best time to visit
March to May and September to November are best. Summer is extremely hot, and winter mornings can be chilly. See best time to visit Morocco.
Getting there
The drive from Marrakech takes about 4 hours without stops. Buses and shared taxis operate, and Ouarzazate has a small airport with flights from Casablanca and some European cities. See transport in Morocco.
How to spend a day in Ouarzazate
Start with the Taourirt Kasbah in the morning, when the light is soft and the crowds are small. Visit the Atlas Film Studios around midday, when guided tours show sets from historical and biblical productions. In the afternoon, drive to Ait Benhaddou for golden-hour photographs and cross the river to the upper ksar for views of the valley.
Ait Benhaddou in more detail
Ait Benhaddou is a cluster of earthen buildings with towers and defensive walls, once a stop on the caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Only a handful of families still live inside, and most of the old ksar is now devoted to visitors, with small galleries and craft shops. Sunrise and sunset are the best times, because the walls glow a deep orange.
Food and drink
Restaurants in Ouarzazate serve tagines, grilled meats and Amazigh dishes. Try tagine with dates and almonds and ask about local saffron and dates, which are grown in the oases nearby. See our Moroccan food guide.
Linking Ouarzazate with other stops
Ouarzazate is the natural overnight between Marrakech and the Sahara. From here you can continue east to Tinghir and Merzouga, or south to Zagora. Our 7-day itinerary and desert tour guide show how to combine them.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Ouarzazate famous?
It is known for its film studios, nearby kasbahs and as a gateway to the Sahara and the Draa valley.
Is Ouarzazate worth a stop?
Yes, especially as an overnight on the way between Marrakech and the desert. Ait Benhaddou alone justifies the stop.
How far is Ouarzazate from Marrakech?
About 200 km, usually around 4 hours across the High Atlas.