Africa’s Hollywood: Essential Travel Guide to Ouarzazate

Looking for the best things to do in Ouarzazate or highly recommended places to stay? Discover the ideal time to visit, tips for getting around and the best tours in this essential travel guide to Ouarzazate.

Surrounded by the spectacular desert scenery of the Souss-Massa-Drâa region, Ouarzazate serves as the gateway to the Moroccan Sahara. Its rugged beauty never fails to enchant, with centuries-old kasbahs and ksour dotting the landscape. Over the years, Ouarzazate has provided a setting for countless films and its production studios are a must-see. 

The city itself is also notable for its unique architecture and, in my opinion, it’s worth a visit if you’re travelling between Marrakech and the Sahara. Red clay buildings give Ouarzazate an earthy elegance while its lively markets appear all the more colourful against the desert terrain. 

For travellers seeking adventure beyond Marrakech’s city limits, Ouarzazate is the perfect jumping-off point. Whether you want to ride a camel to a desert camp, hike through dramatic gorges or birdwatch in palm-studded oases, Ouarzazate is an essential destination for tapping into Morocco’s wild spirit.

In this Essential Travel Guide to Ouarzazate, discover everything you need to know to experience this desert city to the fullest, from the best things to do and incredible kasbah stays to my top Ouarzazate tour recommendations. 

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Best things to do in Ouarzazate

Visit Kasbah Taourirt

This well-preserved kasbah was once home to the powerful Glaoui family, who controlled commerce flowing through the Draa and Dades valleys during the 19th and 20th centuries. But its history dates back even further to the 17th century when it was originally established by the Imzwarn family. 

Parts of Kasbah Taourirt have been restored with help from UNESCO, though several families still inhabit areas left untouched.

Today, you can wander through the restored sections and imagine life here centuries ago. Learn about Thami El Glaoui, the former Pasha of Marrakech, who walked these halls during the French colonial era, and discover the cultural heritage of the region’s indigenous Amazigh peoples. 

Entrance is around 20 DH but be aware that some parts of the kasbah were damaged during the earthquake in 2023 and remain off-limits for the time being.

For more cultural inspiration, check out this list of the best museums in Ouarzazate.

Discover Ouarzazate’s cinematic heritage

Step into Ouarzazate’s world of cinema at Atlas Studios, a sprawling production facility that has hosted several epic blockbusters in recent years. From the arena in “Gladiator” to the desert planet in “Star Wars” and the city of Yunkai in “Game of Thrones”, the studio has definitely left its mark on the cinematic world. 

While visiting the studios, you can wander through the sets where A-list stars brought legendary characters to life and learn how filmmakers have harnessed Ouarzazate’s diverse landscapes to create unforgettable worlds. With its impressive infrastructure and experienced crews, it’s no wonder Ouarzazate has been dubbed the “Hollywood of Morocco” or sometimes “Ouallywood”.

You can explore Kasbah Taourirt and Atlas Studios on this full-day guided tour of Ouarzazate.

Atlas Studios is open from 8:30 am to sunset each day and entrance costs 80 DH.

Visit the Fint Oasis

Just 10 kilometres south of Ouarzazate is the Fint Oasis, which springs from its desert surroundings like a mirage. Four traditional villages encircle the oasis, which has provided the setting for numerous Hollywood blockbusters like “Lawrence of Arabia” and “The Mummy”.

You can explore this desert jewel yourself by 4×4, on a guided hike or on a quad bike adventure from Ouarzazate. With the help of a local guide, you’ll gain unique insights into the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals.

Explore the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou

Clustered on a hillside overlooking the Ounila Valley is this ancient ksar, which seems almost too picturesque to be real. For centuries, it was an important stop along the trade route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Camel caravans hauling precious cargo like salt and spices rested in Ait Benhaddou’s shade before continuing their long journeys.

Today, Ait Benhaddou remains a remarkably intact example of traditional earthen architecture. So much so that it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering its winding alleys feels like entering a living museum that will immediately transport you back in time. It has also provided the setting for numerous films, including “Gladiator” and “Babel”. 

If you’re a history buff, I’d highly recommend you explore Ait Benhaddou on a guided tour as you’ll get so much more out of your visit than going it alone. For those wanting to visit Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou as a day trip from Marrakech, this full-day Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate day trip is ideal.

To learn more about Ait Benhaddou, including getting there, things to do and places to say, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Ait Benhaddou.

Catch a glimpse of the Noor Solar Plant

This massive renewable energy project is a sight to behold, generating huge amounts of power that is fed into Morocco’s electricity grid. A total of 500,000 mirrors blanket the landscape, working in harmony to harness the sun’s rays. 

When it was inaugurated by King Mohammed VI in 2016, the Noor Solar Plant represented a shining vision of Morocco’s renewable future. With a capacity of 582 megawatts, it can power as many as 1.5 million homes.

Strategically located where the sun beams down 320 days a year, the panels tilt and turn, following the sun’s daily movements like a field of sunflowers.

While it’s possible to visit the plant (you need to contact MASEN directly), glimpses of its glimmering expanse can be spotted from nearby roads.

Take a day trip to Skoura

Surrounded by palm groves less than an hour’s drive from Ouarzazate, Skoura is an enchanting town dotted with centuries-old kasbahs. It’s an off-the-beaten-path Moroccan destination that I absolutely love – we always stay here if we’re travelling to Dades Gorge or the Sahara!

Be sure to explore the Skoura Palmeraie. This UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides a habitat for more than 100 bird species. An ingenious network of canals brings precious water to nourish the greenery, with everything from fig to pomegranate trees flourishing here.

The iconic Kasbah Amiridil is also a must-see, with its fortified architecture once gracing the 50 dirham note. Now a living museum, its winding corridors and spacious courtyards offer a glimpse into the life here in times gone by.

You can take in the sights of Skoura on this half-day mountain biking tour. Alternatively, spend a full day exploring Skoura, Dades Gorge and the Valley of Roses on this private excursion from Ouarzazate. 

To learn more about visiting Skoura, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Dades, Todra and Skoura.

Drive through the Draa Valley

Often referred to as the Route of 1000 Kasbahs, the route from Ouarzazate to M’Hamid is undeniably scenic and full of awe-inspiring landscapes. As you head southeast from Ouarzazate into the Draa Valley, you’ll witness its life-giving river nurturing palm-studded groves and agricultural fields.

The most verdant stretch of the Route of 1000 Kasbahs runs between the towns of Agdz and Zagora. It takes in almost 100 kilometres of date palms and springs. From Agdz, you can take the highway or the more picturesque piste route. The latter takes around 3 to 4 hours.

If you don’t want to hire a car, I’d recommend this guided tour of the Draa Valley. It takes in all of its highlights, including the dunes of Tinfou. 

For more information about driving the Route of 1000 Kasbahs, check out my detailed article here.

Top tours in Ouarzazate

While Ouarzazate is compact enough to explore on foot, its real highlights lie beyond the city limits. If you don’t want to hire a car and drive yourself, there are plenty of guided tours departing from Ouarzazate or Marrakech that will get you there.

With a knowledgeable local driver at the helm, you can travel to the Dades Gorge and Valley of Roses or embark on a hike through the Fint Oasis. Ouarzazate also makes an ideal base for tours to Ait Benhaddou, the Draa Valley and the Sahara Desert.

Half-day mountain biking tour of Skoura

Discover the natural beauty and irrigation channels of the Skoura Palmeraie on this action-packing mountain biking adventure.

Private excursion to Dades Gorge, Valley of Roses and Skoura

Taking in historic kasbahs, rugged scenery and picturesque hiking trails, this full-day tour takes in the best of Ouarzazate’s surroundings.

Fint Oasis private day hike

Over the course of five hours, this guided hike passes through authentic villages and date palm groves, with a picnic included.

Excursion to the Draa Valley, Zagor and Tinfou Dunes

This full-day tour takes in the cultural and natural attractions of the Draa Valley and includes a camel ride to the dunes of Tinfou.

Full-day Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate day trip

Including round-trip transport from Marrakech, this full day tour includes visits to the Taourirt Kasbah and the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou.

Marrakech to Merzouga Sahara Desert Adventure

This three-day tour explores Dades and Todra gorges, as well as the Valley of Roses, before a night spent beneath the stars at a desert camp in the Sahara.

How to get to Ouarzazate

Fly to Ouarzazate Airport

Ouarzazate Airport sits just 8 kilometres outside the city centre. It receives multiple daily flights on Royal Air Maroc and Air Arabia Maroc.

Once you land, there are taxis ready to whisk you into the heart of town or to a hotel in the surrounding area. Booking a private airport transfer will ensure the driver is there when you arrive. Plus, it will save you the hassle of negotiating a fare. 

Fly to Marrakech Airport

Marrakech Menara Airport is served by a far greater choice of flights, including international connections from Europe and the Middle East. It’s just five kilometres from the city centre and around 3.5 hours drive from Ouarzazate.

Fixed price taxis are available at the airport to whisk you into the city centre. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups.

Private transfer

The most comfortable and convenient way to reach Ouarzazate overland is by booking a private transfer from Marrakech. This is a logical choice if you’re travelling in a group. You’ll get door-to-door service directly to your hotel or guesthouse. This avoids the hassle of lugging bags to and from a bus station or negotiating fares with taxi drivers.

Bus

One of the most affordable ways to reach Ouarzazate is by bus, with several daily coaches running from Marrakech and Agadir. The journey through the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech takes around 5 hours and is spectacular, to say the least. From Agadir, it’s slightly longer at around 6 hours. 

Bus tickets can be booked directly with the companies or you can compare options (and book tickets) at 12Go.

To learn more about visiting Marrakech, including things to do and incredible riad stays, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Marrakech.

Best places to stay in Ouarzazate

From beautifully restored kasbahs to charming guesthouses, Ouarzazate offers an inspiring array of accommodation options. There are more than 200 beds available in the city, with plenty more in the surrounding area. 

My suggestion is to stay in an atmospheric kasbah as it’s a great way to experience Ouarzazate’s one-of-a-kind architecture. Like staying in a Marrakech riad, this vernacular architecture is perfectly suited to the climate of the region and is entwined with its cultural heritage.

For those seeking classic hotel amenities like gyms and lounges, there are a handful of large, modern hotels also available.

For more info on the places listed below, check out my detailed article here.

Luxury places to stay in Ouarzazate

OZ Palace Ouarzazate

Featuring spacious suites, an onsite spa and a sparkling swimming pool, this luxury hotel is located on the outskirts of Ouarzazate.

Berbere Palace

Located in the centre of Ouarzazate, this highly-rated hotel features a hammam, a sauna and a hot tub, as well as an outdoor pool

Mid-range places to stay in Ouarzazate

Riad Chay & Boutique

Beautifully restored, this traditional riad features eclectically decorated rooms and a fantastic rooftop terrace.

Hôtel Riad Dar Daïf

Offering wonderful views of the Altas Mountains, this mid-range Ouarzazate hotel boasts an onsite restaurant and a spacious swimming pool.

Affordable places to stay in Ouarzazate

Ecolodge La Palmeraie

On the outskirts of Ouarzazate, this eco-friendly lodge features a handful of earthen-walled tents and an inviting swimming pool.

Dar El Nath

Located adjacent to Kasbah Taourirt, this affordable guesthouse is renowned for the incredible hospitality from its host.

Best time to visit Ouarzazate

The best times to visit Ouarzazate are from March through May and September through November. During these periods, temperatures hit the traveller’s sweet spot – not too hot, not too cold. Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring the area’s desert attractions, without breaking a sweat. 

Summer’s sweltering heat (temps regularly hit the high 30s) can be uncomfortable. Meanwhile, winter lows (down to around 3°C) make it chilly at night. That being said, the mild daytime highs in winter (around 17°C) mean this is still a wonderful time to visit Ouarzazate. You just might not be doing a lot of swimming in the hotel pool!

About Me

I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.

Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.

I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.