"Africa's Hollywood": The Essential Travel Guide to Ouarzazate
- Malika
- Feb 8, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Jul 1
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 Ouarzazate tours in this essential travel guide.
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 TOURS TO/FROM OUARZAZATE
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are 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.
Best things to do 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.
Best things to do in Ouarzazate
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 4x4, 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, as well as have the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals.
Best things to do in Ouarzazate
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.
Best things to do in Ouarzazate
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.
Best things to do in Ouarzazate
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, a 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 an authentic glimpse into the life here in times gone by.
You can take in the sights of Skoura on this half-day mountain biking tour or 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, as well as the Dades and Todra gorges, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Dades, Todra and Skoura.
Best things to do in Ouarzazate
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, taking in almost 100 kilometres of date palms and springs. From Agdz, you can take the highway or the more picturesque piste route, with the journey taking around 3 to 4 hours.
If you don't want to hire a car, I’d recommend this guided tour of the Draa Valley, which 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.
Travel guide to Ouarzazate
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.
Discover the natural beauty and irrigation channels of the Skoura Palmeraie on this action-packing mountain biking adventure.
Taking in historic kasbahs, rugged scenery and picturesque hiking trails, this full-day tour takes in the best of Ouarzazate's surroundings.
Over the course of five hours, this guided hike passes through authentic villages and date palm groves, with a picnic included.
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.
Including round-trip transport from Marrakech, this full day tour includes visits to the Taourirt Kasbah and the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou.
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 and 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 and 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 or 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, especially if you're traveling in a group. You'll get door-to-door service directly to your hotel or guesthouse, avoiding 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.
Travel guide to Ouarzazate
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
Featuring spacious suites, an onsite spa and a sparkling swimming pool, this luxury hotel is located on the outskirts of Ouarzazate.
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
Beautifully restored, this traditional riad features eclectically decorated rooms and a fantastic rooftop terrace.
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
On the outskirts of Ouarzazate, this eco-friendly lodge features a handful of earthen-walled tents and an inviting swimming pool.
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 when 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 while 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!
Best time to visit Ouarzazate
