Explore Morocco
Ouarzazate
Gateway to the desert and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
Overview
Discover Ouarzazate
South of the High Atlas, Ouarzazate is the gateway to Morocco's desert regions. The road from Marrakech crosses the Tizi n'Tichka pass and descends into a landscape of red earth, palm oases and earthen kasbahs.
A few kilometers away, the fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is one of the most recognizable places in Morocco and has appeared in many films and series. Ouarzazate itself is home to large film studios, earning it the nickname "Hollywood of Africa".
Things to do
Top things to do in Ouarzazate
- 01
Aït Ben Haddou
Climb through the earthen ksar to the granary at the top for a view over the valley.
- 02
Taourirt Kasbah
A former residence of the Glaoui family, with decorated rooms and courtyards.
- 03
Film studios
Tour the sets used by international productions.
- 04
Dades Valley & Todra Gorge
Dramatic rock formations and towering canyon walls on the way to the Sahara.
- 05
Skoura palm grove
An oasis of palms and kasbahs, lovely at golden hour.
Best experiences
Our favorite ways to enjoy it
- Sunset over Aït Ben Haddou
- Night in a restored kasbah hotel
- Walk through the Todra Gorge
Travel tips
- The Tizi n'Tichka pass can be affected by snow in winter; we monitor road conditions.
- Marrakech to Ouarzazate is roughly 4 hours by road, with photo stops along the way.
FAQ
Ouarzazate: your questions
Can I visit Aït Ben Haddou on a day trip from Marrakech?
Yes, but it is a long day with around 8 hours of driving in total. We usually recommend including it on the way to the Sahara instead.
Tailor-made Morocco
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