Ouarzazate Travel Guide
Ouarzazate is a city in southern Morocco and is the perfect base for excursions across the Draa Valley and into the desert.
Getting there
By Plane
You can fly to Ouarzazate International Airport however the airport is mainly served by domestic flights.
By Train
There is no train station in the city.
By Bus
From Marrakesh you can reach Ouarzazate in about 4 hours (200 km) The road is mountainous and beautiful.
By Car
The shortest road is the National N°9 from Marrakesh however it is much more enjoyable to take the bus there is so to enjoy the scenery. Once in Ouarzazate, take the red taxis which have a flat rate of 4 and 6 dirhams (1$) per person.
Where to Stay in Ouarzazate
History
Ouarzazate means in Tamazight 'without noise' and the town was a crossing-point for traders traveling from Sub-Saharan Africa through the Sahara Desert heading to northern Morocco.
Berbers are the original inhabitants of this region followed by black Africans and the Jewish.
Places to visit
Kasbah-town of Aït Benhaddou
Aït Benhaddou Kasbah is the most famous ksar in the Ounila Valley as it is the most well preserved and most beautiful remaining village. People in the seventh century started to settle in this oasis area to escape the Arab-Muslim occupation of northen Morocco but the village was built only five hundred years ago. The Kasbah is protected by a giant fortification and was an major transit point for the caravan between the Sahara desert and Marrakesh. The Ksar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kasbah Taourirt
The Kasbah (Fortified city) Taourirt was built with earth and wood. The buildings are surrounded by high walls and it is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. The Kasbah belongs to the village of the same name attached to Ouarzazate.
Jebel Saghro
The mountain (Jbel) peaks above 2,712 meters. It is located less than 100 km south of the Central High Atlas, 'Saghro' means in Tamazight 'drought'.
It is an ideal place for hiking, with your luggage carried on mules. Trekking in 4x4 is becoming more frequent and allow you to cover more ground more easily.
Oasis Fint
The oasis is peaceful and calm and it is only 30 minutes from Ouarzazate by taxi. This place is not to be missed, you can see the villagers working there, drink a mint tea or eat a Moroccan tagine in an authentic environment.
Cinematic studios
CLA Studios and Atlas Film Studios are one of the largest movie studios in the world. Several box office movies and TV Shows were shot in Ouarzazate such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Alexander, Kingdom of Heaven, Babel, Prince of Persia, Game Of Thrones (S3) and Prison Break (S5)...
Nicknamed the door of the desert and the Hollywood of Morocco, Ouarzazate is the gateway between the High Atlas and the Sahara. Its film studios and mud-brick kasbahs have starred in countless movies, and the greatest ksar in Morocco sits just outside town. Here is what to do.
Top Things to Do in Ouarzazate
- Tour the Atlas Film Studios. One of the largest film studios in the world, where Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and Game of Thrones were shot. You can walk among the standing sets and props.
- Explore Kasbah Taourirt. A sprawling 19th-century mud-brick kasbah in town, once home to the powerful Glaoui family, with a maze of rooms and decorated reception halls.
- Marvel at Ait Ben Haddou. The UNESCO-listed fortified village of towering earthen towers, the most famous ksar in Morocco and a film set favourite, about 30 minutes away.
- Escape to the Fint Oasis. A lush palm oasis hidden in the arid hills near town, with Berber villages and a river — a striking contrast to the surrounding desert.
- Visit the Cinema Museum. Opposite Kasbah Taourirt, a small museum of props, sets and costumes celebrating Ouarzazate’s film heritage.
- See the Noor solar power complex. On the edge of town lies one of the world’s largest concentrated solar power plants, a modern landmark of the desert.
- Set off along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Ouarzazate is the launch point for the route east past countless earthen fortresses toward the gorges and dunes.
How Many Days in Ouarzazate?
Ouarzazate is usually a one-night stop on the way to or from the desert. Give it a day to see the studios, Kasbah Taourirt and, above all, Ait Ben Haddou. From here the road continues to the Dades and Todra gorges.
Getting There and Around
Ouarzazate is reached by a spectacular road over the Tizi n’Tichka pass from Marrakesh (about four hours), and has a small airport. Most travelers arrive by organised tour or hire car. Use our map of Ouarzazate.
Ouarzazate and nearby Ait Ben Haddou both have atmospheric kasbah-style hotels; staying near Ait Ben Haddou lets you see the ksar glow at sunrise and sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ouarzazate worth visiting?
Yes, especially as a gateway to the desert. Its film studios and Kasbah Taourirt are interesting, and the nearby UNESCO ksar of Ait Ben Haddou is one of Morocco’s must-see sights.
How many days do you need in Ouarzazate?
One day and a night is usually enough to see the studios, Kasbah Taourirt and Ait Ben Haddou before continuing to the gorges or the dunes.
Why is Ouarzazate called the Hollywood of Morocco?
Its desert light, kasbahs and huge film studios have made it a favourite location for major films and series, from Gladiator to Game of Thrones.
How far is Ait Ben Haddou from Ouarzazate?
The ksar of Ait Ben Haddou is about 30 kilometres from Ouarzazate, roughly a 30-minute drive, and is easily visited together with the town.
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Coordinates: 30° 55′ 22.77″ N, 6° 54′ 15.2″ W
| Name in English | Ouarzazate |
| Name in Arabic | Warzazat |
| Region | Daraa - Tafilalet |
| Population | 174 105 |
| Demonym | Ouarzazati |
| Zip Code | 45 000 |
- Tawrirt weather
- Friday 12:00
- Sky is clear
-
36ºC | 96°F
- More details about Tawrirt Weather
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