So, picture this: you’re somewhere between the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains and the endless golden Sahara Desert, and there’s this incredible city that’s basically the crossroads of everything awesome in Morocco. That’s Ouarzazate Morocco for you! Locals call it the “door of the desert,” but honestly, it’s more like Morocco’s version of Hollywood—seriously, they even call it “Ouarzawood.”
This place started as a sleepy French garrison town but has totally reinvented itself as a must-stop destination for travelers and a go-to spot for major film productions. Whether you’re scrolling through lists of things to do in Ouarzazate or trying to figure out if an Ouarzazate tour fits into your Moroccan adventure, I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.
We’re talking UNESCO World Heritage kasbahs, massive film studios (like, seriously massive), and jaw-dropping natural beauty. Let’s dive into why Ouarzazate Morocco absolutely deserves a spot on your travel bucket list!
The Big Question: Where to Stay in Ouarzazate?
Okay, so here’s the dilemma every traveler faces when visiting Ouarzazate Morocco: where should I actually stay? It’s kind of a big deal because it’ll totally shape your experience.
Ouarzazate is the bigger city—around 60,000 people live here. You’ll find way more hotels and accommodations at better prices, including fancy places like Hotel Le Temple Des Arts where actual movie stars crash during filming. Pretty cool, right? It’s also super convenient if you want to explore the gorges and valleys nearby.
Ait Benhaddou, on the other hand? It’s like stepping into a postcard. This tiny fortified village has that authentic, historic vibe that’ll make your Instagram followers weep with envy. But here’s the real kicker—if you stay overnight here, you can catch sunrise and sunset when the whole place glows like it’s made of gold. Trust me, trying to drive from Ouarzazate in the pitch-dark early morning is not the vibe.
My take? If you’re all about those epic photos and soaking up history, stay near Ait Benhaddou. It’s magical. But if you’re watching your budget or planning to explore further afield, Ouarzazate makes more practical sense. You really can’t go wrong either way!
11 Awesome Things to Do in Ouarzazate and Beyond
1. Get Lost in Aït Benhaddou (Seriously, It’s UNESCO-Level Amazing)
Alright, this one’s non-negotiable when planning things to do in Ouarzazate. Aït Benhaddou is this insanely photogenic fortified village that dates back to the 17th century. It used to be a major stop for traders crossing the Sahara, but now it’s basically Hollywood’s favorite Moroccan backdrop.
Remember Gladiator? Yep, filmed here. Game of Thrones? Here too. The list goes on and on, and honestly, when you see it in person, you’ll totally understand why directors lose their minds over this place.
Here’s the insider tip: Show up at sunrise. I’m talking early-early, before all the tour buses arrive. The crowds haven’t rolled in yet, and the whole ksar (that’s what they call these fortified villages) just glows in this incredible amber light. Oh, and it’s free to visit! Climb up to the hilltop grain store for views that’ll absolutely blow your mind. Worth every huffing, puffing step, I promise.
2. Tour Atlas Film Studios (Welcome to Ouarzawood!)
Get this—Atlas Film Studios is literally the world’s largest film studio by area and tops the list of things to do in Ouarzazate. Walking through it feels completely surreal. You’ll stumble across Egyptian temples from The Mummy, massive Roman coliseums from Gladiator, Tibetan villages from Kundun… it’s wild.
Tours run about 45 minutes and cost around 80 dirhams (or 110 if you want the combo ticket with the Kingdom of Heaven set). Sure, some of the sets look a bit beat-up from the desert sun, but that’s kind of part of the charm? Plus, the photo ops are absolutely incredible.
Just so you know: You can’t wander around on your own—tours are guided only. But your guide will have tons of cool behind-the-scenes stories!
3. Explore Kasbah Taourirt’s Maze
Right in the heart of Ouarzazate sits this massive fortress that used to belong to the super-powerful Glaoui family. These guys basically controlled all the trade routes back in the day, so they built themselves a palace with around 300 rooms. The ceilings are gorgeous—decorated with traditional dyes like saffron, henna, and indigo.
Heads up though: The September 2023 earthquake damaged parts of it, so definitely check if it’s open before you go. If it’s closed, don’t stress—there are other amazing kasbahs in the Skoura Oasis and Draa Valley you can hit up instead.
4. Chill at the Fint Oasis
About 40 minutes from Ouarzazate Morocco (down a pretty bumpy road, fair warning), there’s this hidden gem called the Fint Oasis. It’s four tiny villages tucked among date palms and almond trees, and honestly, it feels like time just stopped here. Traditional Berber life carries on exactly as it has for centuries.
The road’s pretty rough, so a 4×4 is your best bet—or hey, why not go full adventure mode and do a quad biking tour? Once you’re there, grab some mint tea at this place called Terrasses des Délices and just soak in the peaceful vibes. It’s the perfect antidote to the chaos of Marrakech!
5. Check Out Telouet Kasbah (If You’re Feeling Adventurous)
Okay, this one’s a bit off the beaten path—about an hour past Ait Benhaddou—but it’s so worth it if you’ve got the time. Telouet was the main power base for the El Glaoui family, and even though it’s slowly crumbling, you can still see the incredible tilework and fancy decorations that show how lavish it used to be.
Honestly though? The drive itself through the gorges and valleys is almost as good as the destination. You’ll see rural Morocco that most tourists never experience.
6. Take a Road Trip Through Dadès Gorges
If you’re any kind of nature lover, this one’s essential on your Ouarzazate tour itinerary. The Dadès Gorges are absolutely spectacular—we’re talking dramatic rock formations, towering cliffs carved by the river, and scenery that’ll have you pulling over every five minutes for photos.
The winding mountain roads deliver incredible views around literally every corner. Just you, the road, and some of the most photogenic landscapes Morocco has to offer!
7. Visit Kasbah Amridil in Skoura
About 45 minutes from Ouarzazate toward the Dades Valley, you’ll find Kasbah Amridil sitting pretty in this lush palm grove. It’s one of Morocco’s best-preserved kasbahs, dating back to the late 17th century, and most of it is still original. Pretty rare, actually!
Entry’s only 40 dirhams, and if you’re into architecture or history, it’s totally worth it. You’ll get a real sense of how these fortresses worked and what life was like back then.
8. Geek Out Over the Noor Solar Complex
Okay, so this might sound random, but bear with me. On the outskirts of Ouarzazate Morocco, there’s this massive solar power complex—literally the world’s largest. You can’t tour it (bummer, I know), but you can see it from all over the city, and it looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie with all those mirrors reflecting sunlight.
It’s actually pretty cool that Morocco’s going big on renewable energy. Makes you feel a bit better about all that air travel to get here, right?
9. Pop Into the Cinema Museum (Maybe?)
Right across from Kasbah Taourirt, there’s this cute little museum all about Morocco’s film industry. They’ve got old props and sets from movies like Aladdin, The Mummy, and Babel, plus vintage camera equipment and stuff.
But here’s the thing: I’ve heard it might have had fire damage back in June 2024. Definitely double-check if it’s open before making a special trip!
10. Score Some Unique Local Art
On your way out of Ait Benhaddou, stop at the local art shops. The artists here make stuff using natural dyes and traditional burning techniques—way cooler than the mass-produced souvenirs you’ll find everywhere else. Supporting local artisans and getting something actually unique? Win-win!
11. Hunt Down Quirky Film Locations
For the film buffs out there, swing by the Oscar Hotel to watch clips of movies shot in the area and grab tickets to various filming locations. Oh, and there’s this hilarious gas station called Gaz Haven that was in The Hills Have Eyes 2—it’s super funky and makes for great photos if you’re driving around anyway!
Getting to Ouarzazate Morocco and Making It Work
Your Transportation Options
Driving is honestly the best way to explore Ouarzazate Morocco if you want freedom to roam. The drive from Marrakech takes you over this incredible mountain pass (Tizi n’Tichka), though I won’t lie—those mountain roads can be a bit intense.
Here’s a money-saving tip: skip the big-name rental companies! Local places charge way less—we’re talking 520 MAD versus 1,600 MAD per day. That’s a huge difference!
Ouarzazate tours are great if you don’t want to drive. Just know that day trips from Marrakech involve about seven hours of driving time total, so you won’t have much time to actually see stuff. Multi-day tours that combine Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou, and the Sahara make way more sense.
Buses like CTM and Supratours are your budget-friendly option—they’ll get you from Marrakech to Ouarzazate in about 4-5 hours without breaking the bank.
When Should You Actually Visit Ouarzazate?
Timing matters here, folks! Whatever you do, avoid summer (June through August). It’s absolutely brutal—temperatures regularly hit 35-40°C (that’s 95-104°F for my American friends). Not fun for sightseeing, trust me.
Spring (late March to early May) and autumn (mid-September to mid-October) are your sweet spots. Temps hover around 20-30°C, which is basically perfect, and the landscapes are gorgeous. Winter’s okay too—nice during the day but pretty chilly at night, so pack some layers.
Where to Stay in Ouarzazate
On a Budget: Check out Hôtel Riad Dar Daïf or Riad Dar Rita
Mid-Range: Dar Amoudou and Le Petit Riad Maison d’hôtes are solid choices
Feeling Fancy: Riad Chay & Boutique or Berbère Palace will treat you right
Something Different: The Oscar Hotel by Atlas Studios has film-themed rooms—how fun is that?
Sample Ouarzazate Tour Itineraries (Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Plan?)
The 1-Day Whirlwind
Leave Marrakech super early → Drive over that epic mountain pass → Hit up Ait Benhaddou in the morning → Grab lunch (either in Ait Benhaddou or at La Gironde restaurant) → Check out Atlas Studios or Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate → Either head back to Marrakech or keep going toward the desert.
The 3-Day “See Everything” Trip
Day 1: Leave Marrakech → Cruise through Ounila Valley → Stop at Telouet Kasbah → Explore Ait Benhaddou → Stay overnight to catch that magical sunset and sunrise
Day 2: Wake up for sunrise at Ait Benhaddou (so worth it!) → Tour Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate → Visit Kasbah Amridil → Road trip to the Dadès Gorges → Overnight in Tinghir
Day 3: Wander the Tinghir palm grove → Stop at Todra Gorge → Keep going to Merzouga if you’re ready for those Sahara dunes!
Quick Answers to Questions You’re Probably Wondering
Is a day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate worth it?
Honestly? Probably not. You’d spend seven hours just driving, which leaves you barely any time to actually see stuff. Way better to spend the night or make it part of a longer trip.
Why’s everyone obsessed with Ouarzazate Morocco?
Two words: Hollywood magic! Thanks to Atlas Studios and the incredible landscapes (especially Ait Benhaddou), tons of major movies and shows have filmed here—Gladiator, Game of Thrones, you name it. It’s basically the “Hollywood of Africa.”
What’s the weather situation in Ouarzazate?
Super dry climate. Summers are like standing in an oven (up to 40°C), spring and fall are gorgeous, and winters are nice during the day but get chilly at night. Plan accordingly!
Can I walk everywhere in Ouarzazate?
The city itself is pretty spread out, so you’ll want a car or taxis to get to the main attractions. But once you’re in the city center, walking around is totally doable.
Ready to Book Your Ouarzazate Adventure?
Whether you’re planning a DIY road trip or looking for an organized Ouarzazate tour, websites like Klook, Viator, and Get Your Guide have tons of options—private desert tours, day trips, all that good stuff. For places to stay, Booking.com and Hotels.com are your friends. Need a rental car? Try DiscoverCars or Sixt.
Oh, and don’t forget travel insurance! World Nomads or Safety Wing are solid choices. Because let’s be real, peace of mind is priceless when you’re exploring Morocco’s desert roads!
Ouarzazate Morocco is seriously one of those places that’ll stick with you long after you leave. Ancient kasbahs, movie magic, desert landscapes—it’s all here waiting for you. So what’re you waiting for? Time to start planning your Ouarzazate adventure!
