At first glance, Ouarzazate in Morocco might not catch your eye as a place brimming with attractions – at least, that was our initial impression. However, after two in-depth visits, our perspective has taken a complete turn. Now, we see Ouarzazate as a destination not to be missed!
While Ouarzazate may not boast a quintessential Moroccan medina filled with picture-perfect streets, it stands at the crossroads of some truly iconic sights. Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find one of Morocco’s most celebrated villages. Here, you’re also at the doorstep of the world’s largest film studios and within reach of several mesmerizing desert fortresses. Keep reading to uncover the 10 best things to do in Ouarzazate!
Embark on a 2-Day Road Trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate
We firmly believe that the most enjoyable way to explore Ouarzazate is on a two-day road trip starting from Marrakech. This journey gives you the liberty to travel at your leisure, free from the constraints of public transport or packaged tours. You’ll have the freedom to pause wherever beauty calls, enhancing your adventure. Plus, you’re in for a treat as you drive along one of Morocco’s most scenic routes, making the trip utterly memorable.
Start your adventure by renting a car in Marrakech and driving through the majestic Atlas Mountains to Aït Ben Haddou. Make sure to schedule stops at the stunning Kasbah of Telouet and Tamdaght. Staying overnight in Ouarzazate or, even more enchantingly, in Aït Ben Haddou allows you to discover this famed clay village near Ouarzazate in serene solitude early in the morning, avoiding the crowds of day visitors. The village glows most beautifully in the morning’s tranquility.
Next, head to Ouarzazate, where you can delve into the history of the ancient kasbah or visit the iconic cinematic sets of Atlas Studios. Afterward, drive back to Marrakech, crossing the awe-inspiring Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass. This breathtaking route showcases some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes you’ll ever see!
What Ouarzazate is Known For
Ouarzazate is celebrated as the Gateway to the Sahara and Morocco’s Hollywood. These nicknames perfectly capture the essence of the city’s location and its claim to fame.
Home to the globally acclaimed Atlas Film Studios, with their expansive grounds, Ouarzazate has played host to an array of films and series that whisk us away to fantastical realms. The area’s unique climate, the stunning vistas, and architectural wonders have made it a golden spot for filmmakers. A trip to Ouarzazate wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the film studios for a guided tour through the magical movie sets.
Additionally, Ouarzazate is known as the ‘Gateway to the Sahara’. It marks the spot where the road transitions from the rugged Atlas Mountains to the open expanses of the desert. Traveling from Marrakech to the Sahara inevitably brings you through Ouarzazate. From here, the journey continues to the rolling sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, inviting you to discover the desert’s vast beauty.
Where to Stay in Ouarzazate
Opting for an overnight stay in Ouarzazate is a brilliant idea if you’re on a two-day road trip from Marrakech or splitting up the journey to the Sahara desert near Merzouga in the east. Despite its prime location, Ouarzazate doesn’t seem to have a vast array of stunning accommodations. Nevertheless, we’re excited to share with you the most beautiful places to stay, along with some charming alternatives.
The best hotels in Ouarzazate:
#1 Oscar Hotel by Atlas Studios is without a doubt the most unique accommodation in Ouarzazate. It’s the preferred hotel for renowned directors and movie stars when they’re in town shooting their latest projects. Situated right beside the film studios, this hotel boasts spacious movie-themed rooms, elegant decor, and a lovely outdoor pool, making it the top choice for a stay in Ouarzazate.
#2 Hôtel Riad Dar Daïf is among the highest-rated hotels in Ouarzazate. Set in a building that seems to come straight out of a fairytale, echoing the architectural style of Moroccan desert castles, it features a relaxing outdoor pool with sunbeds, a patio, and gardens. The ultimate relaxation awaits in its hammam, complete with massage services.
#3 Riad Dar Rita enjoys immense popularity as a place to stay in Ouarzazate. Offering spacious rooms, a welcoming patio, and traditional decor, this hotel is a fantastic budget-friendly option. It’s praised in reviews for its traditional decor, warm hospitality, delicious breakfast, and especially its inviting terrace.
#4 Dar Chamaa blends Western luxury with an Arabian vibe. Located just outside the city in a dreamy palm oasis, this beautiful hotel provides spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains.
#5 Dar Bladi is a traditional Moroccan guesthouse in Talmasla, just on the outskirts of Ouarzazate. Adorned with traditional Moroccan decor, it radiates an authentic vibe. Its highlight is the stunning terrace, offering spectacular views and a genuine Arabian atmosphere.
#6 Berbère Palace is located in the heart of Ouarzazate. This luxury hotel features an outdoor pool with sunbeds, four restaurants, and a spa center equipped with a hammam, sauna, and hot tub. Guests rave about the friendly staff, beautiful decor, stylish rooms, the inviting pool, and its prime location.
#7 Riad Ouarzazate provides a magical setting right in the city center. Imagine Arabian arches, mosaics, tiled floors, and all that beauty. It’s truly a sight to behold. It’s no surprise this hotel garners such glowing reviews!
Near Ouarzazate, you’ll find the renowned clay village of Aït Ben Haddou. The best time to explore this village is early in the morning. Although it’s doable from Ouarzazate, staying overnight in Aït Ben Haddou might offer an even more magical experience. There, several exquisite kasbahs and riads offer views over the ancient town. We’ve stayed in both places but found the overnight experience in Aït Ben Haddou to be slightly more enchanting than in Ouarzazate.
The 10 Best Things to Do in Ouarzazate
#1 The Film Sets of the Atlas Studios
The crown jewel of Ouarzazate is undoubtedly the film studio located at the city’s edge. Covering parts of the desert and mountains, the Atlas Studios boasts the title of the largest film studio in the world. A visit here comes highly recommended for tourists.
Founded in 1983, the studio has amassed an impressive portfolio, featuring films like Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and The Mummy, as well as series such as Game of Thrones and Vikings. The mix of warm climate, consistent weather, affordable yet highly skilled labor, and a landscape capable of mimicking various global environments has propelled Atlas Studios to great success.
In our eyes, the film studios are both a must-visit attraction and a bit of a tourist trap. On our first trip to Morocco, we passed them by, but on our second visit, we couldn’t help ourselves. It was a unique opportunity to wander through diverse film sets. From a Tibetan monastery used in Kundun to the streets of biblical Israel from The Passion of the Christ to an ancient Egyptian palace for the film Cleopatra. The use of styrofoam, freestanding set walls, and other ingenious methods create almost lifelike settings.
However, it’s also an overtly touristy attraction. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and costs 80 dirhams per person (about 8 euros), which, while not exorbitant, is considered pricey by Moroccan standards. Being part of a tour group means you’ll move from one set to another with the guide, who lists the movies filmed on each. Afterwards, there’s an opportunity to take playful photos. Ever imagined yourself as a queen on Cleopatra’s throne? Now’s your chance.
Thus, we find Atlas Studios both fascinating and a bit of a letdown. A must-visit in Morocco? Absolutely, if you’re nearby. We wouldn’t travel to Ouarzazate specifically for it. But if you’re visiting Aït Ben Haddou or heading into the desert, definitely make the trip! It’s a unique glimpse into a significant part of the Moroccan economy and culture.
#2 Aït Ben Haddou
Just a short distance from Ouarzazate lies one of its most popular attractions: Aït Ben Haddou. This picturesque site is an authentic clay village featuring desert castles, ancient houses, and narrow lanes. Getting there from Ouarzazate is easy with a (shared) taxi. The village isn’t large, so half a day is plenty for exploration.
Aït Ben Haddou is celebrated as the best-preserved ksar in Morocco and, thanks to its renown, has become a favored filming location for many famous movies and series. A ksar is a fortified village common in North Africa, designed to protect residents and their belongings. The ksar of Aït Ben Haddou comprises impressive kasbahs connected by narrow alleys. These enchanting desert castles, built against a hillside, feature corner towers often adorned with motifs at the top. Since 1987, the village has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The film industry has embraced this unique and photogenic location, making Aït Ben Haddou the setting for numerous international film productions. Movies such as ‘Gladiator’, ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, and ‘The Mummy’, as well as scenes from the popular TV series ‘Game of Thrones’, were filmed here.
#3 Kasbah Touarirt in Ouarzazate
Step into the world of the influential Glaoui family, the former rulers of this part of Morocco, by visiting Kasbah Taourirt. This masterpiece of Berber architecture is a stunning fortress constructed from compacted earth and mud bricks. Renowned as one of the most well-preserved kasbahs in the area, it stands as Ouarzazate’s primary landmark.
The kasbah was erected in the 17th century by the powerful El Glaoui family. It was strategically placed as a vital trading and power hub at the crossroads of Sahara routes. Boasting nearly 300 rooms, angular towers, a geometrically adorned exterior, protruding balconies, wrought-iron windows, and opulently decorated rooms and halls, it’s truly a majestic structure.
It’s noteworthy that part of the kasbah has been restored with support from UNESCO and is accessible as a museum, while the remainder is still inhabited. Local families living within the kasbah offer tours for a small fee, proudly showcasing their homes in an experience you’re unlikely to forget.
We thoroughly explored the kasbah on our first visit to Morocco in 2019, but unfortunately, it was closed during our second visit. The earthquake in September 2023 inflicted severe damage, necessitating restoration efforts.
#4 The Tizi-n-Tichka, Africa’s Highest Mountain Pass
Ouarzazate is located at the end of one of Morocco’s most awe-inspiring driving routes. The Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass, nestled in the High Atlas of Morocco, connects Marrakech with Ouarzazate. At 2260 meters, is the highest pass in North Africa.
This route, forming part of the main N9 highway, meanders through stunning landscapes, from steep inclines to majestic peaks. Historically, an ancient caravan route traversed this path, but in the 1920s and 1930s, the French military built a proper road. At the summit of the pass, a monument commemorates the road’s construction. A scenic viewpoint and some shops are also located here, offering a moment to take in the breathtaking views.
#5 Kasbah Glaoui in Telouet
A fantastic day trip from Ouarzazate is visiting Kasbah Glaoui in the mountain hamlet of Telouet. Or even better, make it a pit stop on your road trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate. This off-the-beaten-path site shares the tale of the Glaoui family, who were among Morocco’s most influential clans. The kasbah, a mix of ruins and restored sections, holds undeniable beauty and historical intrigue.
Kasbah Glaoui’s saga is tied to Thami El Glaoui, the family’s last patriarch. He amassed wealth through tolls on vital trade routes and from salt mines. This fortune led to the construction of several kasbahs across Morocco, showcasing the family’s influence and luxury. The family’s collaboration with French colonizers brought them controversy, and post-Morocco’s independence, they lost all their assets. By the 1950s, the Telouet castle was abandoned, shortly after its expansion into the magnificent kasbah seen today.
Now, visitors can explore the remnants of this once opulent palace. A portion of the kasbah has been restored, offering a peek into its past splendor. The Moroccan mosaics, intricate wood carvings, and detailed ceilings are truly captivating. A stunning window provides an equally impressive view of the hilly landscape that cradles the kasbah.
#6 Kasbah Glaoui in Tamdaght
Just a short journey from Aït Ben Haddou is the lesser-known town of Tamdaght (or Tamdakhte), home to another Glaoui family kasbah. This hidden gem is definitely worth adding to your itinerary, especially if you’re exploring Ouarzazate and, of course, Aït Ben Haddou.
In contrast to some tourist-packed sites, Kasbah Tamdaght offers a more authentic slice of Morocco, relatively untouched by tourism. Although it’s mainly in ruins now, the tall towers and vast scale hint at its former grandeur. And what’s more, it attracts few visitors!
A stone’s throw from Aït Ben Haddou is the less-known Tamdaght (or Tamdakhte), home to another Glaoui family kasbah. This hidden gem definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary, especially if you’re exploring Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou.
Compared to some tourist-packed attractions, Kasbah Tamdaght offers a more authentic slice of Morocco, virtually untouched by tourism. Although it’s largely in ruins, the high towers and the extensive layout hint at the castle’s former grandeur. Plus, it’s a spot that sees few visitors!
A local guide took us inside the ruins, expertly guiding us through the weathered corridors and even onto the roof. The kasbah’s condition makes it comforting to have someone guide you to the safest parts. Walking through the ancient halls and seeing remnants of vast wealth was an extraordinary experience. The site has also been a film location, and our guide proudly mentioned his own cameo.
#7 Noor Solar Energy Complex, the World’s Largest Solar Power Plant
The Noor Solar Energy Complex may not be your typical tourist stop, but it’s an unmissable sight. Being the world’s largest solar power plant—it spans 3,000 hectares with a 250-meter solar tower—you can see this engineering marvel from miles away.
Launched in 2023 and managed by MASEN (Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy), the project now encompasses four solar power plants, displaying a marvel of technological innovation. The aim? To generate 580MW in the long term, contributing to 7% of the national energy consumption, and supporting Morocco’s ambitious climate objectives.
Most striking is Noor III, with its towering solar tower visible from afar, featuring a bizarre, glowing tip. Noor III employs unique horizontally mounted mirrors on tall platforms to reflect sunlight towards the 250-meter tower, creating a surreal, futuristic sight.
#8 Skoura’s Palm Grove
In search of a hidden gem in Morocco off the beaten path? Head to the Palmeraie de Skoura! This enchanting spot is an endless sea of palm trees, interspersed with manually cultivated fields, occasional clay villages, and numerous majestic desert castles. From Ouarzazate, you can take a private or shared taxi—the latter is cheaper, but you’ll need to wait for it to fill up—to Skoura.
The existence of this palm oasis is thanks to meltwater rivers. In spring, these rivers carry meltwater from the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains to Skoura. An age-old irrigation system then waters the many date palms and small fields in the oasis.
Yet, the most captivating sights are the numerous desert castles. These fairy-tale kasbahs, made from compacted earth, blend seamlessly into the landscape. While you might find similar castles throughout Morocco, Skoura boasts the highest concentration of kasbahs in the country.
Kasbah Amerhidil is the star attraction in Skoura. Not only is it the largest kasbah in this oasis, but it’s also the biggest in Morocco. Part of it remains inhabited, while another section is open for visitors.
#9 Gas Haven, an Abandoned Movie Set in the Desert
Just outside Ouarzazate, set against the Atlas Mountains, lies an old movie set straight out of a horror scene: Gas Haven from “The Hills Have Eyes.” This site presents a piece of film history nestled in the Moroccan desert, far from the polished confines of Atlas Studios.
Gas Haven was the setting for the gas station in the 2006 horror film remake, depicting a family’s harrowing encounter with cannibals. After filming wrapped up, the set was left behind, now occasionally drawing in tourists, though not many.
Its deserted appearance and clear signs of decay often label the set as eerie. We didn’t find it as scary as often describled, possibly because we visited on a bright, sunny day with our children. The gas station, with its sign, diner, and rusty car, is the most photographed spot. Do venture deeper into the desert for other, smaller sets, providing a broader glimpse into this movie’s backdrop.
#10 Fint Oasis
Tucked away in the Atlas Mountains’ shadow and just 12 kilometers south of Ouarzazate lies the Fint Oasis. This lush haven amid the arid landscape is composed of four villages, home to about four hundred people, making it small and relatively undiscovered. Plan for an hour or an hour and a half to wander among the palm trees, houses, and scenic views.
The trip to Fint takes about 45 minutes, mostly due to the bumpy ride. We decided against visiting the oasis ourselves, not wanting to risk this journey with our camper and having already visited other oases in Morocco, like the one in Skoura, which is also near Ouarzazate. If you’re keen on making the trip, arranging a taxi in Ouarzazate is straightforward.
