Ouarzazate sits on the southern side of the High Atlas, on a high, dry plain where the Draa and Dadès valleys begin. It is a small city, and most travellers use it as a base for the surrounding landscapes: earthen kasbahs, palm groves, gorges and the edge of the Sahara.
The city is also known as Morocco's film capital. The light, the open land and the clay architecture have made it a location for international productions for decades, and two studios on the edge of town offer visits. Nearby, the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, has appeared in many films.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with warm days and cool nights. Winter days are often sunny, but nights are cold, and snow can close the high passes on the road from Marrakech. Summers are very hot, and midday sightseeing can be hard, so go early or late.
In spring, the palm groves and river valleys are at their greenest, and the Atlas peaks may still carry snow.
Getting there and around
Ouarzazate has an airport with some domestic and European flights. By road, the main route from Marrakech crosses the Tizi n'Tichka pass over the High Atlas, a winding mountain road that takes several hours. Buses and shared taxis run from Marrakech and from other towns in the south.
There is no railway. Within the city, petit taxis are the usual way to get around, and the centre is small. To visit Aït Benhaddou, the kasbahs and the valleys, most visitors hire a car with a driver, join a tour or rent a car. Check road and weather conditions in winter.
Neighbourhoods
Taourirt
The old district around the kasbah, where the town began, with a market and local shops.
Avenue Mohammed V
The main street of the modern centre, with cafés, restaurants, banks and shops.
The Studio district
Along the road west of town are the film studios, with sets of ancient cities and temples.
The Draa and Dadès valleys
Fertile corridors south and east of the city, known for palm groves and kasbahs.
Skoura
A palm grove east of Ouarzazate on the road to the Dadès valley, with several well-known kasbahs.
Top things to do
Taourirt Kasbah
A large earthen fortress that belonged to the Glaoui family, with decorated rooms and a view over the old quarter.
Aït Benhaddou
A fortified village of earthen buildings on a hillside beside a river. It stands on an old caravan route, and visitors can climb to the top for a view across the valley.
Atlas Studios
A film studio complex on the edge of town, where visitors can see sets from past productions.
CLA Studios
Another studio complex, with sets that can be visited.
Fint Oasis
A quiet palm oasis south of town, reached by a short drive from the city.
Skoura palm grove and Amridil Kasbah
Walk or cycle through the palms to a kasbah that is open for visits.
Draa Valley
Follow the river south toward Zagora, passing date palms, ksour and villages.
Dadès Valley and Todra Gorge
A longer drive east, with dramatic rock formations and high walls. Plan an overnight if you want to see them properly.
Food to try
Tagine
Slow-cooked meat or vegetable tagines are a staple, often served in earthen pots.
Couscous
Traditionally eaten on Fridays, with vegetables and meat.
Berber omelette
Eggs cooked in a small tagine dish with tomato, onion and spices, served for breakfast or a light meal.
Dates
The Draa valley is famous for its dates. Fresh and dried dates are sold in markets and roadside stalls.
Mint tea
Served with every stop, usually very sweet.
Itinerary
One day
Morning at Taourirt Kasbah, lunch in town, then an afternoon at Atlas Studios. Or drive out to Aït Benhaddou and spend the afternoon there.
Two days
Add Aït Benhaddou on day one, and day two in Skoura and the Fint Oasis.
Three days
Use day three for the Dadès Valley and Todra Gorge, or follow the Draa Valley south. These are longer drives and are best with an overnight stop.
Practical tips
Distances are long and the landscapes are open, so allow more time than the map suggests. Fill the tank and carry water when driving between towns.
Many films were shot around Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. If you are a film fan, a guide who knows the sets will point out locations.
At kasbahs and villages, ask before photographing residents. Local guides expect a tip, so keep small notes handy.
