Ouarzazate Travel Guide · The door of the desert
Ouarzazate: Kasbahs, Film Sets and Oases
A calm town on a high plateau south of the Atlas, surrounded by kasbahs, palm groves and the landscapes that made it Morocco's film capital.
Destination overview
The Essence of Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate stands where the roads from Marrakech, the Draa Valley and the Dades Valley meet, which is why it has long been called the door of the desert. At its centre is the Kasbah of Taourirt, once a residence of the Glaoui family, a maze of earthen rooms and painted ceilings. On the edge of town are the Atlas film studios, where sets from decades of productions stand in the open air.
The real attraction is what lies around it. Ait Ben Haddou is half an hour away, the palm grove of Skoura hides the Kasbah Amridil, and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs leads east through the Valley of Roses to the Dades and Todra gorges. South, the road follows the Draa and its endless palm groves to Zagora. Ouarzazate is a natural overnight stop on any journey between Marrakech and the Sahara.
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Iconic landmarks
Must-See Places in Ouarzazate
Unique experiences
Experience Ouarzazate Your Way
Featured tours
Popular Tours from Ouarzazate
3 Days / 2 Nights
3-Day Ouarzazate to Fes Desert Tour via Merzouga
Ouarzazate · Dades Valley · Merzouga · Fes
4 Days / 3 Nights
4-Day Ouarzazate to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga
Ouarzazate · Dades Valley · Merzouga · Zagora · Marrakech
5 Days / 4 Nights
5-Day Ouarzazate to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga
Ouarzazate · Dades Valley · Merzouga · Zagora · Marrakech
Explore Ouarzazate
Interactive Map
Discover the main attractions, neighbourhoods and nearby places to help you plan your visit.
Travel guide
When to Visit Ouarzazate
At 1,150 metres, Ouarzazate is dry and sunny almost all year. Spring and autumn are ideal, summers are hot, and winter brings bright days and frosty nights.
- SpringMar – MayWarm; roses bloom in May
- SummerJun – AugHot and dry
- AutumnSep – NovClear, comfortable days
- WinterDec – FebSunny, cold at night
Useful Travel Tips
- Start early over the Tizi n'Tichka pass; the road is slow and scenic
- Sun protection matters at this altitude, even in winter
- Entrance fees for kasbahs and studios are paid on site
- The Rose Festival in Kelaat M'Gouna is usually held in May
Travel blog
Stories from Ouarzazate
What to See in Ouarzazate in One Day
Travel guideRead More
The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
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The Valley of Roses and Its May Festival
Travel guideRead More
Frequently asked questions
Ouarzazate Travel Guide: Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should I spend in Ouarzazate?
One night is usual, with time for the Kasbah of Taourirt or the film studios and Ait Ben Haddou. Add a second night to explore Skoura and the Valley of Roses at an easy pace.
What is the best time to visit Ouarzazate?
March to May and September to November. The roses of Kelaat M'Gouna are harvested in late April and May. Summer is hot in the afternoon, and winter nights are cold.
Can I visit the film studios?
Yes. The Atlas studios on the edge of town offer guided walks through sets used for many films and series. Entrance is paid on site and takes about an hour.
How long is the drive from Marrakech?
About 195 km and four hours over the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 metres, not counting stops. With a visit to Ait Ben Haddou on the way it makes a full, varied day.
Is Ouarzazate safe for visitors?
Yes. Ouarzazate is used to welcoming travellers and serious problems are rare. Take the same care you would anywhere: keep valuables out of sight in busy places and agree prices in advance. On a private tour your driver-guide is with you throughout the journey.
Can you include Ouarzazate in a private tour?
Yes. Ouarzazate features in many of our private tours, and every itinerary can be adjusted. Tell us how long you would like to stay and we will build the route around it.
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Ouarzazate Travel Guide: Quick Guide
The essentials of our Ouarzazate travel guide in three short answers.
Things to Do in Ouarzazate
The top things to do in Ouarzazate start with Kasbah of Taourirt (the Glaoui palace in the town centre), Atlas Film Studios (sets from decades of cinema) and Ait Ben Haddou (the UNESCO ksar, 30 minutes away). Other things to do in Ouarzazate include Kasbah Amridil, Skoura, The Valley of Roses and The Dades Gorge.
Ouarzazate Morocco at a Glance
Quick facts on Ouarzazate Morocco: region: Drâa-Tafilalet; ideal stay: 1 night; best season: March to May, September to November; famous for: Kasbahs, film studios and southern valleys. Ouarzazate stands where the roads from Marrakech, the Draa Valley and the Dades Valley meet, which is why it has long been called the door of the desert.
Private Ouarzazate Tours
85 of our private tours include Ouarzazate, among them the 3-Day Errachidia to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga, 3-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga and 3-Day Honeymoon Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga. All Ouarzazate tours can be adjusted to your dates, pace and interests.