Ouarzazate is the great gateway to southern Morocco. Set on an arid plateau between the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas, this stop-over town is best known for its film studios, which earned it the nickname "Morocco's Hollywood", and for its proximity to one of the country's most photographed sites: the ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified mud village. But Ouarzazate is also an ideal base to explore the Draa valley palm groves, the kasbahs of Skoura and the Dades and Todra gorges.
This guide is for travellers who want to add the south to a circuit and need to know where to start, how long to allow and which stops to prioritise between Marrakech and the Merzouga desert.
At a glance: gateway to southern Morocco, Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO 1987) about 30 km away, Marrakech about 4 hours over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, film studios, Draa palm groves and Dades gorges, best seasons March–May and October–November.
1. Ait Benhaddou: the legendary ksar
About thirty kilometres from Ouarzazate, the ksar of Ait Benhaddou is a fortified mud-brick village built on a hill beside a river. On the UNESCO list since 1987, it illustrates the traditional architecture of southern Morocco: tower houses, communal granaries, narrow lanes, rammed-earth walls. Climbing to the granary at the top gives an outstanding view over the valley, palm grove and mountains. The site has been a set for many films and series, from "Lawrence of Arabia" to "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones". To avoid crowds, visit early morning or late afternoon, and wear good shoes: the lanes are uneven.2. The film studios and Taourirt Kasbah
Since the 1980s Ouarzazate has become a film capital thanks to its light, landscapes and studio logistics. The Atlas Studios and CLA studios can be visited: sets of Egyptian temples, ancient towns and oriental palaces rise from the desert. The Cinema Museum adds props and costumes. In the town centre, the Taourirt Kasbah, former residence of the Glaoui pasha, is a fine example of earth architecture. Its rooms decorated with stucco and painted ceilings are visited with a guide, and the terrace overlooks the town and its palm trees.3. The Draa valley and the Skoura oasis
South of the town, the Draa valley unrolls over more than 200 kilometres a ribbon of palm groves, ksour and kasbahs, up to the gates of the Sahara. A trip can stop at Agdz or go as far as Zagora, where a sign recalls the camel journey to Timbuktu. Closer, the Skoura palm grove shelters fine private kasbahs and shaded gardens; the more secluded Fint oasis suits a walk in a preserved setting.4. Dades and Todra gorges: Morocco's grand canyon
About a hundred kilometres north-east of Ouarzazate, the Valley of the Roses leads to the Dades Gorge, with its glowing cliffs and hairpin road, then to the Todra Gorge, where 300-metre vertical walls close around the river. Both suit hiking, climbing and discovering Berber villages. In May, during the rose festival at Kelaat M'Gouna, the valley fills with scents and colour.5. The desert: from the edge of Zagora to Merzouga
Ouarzazate lies midway between Marrakech and the Merzouga dunes (Erg Chebbi). Those without time to reach Merzouga (several hours' drive) can settle for the dunes at Zagora or M'Hamid El Ghizlane, closer and just as striking. A night in a bivouac, with dinner under the stars, a camel ride and breakfast at sunrise, remains one of the most memorable moments of a trip to Morocco. For thrill-seekers, quad and buggy excursions on sandy tracks are organised with a guide.6. Solar energy and the modern south
The Noor Ouarzazate solar complex, one of the world's largest concentrated solar power plants, spreads over a vast plateau near the town. Visible from afar, it shows Morocco's energy transition. Visits are possible under conditions: check before travelling.7. Where to stay: kasbahs, guesthouses and hotels
The south lends itself to character stays: kasbahs turned guesthouses, riads, hotels with pools and palm-grove lodges. On a multi-day circuit, alternate a night in town (comfort, restaurants) with a night in a palm grove or bivouac (landscapes, silence). Book ahead in high season, especially March–April and October–November.8. When to go to Ouarzazate
Southern Morocco has an arid climate: scorching summers, cold winter nights. The shoulder seasons are the most comfortable.
| Period | What to expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| March – May | Mild temperatures, green palm groves, rose festival in May | Ideal |
| June – August | Extreme daytime heat, visits only in the early morning | Avoid if possible |
| September – November | Pleasant temperatures, beautiful light, busy in October | Ideal |
| December – February | Mild days, freezing nights, snow on the Atlas, very clear skies | Good, bring warm clothes |
9. How to get to Ouarzazate
- From Marrakech: about 200 km and 4 hours by road over the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m), spectacular but winding; many travellers stop for photos and tea.
- By air: Ouarzazate airport receives some domestic and seasonal flights; check schedules before planning.
- By road: the road to Zagora, Dades or Merzouga is good, but distances are long: plan reasonable driving days.
- By transfer or circuit: most travellers choose a driver-guide, which lets you enjoy the scenery without fatigue.
10. How many days do you need?
| Length | Suggested plan |
|---|---|
| 1 day (from Marrakech) | Tizi n'Tichka, Ait Benhaddou, Taourirt Kasbah. Back the same evening (a very long day). |
| 2 days / 1 night | Day 1: Ait Benhaddou and the studios. Night in Ouarzazate. Day 2: Skoura, palm grove, return by the kasbah road. |
| 4 to 5 days | Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Dades – Merzouga (night in a bivouac) – back via Todra and Ouarzazate. |
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Ouarzazate: frequently asked questions
Why is Ouarzazate called Morocco's Hollywood?
Because its studios and landscapes have hosted many international shoots since the 1980s. The studios can be visited.
Is Ait Benhaddou worth the detour?
Yes: it is one of Morocco's finest examples of earth architecture, UNESCO-listed. Visit early or late to avoid the crowd.
How long does it take to go from Marrakech to Ouarzazate?
About 4 hours over the Tizi n'Tichka pass. A same-day return is possible but long; a night on site is preferable.
Can you see real sand dunes from Ouarzazate?
The Zagora and M'Hamid dunes are closer; the big Erg Chebbi dunes (Merzouga) need an extra day.
When is the best time to visit Ouarzazate?
March to May and October to November. Summer is very hot, winter cold at night but sunny.
Can I combine Ouarzazate with northern Morocco?
Yes, on a multi-day circuit: Tangier or Tetouan, Fes, desert, Ouarzazate then Marrakech. Our teams build these itineraries to measure.
Keep exploring
Agadir · Béni Mellal · Casablanca · Dakhla · Essaouira · Marrakech · Ouarzazate · Rabat
