Ouarzazate connects the fertile Draa Valley with the Sahara, where travellers and traders pause to refresh and appreciate the sun-drenched views of the High Atlas Mountains.
Ouarzazate holds Morocco’s Indigenous histories in the earth walls of its ancient kasbahs, with flavours of African, Jewish, Arabian and European influence weaved through the city today. Include this sparkling oasis when visiting Morocco to experience the magical light of the region and capture iconic images — just like the movies.
What to see in Ouarzazate & surrounds
Ouarzazate is a fortified city whose caramel-coloured buildings blend seamlessly into the aurous desert sands. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Door to the Desert’, this small oasis town glitters with celebrity and is graced above by clear blue African skies.
Allow free time to bask in the desert landscape and fill the days with fascinating sites in and around the town. Here are our recommendations for places not to be missed.
Dades Valley
Travelling to Ouarzazate through the Dades Valley allows visitors to experience where it gets the nickname ‘Door to the Desert’.
The route through the valley is known as the ‘Road of One Thousand Kasbahs’. The views reveal why: the vast valley stretches out as far as the eye can see, dotted with hundreds of small oases and ancient fortifications marking what was once a principal trading route.
The arid Tamlalt Valley is furnished with majestic sand and rock formations known as ‘monkey toes’. These unusual rock formations form as the winds of the valley strip away the lightweight sediment, a curious and well-worth-seeing natural phenomenon.
Further on through the Dades Valley is an area known as the ‘Valley of Human Bodies’, where local legend has it that stones represent famished travellers who died of hunger and were calcified to stone.
As the desert gives way to the fertile valleys around Ouarzazate, it’s easy to see how this oasis became a central meeting point and place of refuge along the trade route.
Toudgha Gorge
The Toudgha Gorge (also spelt ‘Todra Gorge’) is mother nature at her best. The powerful River Todra has carved out pink-grey limestone rock so that steep rock walls funnel the flowing water through the Atlas mountains. In places, the canyon walls reach over 400 metres high.
This is an iconic place for photographers to capture the fierce beauty of the unique landscape, and in fact, has been featured in advertisements and TV shows.
Ait Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou is a charming village perched on a hilltop that is home to a spectacular ksar, now a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Site. The Kasbah is made up of six distinct fortresses, each built by a different family. These fortresses are connected by narrow, winding streets and covered pathways to create an intimate atmosphere.
The elaborate fortress once protected citizens from raiding parties and other threats, growing to become a strategic centre for trade, culture and learning.
Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco by Priscilla Aster
The buildings in this area are a well-preserved example of Berber architecture, designed to withstand the harsh desert environment. Look for the decorative motifs carved into or painted onto the walls. These often have religious or cultural significance, including stars, circles, triangles and diamonds.
Skoura
Skoura’s Palm Grove is an oasis established in the 12th century, providing relief to traders travelling for more than two months across the Sahara desert. It’s known for its excellent dates, orchards of almonds and figs and beautiful kasbahs which have been featured in films like ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’.
Taourirt Kasbah
Traveller at Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco by Marion Bunnik
This is one of the grandest kasbahs in Morocco, featuring rich decor inside the towering citadel walls. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site displays Amazigh architecture, carefully maintained and restored. Wandering through the many rooms (there were once around 300 rooms in total), visitors can look up at the ornately decorated high ceilings.
Whilst the exterior of the fortress appears harsh and ready for battle, inside the walls and windows are graced with intricate paintings and carvings. There’s even an original ‘tataoui’ ceiling made from woven reeds.
Up on the rooftop, views extend across the oasis and the city of Ouarzazate, a breathtaking view worth the climb up the stairs. This unique and visually stunning location has been the backdrop for various films, including ‘Gladiator’, ‘Prince of Persia’ and ‘Sheltering Sky’.
Atlas Studios
A visit to Ouarzazate ought to include stopping by Atlas Studios to experience the movie magic of this popular filming location. Go backstage, see exactly where various movie stars have walked during filming, hear ‘behind-the-scenes’ anecdotes and learn about how set construction has evolved over time.
Depending on the timing, there may even be a film shoot in progress, an opportunity to see behind the silver screen, in real life.
Experience the movie magic of Ouarzazate with a group of like-minded travellers
A trip to Morocco is the chance of a lifetime to make new memories, meet new people and create experiences that are unforgettable. Morocco is so much more than the big bustling cities — the countryside and desert oases have so much to offer.
Travel in comfort with a small group, on an air-conditioned and spacious bus, and experience new cultures first-hand. Why wait? Join a Bunnik Tours small group tour of Morocco to make dreams come true.
Questions about Ouarzazate, Morocco
What is a kasbah in Morocco?
The name ‘kasbah’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘qasaba’ which means fortress or citadel. A kasbah is a unique architectural structure with functions including strategic military buildings, royal residences, and politically important meeting places.
What is the climate like in Ouarzazate?
Ouarzazate is in the high plateaus of the Atlas Mountains, 1160m above sea level, so the climate here is mild. Winters will get cool, averaging around 15 degrees during the day and summer temperatures get to around 35 degrees.
Do people live in Ouarzazate?
Yes, there are around 60,000 permanent residents, with populations fluctuating during film production or for tourism. It’s very quiet compared to Meknes or Fez, despite the film studios’ international reputation.