Planning your trip and wondering about the best things to do in Ouarzazate? Known as the gateway to the Sahara, Ouarzazate sits between the High Atlas and the desert. It is famous for its kasbahs, its film studios and the oases around it, and it is the perfect start for a short desert trip.
In short: visit Kasbah Taourirt and a film studio, explore Ait Ben Haddou and the Fint oasis, then continue to Merzouga or Zagora for a night in the desert.
Top things to do in Ouarzazate
- Kasbah Taourirt: a large earthen kasbah in the town centre.
- The film studios: many famous films and series have been shot around Ouarzazate.
- Ait Ben Haddou: the UNESCO-listed ksar, about 30 km away.
- Fint oasis: a green palm grove hidden in a rocky valley.
- Skoura: a large palm grove with old kasbahs like Amridil.
From Ouarzazate to the desert
Ouarzazate is the closest big town to the Sahara on the road from Marrakech. As a result, it is ideal for short desert trips:
- 2 days tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga.
- 3 days tour from Ouarzazate, with the gorges and the dunes.
- 5 days tour from Ouarzazate, at a slower pace.
See all our tours from Ouarzazate.
Things to do in Ouarzazate: FAQ
Is Ouarzazate worth visiting?
Yes, for its kasbahs, the film studios and as a base for Ait Ben Haddou and the desert.
How far is Ouarzazate from Marrakech?
About 4 hours by road, across the Tizi n’Tichka pass.
How far is Ouarzazate from Merzouga?
About 6–7 hours by road through the Dades and Todra valleys.
Can I visit Ouarzazate as a day trip from Marrakech?
Yes, with our Marrakech to Ouarzazate day trip.
Where can I learn more?
See Visit Morocco.
Start your desert trip in Ouarzazate
We pick you up in Ouarzazate or Marrakech for a private desert trip with your own driver. Send us your dates and we will reply with the route and price.
Ready to plan your Morocco trip?
Tell us your dates and group size. We will send you a private route with your own driver, hand-picked riads and the price.
- Send us your dates and group size.
- We reply with a private day-by-day route and the price.
- You change anything you like; nothing is paid until you agree the plan.
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Main photo: Alexander Leisser, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.