Ouarzazate, Morocco: things to do, how to get there, weather by season, where to stay and day trips to Ait Ben Haddou and the Draa Valley.
Written by the Highlights Morocco Tours team in Marrakech
In this guide
The short answer
Ouarzazate is a city in south-central Morocco, roughly 200 kilometres and 4 hours from Marrakech over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, and it is known as the gateway to the Sahara. The best things to do are the Taourirt Kasbah, the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, the Fint Oasis, the film studios and the palm groves of Skoura and the Draa Valley. The weather is dry, with hot summers, mild winter days and cold winter nights, and spring and autumn are the best seasons. One or two nights are enough.
Ouarzazate is a quiet city, and its charm is the landscape around it: red kasbahs, palm groves and the first desert views of the south. This guide gives you a clear list, practical tips and the tours that start here. When you want help, message us on WhatsApp and we plan it for you.
Best things to do in Ouarzazate
| Place | Why go | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Taourirt Kasbah | A large earthen kasbah in the city, once the home of a powerful local family | 1 hour |
| Ait Ben Haddou | A UNESCO-listed ksar of red-earth towers, about 30 km away | 2 to 3 hours |
| Atlas Film Studios | Film sets near the city, since many films were shot in the region | 1 to 2 hours |
| Fint Oasis | A small, green oasis a short drive from the city, good for a walk | 2 hours |
| Skoura palm grove | Palm trees, kasbahs and quiet lanes, towards the Dades Valley | Half a day |
| Draa Valley | A long ribbon of palm groves and villages south of Ouarzazate | Full day |
| Noor solar complex | A modern landmark near the city, seen from the road | 1 hour |
| Sunset on the plain | Red light on the kasbahs and the Atlas on the horizon | 1 hour |
Opening hours and entrance fees change, so check them before you go. Read our guide to Ait Ben Haddou and see the Ait Ben Haddou day trip from Ouarzazate and the Draa Valley day trip from Ouarzazate.
Want a local guide in Ouarzazate?
Tell us your dates and what you like. We reply with a free quote and ideas for your itinerary.
Getting to Ouarzazate from Marrakech
The road crosses the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with viewpoints and the village of Telouet nearby. It is roughly 200 kilometres, about 4 hours without long stops. With a private driver you can stop for photos and visit Ait Ben Haddou on the way. In winter, the pass can be slow in bad weather, so we adapt the day. For the whole region, see Morocco itineraries.
Weather in Ouarzazate by season
| Season | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Warm days and pleasant evenings | Kasbahs, oases and photos |
| Summer (June to August) | Very hot days, dry air | Early mornings only |
| Autumn (September to November) | Warm days, cooler evenings | Tours to the Sahara |
| Winter (December to February) | Mild days, cold nights, rare rain | Visits with warm layers |
For a month-by-month overview, read the best time to visit Morocco. If the pass is closed or snowy, we change the plan.
Where to stay in Ouarzazate
- In the city: easy access to restaurants and the Taourirt Kasbah.
- Near Ait Ben Haddou: quiet, with views of the ksar.
- In a palm grove (Skoura or Fint): a calmer, more local stay.
- Kasbah-style guesthouses: traditional architecture with a courtyard.
We plan the hotel nights in your free quote, based on your budget and dates.
Day trips and tours from Ouarzazate
- Ait Ben Haddou day trip from Ouarzazate: the famous ksar with a local guide.
- Draa Valley day trip from Ouarzazate: palm groves, villages and kasbahs.
- Day trips from Ouarzazate: all the options we offer here.
- 3-day Ouarzazate to Merzouga desert tour: the Dades Valley, the Todra Gorges and a night in the Sahara.
- Morocco tour packages: private tours from 249 euros per person.
Ready to explore Ouarzazate?
Send your dates and we reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
Ouarzazate: frequently asked questions
Where is Ouarzazate and how far is it from Marrakech?
Ouarzazate is a city in south-central Morocco, on the southern side of the High Atlas. It is roughly 200 kilometres from Marrakech, about 4 hours by road over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, depending on traffic and stops.
What are the best things to do in Ouarzazate?
The highlights are the Taourirt Kasbah in the city, the nearby ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, the Fint Oasis, the film studios and the palm groves of Skoura and the Draa Valley. Many visitors also see the Noor solar complex and use Ouarzazate as a base for the Sahara.
Is Ouarzazate worth visiting?
Yes, especially as a stop on the way between Marrakech and the Sahara. The city is quiet, and the real attraction is the area around it: kasbahs, oases and desert landscapes. One night is enough for most travellers, and two nights give you time for Ait Ben Haddou and the Draa Valley.
How many days do I need in Ouarzazate?
One night covers the city and Ait Ben Haddou. Add a second night if you want the Fint Oasis, Skoura and a slower pace, or the Draa Valley. Many travellers include Ouarzazate on a 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.
What is the weather like in Ouarzazate?
Ouarzazate has a dry, desert climate with hot summers and mild winter days. Winter nights can be cold, and rain is rare. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable seasons. Read our best time to visit Morocco guide for more detail.
Where should I stay in Ouarzazate?
You can choose a hotel in the city, a kasbah-style guesthouse or a lodge in a nearby palm grove such as Skoura or Fint. Staying near Ait Ben Haddou is also popular. Tell us your budget and dates and we plan the nights for you.
How do I get from Marrakech to Ouarzazate?
You can travel by private driver, by shared transport or by bus over the Tizi n'Tichka pass. A private tour lets you stop at viewpoints and at Ait Ben Haddou on the way. In winter, check the weather on the pass.
Can I visit Ait Ben Haddou from Ouarzazate?
Yes. Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO-listed ksar roughly 30 kilometres from Ouarzazate. We offer a day trip from Ouarzazate, and Ait Ben Haddou is also a stop on our Marrakech to Merzouga tours.
Can I take a tour to the Sahara from Ouarzazate?
Yes. Our 3-day Ouarzazate to Merzouga desert tour starts in Ouarzazate, visits the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorges and includes a camel ride and a night in a desert camp.
What is the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex?
Noor Ouarzazate is a large concentrated solar power complex near the city. It is a modern landmark that some travellers visit from the road, and it shows another side of the region. Check access rules before you plan a visit.
How do I book with Highlights Morocco Tours?
Send us your dates and number of travellers with the contact form, by WhatsApp or by email. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote and, when you are happy with it, we confirm the booking.
Plan your Ouarzazate trip with us
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
