Popular Destinations in Ouarzazate
Aït Benhaddou (UNESCO)
30 km from Ouarzazate, the UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Benhaddou is Morocco’s most photogenic mud-brick village — a fortified hillside of kasbahs, towers, and granaries used as a filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and dozens of other productions.
Taourirt Kasbah
At the eastern edge of Ouarzazate, the 19th-century Taourirt Kasbah was once the seat of the powerful Glaoui family. The labyrinth of richly decorated reception rooms, courtyards, and carved cedar ceilings is partly restored and open to visitors.
Atlas Studios
Africa’s largest film studio sits just west of Ouarzazate, offering tours of the working sets — Egyptian temples from Asterix, the Tibetan monastery from Kundun, and gladiator arenas — all built on sand on the desert’s edge.
Fint Oasis
Half an hour south of town, the Fint Oasis is a strip of palm-shaded green hidden between volcanic cliffs — a working oasis with three small Berber villages, river crossings, and gîtes where you can stay overnight under the stars.
Skoura Oasis Kasbah Amridil
The Skoura palm grove, 40 km east of Ouarzazate, is one of southern Morocco’s most beautiful oases — dense palms, irrigation channels, and over a dozen historic mud-brick kasbahs. The 17th-century Kasbah Amridil, featured on Morocco’s 50-dirham banknote, is open to visitors and offers a remarkable look inside a traditional fortified home.
Dades Gorge
The Dades Gorge winds north from Ouarzazate through dramatic red-rock canyons carved by the Dades River — its famous switchback road, almond groves, and Berber villages making it one of Morocco’s most spectacular mountain drives. Combine with the Valley of Roses (best in May) for a memorable full-day trip.
Todra Gorge
The Todra Gorge cuts a 300-metre-deep slot through the High Atlas about 175 km from Ouarzazate — narrowing to just 10 metres wide at its tightest point, with sheer pink cliffs rising on either side. A favourite of rock climbers worldwide, with hotels and Berber-tent restaurants tucked into the canyon mouth.
Tifoultoute Kasbah
Just 8 km west of Ouarzazate, the 17th-century Tifoultoute Kasbah crowns a hilltop above the Ouarzazate river — another former Glaoui family stronghold, partly restored as a hotel and restaurant. The rooftop offers panoramic views across the palm grove, the river valley, and toward the snow-capped Atlas peaks.
