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Aït Ben Haddou
Cross the river and climb through the lanes of this fortified village to the granary at the top for wide views over the valley.
Ouarzazate & Aït Ben Haddou
The gateway to the south: earthen kasbahs, film-set landscapes, palm oases and the dramatic gorges on the road to the Sahara.
RegionDrâa-Tafilalet, south of the Atlas
Best timeMarch to May, Sept to Nov
Time needed1 night, on the way to the Sahara
From MarrakechAbout 4 hours via Tizi n’Tichka
Why Visit
Why Visit Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou
South of the High Atlas, the landscape changes completely: red earth, palm oases and fortified villages built from mud brick. Ouarzazate is the main town of the region and the gateway to the Sahara.
Nearby, the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou is one of the most striking sights in Morocco. This UNESCO World Heritage Site of earthen houses climbing a hill above a river has appeared in many films and series, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
This area is the heart of the road from Marrakech to Merzouga, so most travelers see it on the way to the desert.
Things to Do
Top Things to See Around Ouarzazate
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The Tizi n’Tichka Pass
The spectacular mountain road between Marrakech and Ouarzazate climbs to around 2,260 metres, with Berber villages and viewpoints along the way.
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Kasbah Amridil and Skoura Oasis
A well-preserved family kasbah in the palm groves of Skoura, once pictured on the 50 dirham banknote.
4. Ouarzazate and Its Film Studios
Morocco’s film capital, where you can visit film studios and the Taourirt Kasbah in the town centre.
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Dades Valley and Gorges
A valley of kasbahs and rose gardens, ending in a winding gorge road that is one of the most photographed in Morocco.
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Todra Gorge
Towering limestone walls rise on both sides of a narrow road near Tinghir, the last great stop before the Sahara.
Plan Your Visit
Planning Your Time in the South
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn are ideal, with comfortable temperatures for walking around kasbahs and gorges.
Summers are hot. In winter the Tizi n’Tichka pass can occasionally be affected by snow, so routes are planned with the weather in mind.
Getting There & Around
From Marrakech, the drive to Ouarzazate over the Tizi n’Tichka pass takes around 4 hours without stops. Ouarzazate also has a small airport with domestic connections.
Most travelers see the area as part of a multi-day route to the Sahara, with stops at Aït Ben Haddou, Skoura and the gorges.
Local Tips
- Visit Aït Ben Haddou early or late in the day for softer light and fewer visitors.
- Spend a night in the Dades or Todra area to break the long drive to Merzouga.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the climb to the top of Aït Ben Haddou.
- In May, the Valley of Roses around Kelaat M’Gouna celebrates the rose harvest.
Tours
Tours That Include Ouarzazate
Aït Ben Haddou, the gorges and the kasbah route are part of our multi-day private tours to the Sahara. We can also plan a shorter southern loop from Marrakech.
15 Days Morocco Private Tour from Casablanca
Private 15-day Morocco tour from Casablanca: Rabat, Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, a Sahara camp in Merzouga, Aït Ben Haddou, Marrakech and Essaouira, with…
View itinerary14 Days Morocco Private Tour: Casablanca to Marrakech
View itineraryBuild Your Own Trip
Tell us your dates and interests and we will plan a private route around them.
Plan my tripFAQ
Ouarzazate Travel Questions
Is Aït Ben Haddou worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of Morocco’s most impressive UNESCO sites and a natural stop on the way from Marrakech to the Sahara.
Can you visit Aït Ben Haddou as a day trip from Marrakech?
It is possible but makes a long day, with around 8 hours of driving in total. Most travelers include it as the first stop on a multi-day trip to the desert.
How long is the drive from Ouarzazate to Merzouga?
Roughly 6 to 7 hours of driving via the Dades and Todra gorges, which is why it is usually split with a night in the gorges.
What films were made at Aït Ben Haddou?
The ksar and the Ouarzazate area have been used for many productions, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Plan With Locals
Plan Your Kasbah Route
Tell us your dates, group size and interests. Our Marrakech-based team will suggest a private route and reply within 24 hours.