Ait Ben Haddou
A fortified village of packed earth from the seventeenth century, on the old caravan road and on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1987. Thirty kilometres from Ouarzazate.
Read the guideDestinations around Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is a crossroads: roads lead west toward the High Atlas and Ait Ben Haddou, east into the Skoura palm grove and the Valley of Roses, and south along the Draa toward the Sahara. These guides cover the places our rides and trips visit, with distances, opening hours where they apply and practical ways to get there.
Kasbahs and ksars
Telouet Kasbah
A weathered earthen palace from 1860 in the High Atlas, home of the Glaoui family, with painted cedar ceilings and Andalusian style rooms behind its crumbling walls.
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Taourirt Kasbah
The kasbah at the heart of Ouarzazate, a former Glaoui residence on Boulevard Mohamed V with Amazigh patterns outside and carved cedar, painted walls and zellige inside.
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Amridil Kasbah
A seventeenth century kasbah on the edge of the Skoura palm grove, still looked after by the founder’s descendants and once printed on the 50 dirham banknote.
Read the guideOases
Skoura Oasis
A large palm oasis on the N10 east of Ouarzazate, with seventeenth century kasbahs, irrigated gardens, a Monday souk and guest houses run by local families.
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Agdz and Tamnougalt
A small town 65 km south of Ouarzazate under Jebel Kissane, where the Draa palm groves start, with Tamnougalt kasbah, the old seat of the Mezguita oasis, next door.
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Fint Oasis
A date palm oasis 12 km south of Ouarzazate that stays out of sight until the track drops into its valley. Village life, a river and easy walks.
Read the guideValleys
Ounila Valley
A narrow river valley between the High Atlas and Ait Ben Haddou, lined with villages, kasbahs, gardens and coloured rock, on the old caravan route to Marrakech.
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Draa Valley
A long ribbon of palm groves, villages and kasbahs that follows the Draa river south from Agdz to Mhamid, at the edge of the Sahara, with Zagora and Tamegroute on the way.
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Valley of Roses
The rose growing valley around Kelaat M’Gouna, about 100 km east of Ouarzazate, known for its rose products, its May harvest and a festival held for more than 50 years.
Read the guideCinema
Cinema Museum
A museum of film decors on Boulevard Mohamed V, facing Taourirt Kasbah, in a city that belongs to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for film.
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Atlas Film Studios
The best known studio in Ouarzazate, 3 km west of town on the Marrakech road, with indoor and outdoor sets you can tour every day while productions continue.
Read the guideKasbahs and ksour
Earthen architecture is the signature of the region, from the UNESCO listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, about 30 km from town, to Taourirt in central Ouarzazate, Telouet in the High Atlas and Amridil in the Skoura oasis.
Oases and valleys
Fint lies hidden 12 km south of town. Skoura spreads along route N10 to the east, Agdz opens the Draa Valley 65 km south, and the Valley of Roses around Kelaat M'Gouna is about 100 km away. The Ounila Valley links Telouet to Ait Ben Haddou.
Cinema in Ouarzazate
Atlas Film Studios sits 3 km west of town on the Marrakech road, and the Cinema Museum faces Taourirt Kasbah in the centre. Both make an easy half day if you are not riding.
Questions and answers
Which destinations can I reach by quad, buggy or horse?
Ait Ben Haddou, the Fint oasis, Kasbah Tifoultoute and the Kingdom of Heaven film set are all on our guided ride routes from Ouarzazate.
How far is Ait Ben Haddou from Ouarzazate?
About 30 km, which is 30 to 45 minutes by road, or a half day ride by quad, buggy or horse.
Are opening hours and fees on these pages up to date?
They come from our last check, but hours and fees can change. Confirm them locally or by phone before you go.