City Guides
Ouarzazate is the gateway to the Moroccan south: a desert town of kasbahs and film studios on the far side of the High Atlas, about four hours from Marrakech. This guide explains how to get there, what to see on the way over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, and how much time to plan.
Most travellers pass through Ouarzazate on the way to the Sahara, the Dades Gorges or Zagora. It deserves more than a lunch stop: Aït Ben Haddou, the film studios and the old Kasbah Taourirt are all within half an hour of the town.
| Good to know | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Marrakech | About 200 km on the N9 |
| Driving time | About 4 hours, more with stops |
| Highest point | Tizi n'Tichka pass, about 2,260 m |
| Aït Ben Haddou | About 30 km, 30 minutes from Ouarzazate |
| Best time to visit | Spring and autumn |
| Private transfer from Marrakech | From €110 per car |
The most comfortable option, especially if you want to stop on the way. A private transfer from Marrakech to Ouarzazate picks you up at your riad or hotel and drops you at your accommodation, with stops for photos, coffee or lunch whenever you like.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Price per vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | 1 to 3 | €110 |
| SUV | up to 4 | €130 |
| Van | up to 6 | €160 |
| Minibus | up to 12 | €275 |
| Minibus | up to 17 | €330 |
Prices are fixed when you book, per vehicle and not per person. You pay the driver on arrival.
Several buses a day link Marrakech and Ouarzazate, including CTM and Supratours coaches. They are cheap, but the journey takes longer than by car, there are no photo stops, and you still need a taxi to your hotel. Check the current timetable and fare before you travel.
Possible, but the Tichka road has many bends, slow lorries and sections under repair. If you are not used to mountain driving, a driver lets you enjoy the views instead of watching the road.
Ouarzazate has a small airport with a few flights a week, mostly from Casablanca. For most visitors coming from Marrakech, the road is faster once you count the connection.
The N9 is one of the most beautiful roads in Morocco. It leaves the plain of Marrakech, climbs through Berber villages and walnut trees, crosses the Tizi n'Tichka pass at about 2,260 m, then drops into a dry landscape of red rock and kasbahs. Good stops on the way:
From November to March, snow can fall on the Tizi n'Tichka and the road is sometimes closed for a few hours. Leave in the morning, bring a warm layer, and follow your driver's advice on the day.
A fortified village (ksar) of earth buildings climbing a hill above a river, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It has appeared in many films and series, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Cross the river, walk up to the old granary at the top and enjoy the view over the valley. Visit early or late in the day to avoid the heat and the tour groups.
Ouarzazate is known as the "Hollywood of Africa". At Atlas Studios, a few kilometres outside town, you can walk through sets used for films such as The Mummy, Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven. Guided visits run every day; prices change, so check at the entrance.
In the centre of town, this large kasbah once belonged to the powerful Glaoui family. Part of it is open to visitors, with decorated rooms and terraces. The small Cinema Museum is just across the road.
A green palm grove hidden in a rocky valley a short drive from town — a peaceful contrast to the desert, best visited in the late afternoon.
Private transfer from €110 per car, with stops at the Tichka pass and Aït Ben Haddou on request.
Ouarzazate is possible as a day trip, but it means about eight hours on the road for a few hours of visits. If you have time, stay at least one night: you can explore Aït Ben Haddou at sunset and the studios the next morning. If you only have one day, our Aït Ben Haddou day trip from Marrakech focuses on the best of the route without rushing.
Ouarzazate is the starting point for the great routes of the south: the Dades and Todra gorges, the Draa Valley towards Zagora, and the dunes of Merzouga. Not sure which desert to choose? Read Agafay, Zagora or Merzouga and the best time to visit the Sahara.
About 200 km on the N9 over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, or around 4 hours by car without long stops.
From €110 per car for 1 to 3 passengers, €130 for an SUV and €160 for a van for up to 6. You pay the driver on arrival.
Yes. Aït Ben Haddou is just before Ouarzazate. Tell us when you book so we can plan the time for your visit.
It is a winding mountain road but fully paved and used every day. With an experienced driver it is safe; in winter, snow can close the pass for a few hours.
Yes, especially for Aït Ben Haddou, the film studios and the kasbahs. Plan at least one night to enjoy it without rushing.
Spring and autumn, when days are warm and nights cool. Summer is very hot and winter nights are cold.
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