3 days3 daysMarrakech → Marrakech
3 Days Marrakech to Merzouga Desert
Cross the High Atlas and Road of a Thousand Kasbahs before reaching the dunes of Merzouga.
- High Atlas
- Dades Valley
- Erg Chebbi
Photo: Bjorn Christian Torrissen, CC BY-SA 3.0
Gateway to southern Morocco
Ouarzazate, Gateway to the Sahara
Ouarzazate sits where the High Atlas opens into Morocco's southern valleys. It is a practical crossroads for the Draa Valley, Dades Valley and Sahara, with kasbah architecture at the heart of the town.
About Ouarzazate
What to Expect in Ouarzazate
Most journeys reach Ouarzazate after crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass from Marrakech, often stopping first at Ait Ben Haddou. From here, roads branch east along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and south towards Agdz and the Draa Valley.
The town is more spread out than Morocco's old medinas, but Taourirt Kasbah gives it a strong historic centre. Ouarzazate is also known for film studios and nearby landscapes used as locations, which can be visited when the itinerary allows.
- Getting there
- Reached by road over the High Atlas from Marrakech or from the valleys and desert further east and south.
- How long to stay
- One night works well on a longer road trip; add time if you want to visit studios or the Draa Valley.
- Climate
- Days are often sunny and dry, while winter mornings and evenings can be cold.
- Planning the route
- Ouarzazate is useful for breaking the journey, especially on a slower four-day desert itinerary.
Things to see and do
Highlights of Ouarzazate
Taourirt Kasbah
A large fortified residence with decorated rooms and lanes on the edge of the old quarter.
Southern crossroads
The natural meeting point for routes to the Dades Valley, Draa Valley and Sahara.
Film studios
Sets and studio spaces reflect the region's long connection with international filmmaking.
Kasbah country
A base for exploring Ait Ben Haddou, the Ounila Valley and earth-built villages nearby.
On the map
Where Ouarzazate Sits
Private routes
Tours That Include Ouarzazate
Every tour is private, so the days spent here can be lengthened, shortened or rearranged to suit your plans.
3 days
3 days3 daysMarrakech → Fes
3 Days Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga
A rewarding one-way route linking two imperial cities through valleys, kasbahs and the Sahara.
- Ait Ben Haddou
- Camel trek
- Ziz Valley
4 days4 daysMarrakech → Marrakech
4 Days Marrakech to Merzouga
Travel at a more relaxed pace with extra time for the landscapes and communities of southern Morocco.
- Kasbahs
- Desert camp
- Todra Gorge
Made for your journey
Add Ouarzazate to a Custom Itinerary
Tell us how long you have and where you would like to start, and we’ll shape a private route that includes it.