Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou: the gateway to the desert

Where the mountains meet the Sahara

Ouarzazate sits on the southern side of the High Atlas, at the point where green valleys give way to stony plains and, further on, to the desert. For many travellers it is the first stop on the road to the south: a calm town with wide streets, a famous kasbah and a nearby fortified village that appears in many films. It is a very good base for two or three days.

The big sights

• Aït Ben Haddou. This fortified village, or ksar, rises up a hillside beside a river, with towers and houses made of earth. UNESCO listed it in 1987 as an outstanding example of traditional southern architecture. It lies roughly half an hour from Ouarzazate by road. Cross the riverbed on foot, climb through the lanes and keep going to the top for the view. A few families still live there, so be respectful and ask before photographing people.
• Taourirt Kasbah. In town, this large earthen palace belonged to a powerful regional family in the past. The rooms, painted ceilings and rooftop views give a good idea of life in a southern fortress. Opening times and entrance fees change, so check on site.
• The film studios. Ouarzazate is nicknamed Morocco's cinema town because many productions have used its landscapes and studios. A visit is a fun, family-friendly stop, especially if you like sets and film history.
• Palm groves and valleys. In the surrounding area, the Skoura palm grove, the Draa valley and the Dades valley offer green landscapes, old kasbahs and small guesthouses.

Crossing the Atlas

The classic route from Marrakech to Ouarzazate climbs over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, one of the highest road passes in the country, and takes roughly four to five hours without long stops. The road is scenic but winding, with trucks and sharp bends. In winter, snow and ice can slow or even stop traffic, so check conditions before leaving and avoid driving at night if you can. Fog and heavy rain can also appear quickly.

If you are coming from Marrakech, many people combine Aït Ben Haddou with the road on the same day, either on the way or just before Ouarzazate. Leave early to avoid rushing the mountain section.

What to eat and buy

Try a simple tagine, lamb dishes and mint tea in a local café. In the shops and cooperatives you may find rugs, silver jewellery, pottery, saffron and dates. Take your time and compare, as quality varies. Do not buy items that look like protected materials.

When to go

Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures. Summer is very hot in the plains, while winter days are sunny but the nights can be cold and the mountain pass may be affected by snow. Bring layers whatever the season.

A good route

1. Marrakech to Ouarzazate over the pass, stopping in the mountains for photos.
2. A stop at Aït Ben Haddou in the afternoon light.
3. A night in or around Ouarzazate, with a visit to the kasbah the next morning.
4. Continue to the Dades valley or on towards Merzouga and the dunes if you have more days.

Before you set off

• Fill up on fuel in larger towns.
• Keep water and snacks in the car, since some stretches have few services.
• Check the weather and the state of the road for the mountain section.
• Respect speed limits and avoid overtaking on bends.

Travel to the south with MySeatGO

Ouarzazate is a popular destination for people heading south, and the long distance is easier when shared. Post a trip request on MySeatGO or look at drivers already planning the route from Marrakech. The app is free with no commission, and you pay the driver directly in cash.