Planning your next Moroccan adventure and wondering about exciting things to do in Ouarzazate? Known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate is a vibrant oasis city bursting with cinematic landscapes, ancient kasbahs, and thrilling outdoor activities. Whether you’re an adventurer at heart or a passionate cultural explorer, Ouarzazate has something spectacular waiting just for you. Keep reading this guide to uncover unique experiences and hidden gems in this captivating destination, ensuring your 2025 trip to Ouarzazate becomes an unforgettable journey!
Visit Kasbahs in Ouarzazate
When you visit Ouarzazate city, you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of Morocco’s most breathtaking kasbahs. These ancient fortresses aren’t just historical landmarks—they’re living pieces of history that transport you to a time of powerful dynasties and desert trade routes. As you explore their intricate passageways and towering mud-brick walls, you’ll get a true sense of Morocco’s rich heritage. Whether you’re here for adventure, photography, or cultural immersion, these kasbahs offer an unforgettable experience. Here are the must-visit kasbahs in Ouarzazate that you won’t want to miss.
Kasbah Taourirt
Right in the heart of Ouarzazate city, Kasbah Taourirt is one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco. Once home to the powerful Glaoui family, this fortress is a maze of winding corridors, beautifully decorated rooms, and hidden courtyards. As you walk through its passageways, you’ll be amazed by the intricate stucco work and ancient wooden doors that whisper stories of the past. Climb up to the rooftop, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the city and surrounding desert landscapes. Since it’s located in the city center, it’s the perfect first stop on your kasbah tour.
📍 Location: City center, Ouarzazate
🕰 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: ~20-30 MAD
Kasbah of Tifoultoute
Just a short drive from Ouarzazate, Kasbah of Tifoultoute is an incredible spot to soak in Morocco’s desert beauty. Perched on a hill, this fortress offers panoramic views of the Ouarzazate River and surrounding landscapes. You’ll love exploring its historic rooms, admiring the traditional Berber architecture, and feeling the magic of a place that once housed local rulers. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with breathtaking scenery, this kasbah is a must-visit.
📍 Location: 8 km west of Ouarzazate
🕰 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: ~15-25 MAD
Kasbah Amridil
If you want to step into a piece of living history, Kasbah Amridil is the place to go. Nestled in the lush Skoura Oasis, this 17th-century fortress is one of the most well-preserved kasbahs in Morocco. You’ll recognize it from Morocco’s 50-dirham banknote, and once you explore its well-kept interiors, you’ll see why it’s so iconic. Inside, you can check out traditional tools, ancient artifacts, and even learn how Berbers used to store food and water. A guided tour will help you appreciate the kasbah’s history even more, making it one of the most immersive experiences near Ouarzazate.
📍 Location: Skoura Oasis (~40 km from Ouarzazate)
🕰 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: ~20-30 MAD
Telouet Kasbah
If you’re up for an adventure, take a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains to Telouet Kasbah. This hidden gem was once the luxurious home of the Glaoui family, and while parts of it have fallen into ruins, its interior is still breathtakingly beautiful. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by the ornate tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and intricate stucco designs that reflect the grandeur of its past. The journey to Telouet is just as rewarding as the kasbah itself, with stunning mountain views along the way.
📍 Location: ~75 km from Ouarzazate (on the road to Marrakech)
🕰 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: ~20-30 MAD
Ksar d’Aït-Ben-Haddou
No trip to Ouarzazate is complete without visiting the legendary Ksar d’Aït-Ben-Haddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most famous kasbahs in Morocco, and you’ve probably seen it in Hollywood films like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy. As you wander through its narrow alleyways and ancient mud-brick buildings, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another era. Climb to the top of the kasbah, and you’ll be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the desert. Whether you’re a history lover, a film enthusiast, or just someone looking for a unique adventure, Aït-Ben-Haddou is a must-visit.
📍 Location: ~30 km from Ouarzazate
🕰 Opening Hours: Open all day
🎟 Entrance Fee: Free (some areas may have small fees)
Ouarzazate: The Little Hollywood
Did you know that Ouarzazate city is known as the “Little Hollywood” of Morocco? Thanks to its stunning desert landscapes, historical architecture, and world-class film studios, it has been a favorite location for Hollywood filmmakers for decades. Blockbusters like Gladiator, The Mummy, Game of Thrones, and Kingdom of Heaven were filmed right here, making Ouarzazate a dream destination for movie lovers. If you’re passionate about cinema, you’ll love exploring the film studios and museums that showcase the city’s incredible contributions to the film industry.
Atlas Film Studios Ouarzazate
If you’ve ever wanted to walk through real-life movie sets, Atlas Film Studios is the place to be! As the largest film studio in the world, covering over 20 hectares, it has been the backdrop for countless legendary films and TV shows. When you visit, you’ll get to explore massive sets, from ancient Egyptian temples to Roman palaces and medieval fortresses. You might even spot a film crew working on the next Hollywood hit! A guided tour will take you behind the scenes, revealing fascinating stories about the movies shot here. This is an absolute must-do for film enthusiasts visiting Ouarzazate.
📍 Location: 5 km west of Ouarzazate
🕰 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: ~80-100 MAD (guided tour included)
CLA Studios Ouarzazate
Just a short distance from Atlas Studios, CLA Studios is another major filming hub in Ouarzazate. Many famous films, including Babel and Prince of Persia, were shot here. The studio offers guided tours where you can walk through elaborate film sets and see massive props used in Hollywood productions. Unlike Atlas Studios, CLA Studios focuses more on modern film productions, making it a fascinating contrast to its older counterpart. If you’re a movie buff, visiting both studios will give you a full picture of Ouarzazate’s impact on global cinema.
📍 Location: Near Atlas Studios, Ouarzazate
🕰 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: ~50-80 MAD
Cinema Museum
Want to dive even deeper into the cinematic history of Ouarzazate city? Head to the Cinema Museum, located right in the heart of the city. This museum showcases an incredible collection of old cameras, costumes, set designs, and props from legendary movies filmed in Ouarzazate. You can walk through recreated film sets, explore vintage film equipment, and learn about how this city became Morocco’s film capital. It’s a fantastic place to visit, especially if you love history and cinema.
📍 Location: City center, near Kasbah Taourirt
🕰 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: ~30 MAD
Ouarzazate Solar Power Station – NOOR
Have you heard about the incredible NOOR Ouarzazate Solar Power Station in Morocco? Nestled near the city of Ouarzazate, this sprawling complex covers more than 3,000 hectares and is one of the world’s largest solar power plants. It’s a key part of Morocco’s bold plan to generate 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
What sets NOOR apart? For starters, it combines two innovative technologies—Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and Photovoltaic (PV)—to capture and store solar energy. This hybrid approach even lets the plant produce electricity after sunset, making it a true game-changer. Moreover, NOOR plays a massive role in reducing carbon emissions, cutting more than 760,000 tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere every year.
While NOOR primarily serves as a research and industrial hub, it does offer special guided tours for researchers, students, and energy professionals. Even if you can’t go inside, you can still enjoy breathtaking views of its futuristic mirror fields from nearby vantage points—sunset being the ideal time to see the panels light up in a golden glow.
If you’re fascinated by sustainable energy and cutting-edge technology, NOOR should definitely be on your must-see list when visiting Ouarzazate!
The Palm Grove of Skoura
Just 40 km from Ouarzazate city, you’ll find yourself in a lush green paradise known as the Palm Grove of Skoura. This breathtaking oasis is a stark contrast to the surrounding desert, offering endless palm trees, ancient kasbahs, and traditional Berber villages. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape filled with natural beauty and cultural heritage, Skoura is the perfect destination.
Sahara Near Ouarzazate
No trip to Ouarzazate city is complete without venturing into the breathtaking Sahara Desert. Just a few hours from the city, you’ll find golden sand dunes, star-filled skies, and unforgettable desert adventures waiting for you. Whether you’re looking for a camel trek, a luxury desert camp, or an adrenaline-fueled 4×4 ride, the Sahara near Ouarzazate offers something for every traveler. Below are the top desert destinations you should explore.
Erg Chegaga Desert
If you’re looking for the wildest and most untouched part of the Moroccan Sahara, Erg Chegaga is the perfect choice. This vast sea of dunes, some reaching up to 300 meters high, offers a true off-the-beaten-path adventure. Since it’s not accessible by paved roads, you’ll need a 4×4 or a camel trek from M’hamid to get there. Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with stunning sunrises, dramatic sand dunes, and absolute silence—a magical experience for any desert lover. Many travelers choose to stay in traditional Berber camps, enjoying local music, stargazing, and authentic Moroccan cuisine under the open sky.
Your adventure awaits: 2 days from Ouarzazate to Erg Chegaga. Book now!
Merzouga Desert
If you’ve ever seen postcard-perfect Sahara dunes, chances are you’ve seen Merzouga. Home to the famous Erg Chebbi dunes, this is one of the most popular desert destinations in Morocco. The dunes here can reach up to 150 meters, creating a breathtaking golden landscape, especially during sunrise and sunset. You can ride a camel, try sandboarding, or simply relax in a luxury desert camp with all the comforts you need. Unlike Erg Chegaga, Merzouga is easier to access, making it a great option if you want a classic desert adventure with a touch of comfort.
Join our 2-day adventure: Ouarzazate to Merzouga.
Erg Lihoudi Desert
If you’re short on time but still want to experience the Sahara, Erg Lihoudi is a great option. Often called the “Gateway to the Desert”, it’s closer to Ouarzazate than the other dunes and offers an authentic desert experience without a long journey. You can take a camel trek into the dunes, enjoy a traditional Berber meal, and spend a night in a desert camp—all within a manageable timeframe. The dunes here aren’t as tall as in Merzouga or Erg Chegaga, but they’re just as beautiful, making it a perfect choice for first-time visitors to the Sahara.
