Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou Guide: Kasbahs, Film Studios and Where to Stay
The UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Benhaddou, Atlas Studios, the Taourirt Kasbah and the Tizi n'Tichka pass, plus the best riads and kasbah hotels.
On the far side of the High Atlas, where the mountains give way to the desert, Ouarzazate and the ancient ksar of Aït Benhaddou feel like a film set, and often they are. Earthen kasbahs glow red and gold in the evening light, palm groves line the riverbeds and the road south leads to the Dades Valley and the Sahara. It is the gateway to the deep south, and one of the most beautiful stops on any Moroccan road trip.
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Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou at a glance
- Best for: kasbahs, film locations, desert landscapes, road trips
- Ideal stay: 1 to 2 nights, often on the way to the Sahara
- Best months: March to May and September to November
- Arrive by: about 4 hours by road from Marrakech over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, or flight to Ouarzazate Airport
Aït Benhaddou: the jewel of the south
About 30 kilometres from Ouarzazate, Aït Benhaddou is a ksar, a fortified village of earthen houses, towers and granaries stacked up a hillside above the Ounila River. It once guarded the caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Its timeless look has made it a favourite of filmmakers, from historical epics to fantasy series.
Cross the river on the stepping stones or the footbridge, wander up through the lanes and climb to the old granary at the top for a sweeping view over the valley. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is warm and the day-trippers have gone. A few families still live inside the old village, so be respectful when taking photos.
Best things to do in Ouarzazate
- Tour Atlas Studios. Founded in 1983 just west of the city, this is one of the largest film studios in the world. Guided tours take you through sets of temples, palaces and ancient cities.
- Visit the Taourirt Kasbah. The former residence of the powerful Glaoui family, in the heart of the town, is a maze of courtyards, painted ceilings and earthen towers.
- Explore the Fint Oasis. A hidden palm oasis a short drive from town, with a small village and dramatic desert scenery.
- Drive the Tizi n’Tichka pass. The road from Marrakech crosses the High Atlas at over 2,200 metres, with hairpin bends, Berber villages and huge views. It is an experience in itself.
- Continue to Skoura and the Dades Valley. East of Ouarzazate, the palm groves of Skoura and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs lead to the Dades and Todra gorges and on to the dunes of Merzouga.
Where to stay
Sleep in Aït Benhaddou to see the ksar at sunrise and sunset without the crowds, or in Ouarzazate for more choice, restaurants and an easy start towards the Dades Valley.
In Aït Benhaddou
Kasbah El Hajja
Inside the old village · traditional
A family guest house inside the old ksar, with Berber-style rooms, terraces where you are welcomed with mint tea and pastries, and solar-powered lighting. A rare chance to sleep inside a World Heritage site.
Dar Mouna
Mid-range · 200 m from the gates · pool
A guest house a short walk from the entrance to the ksar, with an outdoor pool, a hammam and a terrace with views of the kasbah. Rooms are decorated with colourful traditional furnishings.
Riad Caravane
Mid-range · Ounila Valley · pool
A kasbah-style guest house in the Ounila Valley, about a 10-minute walk from the ksar, with a pool, two terraces, a Berber lounge and a restaurant serving regional specialities.
Riad Tamdakhte
Great value · 5 km from Aït Benhaddou · pool
A peaceful riad in the village of Tamdakhte, with a pool, garden and terraces, and rooms with mountain and river views. Ideal for exploring the quieter Ounila Valley.
In Ouarzazate
Riad Dar Rita
Great value · Traditional riad
A cosy, traditionally decorated riad about 15 minutes’ walk from the town centre, with a fireplace, library and terrace. Warm hospitality and a free breakfast make it a guest favourite.
Riad Dar Bergui
Mid-range · Pool · Berber design
A riad close to the town centre and the airport, with an outdoor pool, a terrace and air-conditioned rooms with views of the Atlas Mountains or the pool. A Berber breakfast is served each morning.
Hôtel Riad Dar Daïf
Mid-range · Outside town · Atlas and lake views
A traditional kasbah-hotel about 5 kilometres from the centre, with a pool, a furnished patio and individually decorated rooms looking out to the Atlas Mountains and the lake.
Getting there and around
From Marrakech, the drive over the Tizi n’Tichka pass takes about four hours without stops. Buses run several times a day, and many travellers visit on a guided tour to the desert, or as a long day trip. Book tours from Marrakech on GetYourGuide. A rental car gives you the most freedom to stop at viewpoints and kasbahs along the way; compare prices on DiscoverCars. Ouarzazate also has a small airport with domestic flights.
Do it like a Moroccan: local tips
- Start early. The mountain road is slow, and the light at Aït Benhaddou is best early and late in the day.
- Bring layers. The Tizi n’Tichka pass can be cold and even snowy in winter, while the valleys below are warm.
- Carry cash. Small guest houses, cafés and kasbah entrances often only accept dirhams.
- Buy from the artists. Painters in Aït Benhaddou make pictures with saffron, indigo and tea that appear when warmed over a flame. A lovely, light souvenir.
When to go
Spring and autumn bring warm, sunny days and cool nights, perfect for exploring. Summer is very hot, so visit early and late in the day. Winter days are bright and pleasant, but nights are cold, and snow can occasionally close the mountain pass for a few hours.
Continue east through the Dades and Todra Gorges to the dunes with our Merzouga travel guide, or plan your road trip with the free Moroccanly trip planner.
Cover photo: Markus Wagner on Unsplash
Questions and tips
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[…] A long but spectacular day over the Tizi n’Tichka pass to the UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Benhaddou and the film studios of Ouarzazate. It is a lot of driving for one day, so if you can, stay a night or continue on to the Sahara. Read our Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou guide. […]
[…] your journey with our Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou guide and the Merzouga travel guide, or plan your road trip with the free Moroccanly trip […]