Known for
Nicknamed "African Hollywood", Ouarzazate is home to major film studios. Nearby, the earthen ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What to see
A fortified earthen village, the setting of many films (Gladiator, Game of Thrones).
A former Glaoui kasbah with earthen alleys.
One of the largest film studios in the world, with visitable sets.
What to do
UNESCO ksar and famous film sets.
Road of a thousand kasbahs across the Atlas.
Bivouac and starry sky at the gate of the Sahara.
Where to eat
🍽️ Desert tagine and couscous
Traditional setting facing the kasbahs.
🍽️ Berber omelette, tea
Handy stop before hitting the road.
Where to stay & book
Sleep facing the ksar, magical at sunrise.
Comfortable base near the film studios.
Nature stop on the desert road.
Climate & temperature
☀️ Summer: Summer: 38 to 44 °C, very hot and dry.
❄️ Winter: Winter: 18 to 20 °C by day, cold at night (~2 °C).
✅ Best time: October-April to explore the kasbahs.
🧴 Very strong sun during the day: protection essential. · Bitterly cold nights in winter due to the altitude. · Isolated areas between sites: bring water and fuel.
🎒 Hat & sunscreen · Warm clothes (night) · Water · Good shoes
Safety & tips
💡 Local tip: Aït-Ben-Haddou is stunning late in the day when the light gilds the earthen walls. Cross the river and climb up to the granary at the top.
Someone approaches you, claims your route is closed, or offers to guide you 'for free' to a square or landmark. Once there, they demand money, sometimes insistently.
✅ Refuse politely but firmly ('la, choukran' = no thanks) and keep walking. Use an offline map. A real guide carries an official badge. Never follow anyone who insists.
The driver refuses to turn on the meter ('it's broken') and then announces an inflated fare on arrival, sometimes 3 to 5 times the normal price.
✅ Ask for the meter before getting in. If the meter 'doesn't work', step out and simply take the next taxi — there are always others. If the driver insists or threatens you, call the police (19). Without a meter, agree on the price IN ADVANCE and ask your riad about the normal fare. Ride-hailing apps (inDrive, Careem) show the price upfront and avoid any dispute.
A woman grabs your hand and starts a henna tattoo 'as a gift', then demands a high price. Some black hennas contain allergy-triggering additives.
✅ Keep your hands close to you and refuse any contact. Never hold out your hand. Walk away at the very first approach.