Ouarzazate Things To Do

The Kasbahs
The Glaoui family once ruled the south of Morocco and enjoyed spectacularly lavish lifestyles. They built two Kasbahs (fortified houses) in Ouarzazate. Tiffoultout is now a famed hotel and restaurant where visitors can see folklore displays and Berber dancing. Taourirt, or the Glaoui Palace, once housed hundreds of people, including servants and harems as well as livestock. It is well worth a guided tour, despite its disrepair, for its décor, including cedar wood ceilings, and the insight it gives into Moroccan culture. Look out also for the Old Jewish Quarter and the shops selling traditional goods.

Atlas Studios
The incredible landscape led to the formation of the studios, amongst the world’s largest, which in turn led to fine hotels and restaurants opening in what was once a French garrison town. Many blockbusters were shot here, including Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopatra, The Last Temptation of Christ, The Jewel of the Nile and Kundun, as well as scenes for Gladiator and Star Wars were shot here. You don’t need to be a film buff to enjoy seeing the sets and props on the guided tour.

Exploring the desert, mountains and gorges
Ouarzazate is the perfect base for exploring the Sahara, to the south, and the mountains to the north, as well as the gorges and the Draa Valley, with its Kasbahs. Visitors can hire mountain bikes, quad bikes, horses and camels, or take a hiking tour, but most travellers will see the truly spectacular scenery from a 4X4 with air-conditioning, as part of an excursion or with a guide. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore on foot.

The Todra Gorge
The Todra River valley’s palm and olive groves, almond and fruit trees suddenly give way to a 1,000 ft high canyon of pink and green rock with just a narrow slit of sky visible above. One of the most magnificent sights in all Morocco.

The Dades Valley and Gorge
Again, driving through the Dades Valley gives little idea of what is to come. The fig, date and almond orchards, the rose nurseries, the red Kasbahs and cliffs are left behind and all that can be seen are the two spectacular cliffs rising up on either side.

Aït Benhaddou
This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of a number of Kasbahs made of mud and straw, which sadly are damaged with each rainstorm. This town, which is truly beautiful at sunrise and sunset, has been a setting in a number of films including Jesus of Nazareth.

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