On the road between Marrakech and the Sahara lie two of Morocco’s most famous places: the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou and the desert city of Ouarzazate, known as the “Door of the Desert” and the “Hollywood of Africa”. Almost every desert tour stops here. This guide tells you what to see, how long to stay and how to get there.
Ait Benhaddou: a UNESCO jewel
Ait Benhaddou is a ksar – a fortified village of earthen houses and kasbahs built on a hill above the Ounila river. It was an important stop on the old caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Since 1987 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the best-preserved examples of southern Moroccan earthen architecture.
What to do
- Climb to the granary (agadir) at the top of the hill for a 360° view over the ksar, the river and the palm grove.
- Walk through the narrow alleys and visit a traditional house still lived in by a few families.
- Meet local artists who paint with saffron, tea and indigo – the paper is heated to reveal the colours.
- Cross the river on stepping stones or via the new bridge.
Famous films
Ait Benhaddou has appeared in Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Kingdom of Heaven, Prince of Persia and Game of Thrones (as the city of Yunkai).
Ouarzazate: the Hollywood of Africa
Ouarzazate, about 30 km from Ait Benhaddou, is a calm city at 1,160 m altitude surrounded by desert and mountains. Its clear light and dramatic scenery have attracted film producers for decades.
What to see
- Atlas Film Studios – one of the largest film studios in the world by area. Guided tours show sets from famous films and series.
- Kasbah Taourirt – the former residence of the powerful Glaoui family, with painted ceilings and zellige tiles.
- Noor Ouarzazate solar complex – one of the largest concentrated solar power plants in the world (visible from the road).
- Fint Oasis – a hidden green oasis a short drive from the city.
Getting there from Marrakech
The drive from Marrakech takes about 4 hours via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m), one of the most scenic roads in Morocco, with Berber villages, argan and walnut trees and views of the High Atlas. Some itineraries also take the quieter Telouet route to visit the Glaoui kasbah.
How much time do you need?
- Day trip: possible from Marrakech, but it is a long day (about 8 hours of driving in total). See our private day trip to Ouarzazate.
- Better: visit on the first day of a desert tour, on the way to the Dades Gorges and Merzouga – for example our 3-day Merzouga tour.
- Slow travel: spend a night in a kasbah hotel in Ait Benhaddou and see the ksar at sunset and sunrise, without crowds.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn offer the best temperatures. Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon for softer light and fewer tour groups. In winter the Atlas pass can have snow, which makes the landscape beautiful.
Practical tips
- Wear good shoes – the path to the top of the ksar is steep and uneven.
- A small fee may be asked to visit houses inside the ksar.
- Bring water and sun protection.
- Local guides are available at the entrance if you are not on a guided tour.
Continue your journey
After Ouarzazate, the road continues through the Valley of Roses and the Dades and Todra gorges to the dunes of Merzouga. Read Merzouga vs Zagora and the best day trips from Marrakech, or ask us for a custom itinerary on WhatsApp: +212 606-957514.