Discover Ouarzazate
Discover Ouarzazate, “Door of the Desert”, that’s what Ouarzazate is often called, its one of Morocco’s most facinating places. The high Atlas mountais are all around the city and you can see endless desert plateaus. The roads are filled with travelers between the Sahara, Marrakech and more. Ouarzazate is a unique blend of adventure, culture, and history a city where ancient traditions meet cinematic landscapes, making it a captivating destination for every kind of traveler.a perfect place to start your trip in the south of Morocco.
In addition to being known as the “Door of the Desert,” the city is also referred to as the “Hollywood of Morocco”. due to its strong ties to the film industry. This name comes from the countless films that’s been shot here. The landscape and acrhitecture makes
the perfect set for a movie. At the Atlas Film Studios you can see all the behind the scenes of movies like Gladiator or Game of Thrones. The city is much more than a film set. It has a lot to offer like the oases with palms, kasbahs and centuries of history. And ofcourse the Sahara that lays nearby which is full of adventure and new memories.
Ouarzazate’s history and highlights
A famous place of the city and a big highlight is the Kasbah Taorirt,
One of the city’s highlights is the Kasbah Taourirt, a beautifully preserved fortress made of red clay, once home to the powerful Glaoui family. Wandering through its rooms and corridors, you’ll step back into the world of desert traders and local rulers.
Nearby, the famous Aït Ben Haddou stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ksar (fortified village) of mud-brick houses and towers looks like something out of a fairytale and has been featured in many films. Exploring its narrow alleys and climbing to the top for panoramic views is a must when visiting Ouarzazate.
The region is also full of palm groves, mountain valleys, and hidden villages where Berber traditions are still alive. The Draa Valley, with its thousands of date palms, is one of Morocco’s most beautiful routes leading toward the desert.
Desert Adventures from Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is ideally located for travelers who want to combine cultural discovery with desert exploration. From here, you can easily reach Morocco’s two great dune regions:
Erg Chebbi – Golden Dunes of Merzouga
A journey east takes you to Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga, where Morocco’s most iconic dunes rise dramatically from the desert floor. Along the way you’ll pass through the Todgha Gorges, Ziz Valley, and traditional kasbah villages. Once at the dunes, you can ride camels at sunset, spend the night in a desert camp, and watch the sunrise turn the sand into glowing gold.
Erg Chigaga – Wild and Remote Sahara
South of Ouarzazate lies Erg Chigaga, Morocco’s largest dune area near M’hamid. This area is more isolated and less frequented, providing a more untouched and authentic desert experience. To get there, you’ll cross the Draa Valley with its endless palms and ancient ksour, then venture off-road into the Sahara. Here, silence and vastness define the experience. Camel trekking, 4×4 desert safaris, and nights under a sky full of stars make Erg Chigaga unforgettable.
Agafay Desert – A Closer Escape
If you don’t have time for a multi-day journey, the rocky Agafay Desert near Marrakech can also be reached from Ouarzazate. Though it doesn’t have high dunes, its barren beauty and desert camps make it a great option for a short desert escape.
Why Start Your Desert Journey in Ouarzazate?
Strategic location: Ouarzazate is closer to the Sahara than Marrakech, saving you travel time.
Rich culture: From film studios to historic kasbahs, there’s much to discover before you even head to the desert.
Variety of tours: Whether you prefer the iconic dunes of Erg Chebbi, the wild beauty of Erg Chigaga, or short desert getaways, Ouarzazate offers it all.
Smooth connections: The city has an airport with flights from Casablanca and other Moroccan cities, as well as good road links to Marrakech and Agadir
Your Ouarzazate Experience
Ouarzazate is not only a city to visit it’s the beginning of an adventure. From exploring ancient kasbahs and walking through movie sets to riding camels in the Sahara, every moment here combines culture and discovery. Whether you dream of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, the untouched wilderness of Erg Chigaga, or the film-like landscapes around Aït Ben Haddou, starting your journey in Ouarzazate will give you the best of Morocco.
👉 Explore our Ouarzazate desert tours and cultural trips below, and let your Moroccan story begin at the Door of the Desert.r.
