Things To Do
in Warzat
Warzat (commonly spelled Ouarzazate) is a sun-baked city on the southern edge of the High Atlas, known as the 'Door of the Desert' and a hub for Sahara-bound travelers. It blends dramatic kasbah architecture, broad desert landscapes and a surprising film-studio heritage—several international movies and series were filmed here. The town functions as a practical base for exploring Aït Benhaddou, the Draa Valley and the Atlas foothills, offering easy access to desert excursions and mountain passes.
Visitors will find a mix of traditional Berber culture, French influences and tourism-oriented services in a compact, low-rise cityscape.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the narrow, winding streets of Warzat's historic center, taking in the intricate architecture and vibrant colors of the local buildings. Stop by a traditional bakery to sample freshly baked bread and pastries while mingling with friendly locals. Don't miss a visit to the bustling souk, where you can observe artisans crafting their goods and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir.
After lunch at a quaint café, immerse yourself in the rich history of Warzat by visiting the Museum of Moroccan Arts, which showcases exquisite artifacts and exhibits. Continue your exploration by wandering through the ancient medina and discovering hidden gems such as local art galleries and craft shops. As you walk, take time to engage with the locals, learning about their daily lives and traditions.
As the sun sets, head to a rooftop terrace restaurant for a delicious Moroccan dinner featuring tagines and couscous. Enjoy the stunning views of the city illuminated by warm lights while savoring traditional mint tea. Conclude your day with an evening stroll through the medina, where the sounds of laughter and music fill the air, providing a lively atmosphere.
Begin your day by visiting Warzat’s lively market, known for its fresh produce and spices. Engage with local vendors and learn about traditional Moroccan ingredients as you sample various olives, nuts, and dried fruits. The vibrant colors and aromas of the market create an immersive experience, perfect for photography and cultural learning.
After a delightful lunch at a local food stall, participate in a cooking class where a local chef teaches you how to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes. You’ll learn about the spices and techniques used in Moroccan cuisine as you chop, stir, and season your own meal. This hands-on experience allows you to connect with the culture through food and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Spend your evening at a cultural performance that showcases traditional Moroccan music and dance. Often held in local venues, these performances provide insight into the rich artistic heritage of the region. Enjoy the festive atmosphere as you clap along to the rhythm and perhaps even join the dancers on stage.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee/Tea at café | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / riad | $30-60 |
| 🚕Local taxi short ride | $1-5 |
| 🎟️Museum or kasbah entrance | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to the Sahara and dramatic desert landscapes
- Rich film and cultural heritage with iconic kasbahs
- Good base for day trips to Aït Benhaddou, Dades and Todra Gorges
- Authentic Berber hospitality and traditional crafts
- Hot summers and limited shade in peak months
- Smaller town with fewer amenities than big cities
- Limited public transport for reaching remote sites—guided tours often required
- Language barriers in rural areas (limited English outside tourist services)
- "Salam alaikum" - Peace be upon you (hello)
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Bslama" - Goodbye
- "Besh-hal?" - How much? (How much does it cost?)
- "La shukran" - No, thank you
- "Afak" - Please / Excuse me
Places to Visit in Warzat
Visit one of these nice places.
Excellent vantage points for dawn and dusk photos of the mud-brick complex, narrow alleys and surrounding desert light.
Iconic UNESCO-recognized clay architecture on a hill—timeless images at golden hour and panoramic shots from the riverbank.
Film sets and props offer cinematic backdrops; great for staged portraits and behind-the-scenes imagery.
Lush date palm oases framed by red earth—ideal for contrast shots between greenery and desert tones.
Scenic mountain pass viewpoints with layered peaks and winding roads, especially photogenic in clear weather.
Food in Warzat
Warzat Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked stew with vegetables, preserved lemons and olives (or with prunes and almonds); find excellent versions at riads and family-run restaurants.
Must-Try!
Steamed semolina usually served on Fridays with seasonal vegetables and meat; try it in local eateries on market days.
Hearty soup often served during colder months or Ramadan; eaten with fresh khobz (Moroccan bread) available from bakeries.
Local dates and confections from nearby oases are common—available in markets and from cooperatives.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small market stalls selling oranges, dates, nuts, flatbreads and skewered meats; try freshly squeezed orange juice, grilled kebabs and msemen (layered pancake) from street vendors.
When visiting the ksar on market day, you'll find simple food stalls offering local bread, tagine and snacks—great for a quick taste of regional cooking.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially in rural areas and religious sites—this shows respect and reduces unwanted attention.
Greet shopkeepers and hosts with 'Salam' (peace) and a handshake if appropriate; use right hand for eating and giving/receiving items.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in villages and of women; some may decline and it’s important to respect that.
Haggling is normal in souks—start lower than the asking price and be polite; fixed-price shops may not expect bargaining.
Safety
Tipping in Warzat
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated: small tips (10–20 MAD / $1–2) for porters, 5–10% in restaurants if service isn't included, and 20–50 MAD for local guides depending on service. Offer small denominations and tip in local currency (MAD).
Cash (Moroccan dirham, MAD) is king in markets and small towns; ATMs are available in Ouarzazate but less common in villages—carry sufficient cash for excursions. Major hotels and some restaurants accept credit cards, but always confirm before paying.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry with daytime highs often above 35°C (95°F); seek shade mid-day, hydrate, and plan outdoor activities for morning or late afternoon. Nights can be pleasantly cooler—AC in accommodations is useful.
Warm days and cooler nights make it one of the best times to visit; comfortable conditions for hiking, sightseeing and photography with less intense heat.
Cool to cold nights, occasional frost and even light snow on higher Atlas peaks; daytime temperatures are mild but bring warm layers for evenings and early mornings.
Blooming vegetation in valleys and comfortable temperatures—ideal for outdoor activities and visiting oases before the peak tourist season.
Warzat at Night
Hiking in Warzat
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes around the UNESCO ksar offer easy trails with panoramic views of the clay buildings and surrounding plains—great for sunrise and sunset photography.
A network of hikes through dramatic red-rock canyons and terraced valleys; routes vary from easy village walks to more challenging canyon treks.
Scenic walking and climbing routes in a deep limestone gorge—popular with hikers and rock climbers, with options for half-day or full-day excursions.
Higher-elevation trails offering mountain views, traditional villages and seasonal wildflowers—suitable for day hikes and multi-day treks with guides.
Gentle walks among palm groves, irrigation channels and small settlements—ideal for cultural encounters and birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Warzat by plane.
Small regional airport with domestic flights to Casablanca and occasional seasonal connections—about 10–20 minutes from the city center.
Major international airport serving Marrakech; roughly a 3.5–4 hour drive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, used by many travelers connecting to Ouarzazate by road or transfer.
Regional airport to the east, sometimes used for access to the eastern Sahara and Draa Valley; a longer drive but useful for certain itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous Berber communities form a large part of the local population, preserving language, crafts and traditional lifestyles, especially in surrounding villages.
Arab-speaking residents contribute to the cultural and commercial life of the city, with French commonly spoken in administration and tourism.
A seasonal mix of international tourists, filmmakers and a small expat community involved in hospitality, guiding and creative industries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Morocco—local matches and informal games are common in towns and villages.
Traditional camel and horse riding activities feature in festivals and tourist excursions; occasional local events showcase equestrian skills.
Growing interest in outdoor endurance sports, with routes in the Atlas foothills and desert providing varied terrain.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Warzat.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (vegetable tagines, salads, couscous), but meat is common—ask for 'bela lh’m' (without meat) and confirm stock of fresh vegetables in small villages.
Vegan needs can be met with vegetable stews and salads, but cross-contamination with butter/ghee and wheat in breads is common; communicate restrictions clearly, and in larger riads/ restaurants you’ll have better luck.
Most meat served is halal in Morocco; if you have strict requirements, confirm with restaurant staff—seafood and vegetarian options are safe alternatives.