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Ouarzazate is an easy, safe city to visit once you know how the transport, money and tipping work. Flights arrive at Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ) 3km from the centre, and buses from Marrakech take about 4 hours. Here are the Ouarzazate travel tips you’ll actually use. For the full attraction list, see things to do in Ouarzazate.
Ouarzazate Travel Tips: Getting There and Around
Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ) sits about 3km north of the centre and takes domestic Royal Air Maroc flights from Casablanca (1 hour 20 minutes) plus seasonal Transavia and Royal Air Maroc flights from Paris Orly. A taxi from the airport to the centre costs 50 to 100 MAD, and there’s no airport bus, so agree the price before getting in.
CTM and Supratours buses connect Ouarzazate to Marrakech in about 4 to 4.5 hours for 80 to 120 MAD, with several departures daily from the CTM station on Avenue Mohammed V. Grand taxis (shared 6-seat cars) run to Zagora, Skoura and Kelaa M’Gouna for 20 to 80 MAD per seat. Within town, small blue taxis are metered but many drivers prefer a fixed 10 to 20 MAD. The CTM station is in the centre; see where to stay in Ouarzazate for hotels nearby.
Ouarzazate Travel Tips: Money, Visas and Practicalities
The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), with roughly 10 MAD to 1 EUR or 1 USD. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for souks, taxis and small guesthouses, and use the ATMs on Avenue Mohammed V. Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and Japan get 90 days visa-free; check your own country before travel. Most ATMs sit in the Centre Ville district covered in Ouarzazate neighborhoods.
Don’t drink the tap water. Buy bottled water (about 6 MAD for 1.5 litres) and use it for brushing teeth. WiFi is standard in hotels and riads but can be slow in the palm groves. French and Moroccan Arabic (Darija) dominate, with Tamazight spoken locally and English common in tourist businesses. A local SIM from Maroc Telecom, Orange or Inwi costs about 30 to 50 MAD with data.
Ouarzazate Travel Tips: Safety, Tipping and Etiquette
Ouarzazate has low violent crime, and the main annoyances are unofficial guides offering to “show you” the kasbahs and taxis quoting inflated fares. Politely decline touts and agree taxi prices first. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) especially around mosques and in the souk. Solo women travelers generally find the city safe, though street attention is higher in the evenings.
Tip about 10 percent in restaurants when service isn’t included, 5 to 20 MAD for guides and kasbah caretakers, and round up taxi fares to the nearest 5 MAD. Haggling in the souk is expected, so start at half the asking price and settle somewhere in the middle. If you’re visiting for a specific Ouarzazate events and festivals, book transport ahead.
Ouarzazate Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Ouarzazate?
Two full days cover the essentials: one day for Ait Ben Haddou and Atlas Studios, and a second for Kasbah Taourirt, the souk and a desert day trip to Fint Oasis or the Draa Valley. Add a third if you want to reach Zagora or the rose valley. Map out the days with the Ouarzazate city guide.
Is Ouarzazate safe at night?
Yes. The centre around Avenue Mohammed V is fine after dark, and restaurants stay open past 9pm. Use common sense, keep valuables out of sight, and take a taxi rather than walking alone to the palm-grove hotels after midnight.
Do I need a car in Ouarzazate?
Not for the city itself, which is walkable, but a car or organised tour helps for Ait Ben Haddou, the studios and desert day trips. Renting a small car costs about 250 to 400 MAD a day, or book a day tour for 300 to 600 MAD per person.
Suggested Hotels in Ouarzazate
Le Berbère Palace
This 5-star sits 5 minutes from Kasbah Taourirt with an outdoor pool, a spa with hammam, sauna and jacuzzi, and four restaurants serving French, Italian, Asian and Moroccan cuisine. Best for couples and film-crew travelers who want the highest comfort in town. Check rates and availability
Hôtel Riad Dar Daïf
Hôtel Riad Dar Daïf sits 5km from the centre with views over the Atlas Mountains and El Mansour Eddahbi lake, with individually decorated rooms around a furnished patio and pool. Best for couples and families who want a quiet traditional riad outside the city. Check rates and availability
Hotel Riad Amlal
Hotel Riad Amlal is a 1-star in the town centre with air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, private bathrooms and a shared lounge, a short walk from the CTM bus station. Best for backpackers and budget travelers who plan to be out all day. Check rates and availability
For the month-by-month weather to plan what to pack, see Ouarzazate weather by month, and match your dates to the best season with best time to visit Ouarzazate.
