The short answer
About one and a half to two hours to cross the river, climb through the towers, look in on the old mosque and reach the granary at the top. Add half an hour for lunch on the village side. On a day trip from Marrakech that fits well; if you prefer to wander, give it half a day.
In more detail
The ksar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed in 1987, and one of the most filmed places in Morocco, from Lawrence of Arabia to Gladiator and Game of Thrones. The climb is short but steep in places, on uneven earth steps.
You reach it across the Ounila river, on stepping stones when the water is low and by a small boat when it runs higher. A handful of families still live inside the walls; lived-in sections are marked, so stay out of private doorways and ask before you photograph anyone.
Ouarzazate is about 30 km further on, roughly half an hour, which is why the two are usually paired in one day.
Good to know
- Wear comfortable shoes for the climb to the granary.
- Ask your guide to point out the old film sets still on the plain below.
- If a family invites you onto their roof for the view, a small tip is polite.