Fint Oasis, Morocco: Travel Guide
I really wasn’t sure if Fint Oasis (also spelled Finnt Oasis) would be worth a visit. I tried to search online for photos or others’ thoughts, but I really couldn’t find much. In the end, I did end up going to Fint Oasis. It was much larger than I expected from what little I found online beforehand, so I’ve decided to put together this Fint Oasis travel guide to pay it forward for anyone else who’s wondering what to expect.
THIS FINT OASIS TRAVEL GUIDE INCLUDES:
- What is Fint Oasis
- How to Get to Fint Oasis
- Things to Do at Fint Oasis
- How Much Time to Spend at Fint Oasis
- Is Fint Oasis Worth It
What is Fint Oasis
Fint Oasis is exactly what it sounds like, a lush, green paradise in the middle of the dry, Moroccan desert. It is made up of four villages, and around 100 people live in Fint Oasis in total. Like nearby Ait Ben Haddou and Atlas Studios, Fint Oasis has been the set for several Hollywood blockbusters, such as Prince of Persia, Kingdom of Heaven, and Babel. Though, as you walk around, it’s hard to imagine a whole film crew there. The oasis, still sheltered from tourism, is so calm. The loudest noises will be your own footsteps and the gentle running of creek water over rocks.
How to Get to Fint Oasis
Fint Oasis is located 7.5mi (12 km) outside of Ouarzazate. Ouarzazate is a popular stopping-off point between Marrakech and excursions in the Sahara. Several coach buses a day from Supratours and CTM travel between Ouarzazate and Marrakech through the dizzying Tizi n Tichka Pass in the Atlas Mountains. Buses cost 80 MAD each way, with luggage an additional 5 MAD. The journey takes 5 – 5 ½ hours (with a 15 – 20 minute snack and bathroom break).
From Ouarzazate, you will need to take a taxi to Fint Oasis. Expect to pay 300 – 500 MAD for this round trip drive, depending on supply, demand, and your haggling skills. The drive to Fint Oasis will take around 45 minutes, as the driver must go slowly over the very rocky terrain. Once you arrive at Fint, your driver will wait for you until you are finished and ready to head back to Ouarzazate (be sure to clarify this point before agreeing on a price).
Related reading: Easy DIY Beach Day Trip from Marrakech: Essaouira
Things To Do at Fint Oasis
So what exactly does one “do” at an oasis? Well, I recommend following the route I describe for you below, starting from the makeshift parking lot at the entrance to the oasis.
It will be tempting to simply continue straight on the main path after crossing the small bridge from the parking area, but detour left instead. Follow the creek as it bends towards the mountains. Eventually, you will reach an area of the creek where large stepping-stones have been placed to create a bridge. Cross over the creek using these, and continue until there is another area of green palm trees. Walk past these, and follow the path up the hill.
This will lead you through one of the four villages of the oasis. You will get very close to people’s personal residences, so remember to keep in mind that you are in someone’s home as you explore. Once you reach the top of this hill, you will be rewarded with the most spectacular view of Fint Oasis in its full glory.
Descend the hill in the opposite direction as you came, and walk towards the oasis below. Women will be washing clothes by hand in the creek, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped through a time machine back to simpler times. (Be careful not to photograph from up close and avoid including faces.) Cross back over the creek, and walk through the main path that continues. It will hit another main road, on which you should make a right to loop back to your cab driver.
Had it not been for an Oasis local approaching us after we arrived and leading us around, we would have never found the route described above and never experienced Fint Oasis in the way that we did. He was not pushy, did not ask for payment, and expressed much gratitude when we voluntarily tipped him after our impromptu tour. If a friendly local approaches you upon your arrival, consider not writing him off. You might see or learn something unexpected like we did.
How Much Time to Spend at Fint Oasis
Budget 1.5 hours for exploring Fint Oasis itself. If you would like to find a shady spot under a palm tree to relax, maybe add another 30 minutes to that budget. With the 45 minute drive each way from Ouarzazate, this whole excursion should take 3 – 3.5 hours.
Is Fint Oasis Worth It?
Visiting Fint Oasis is a chance to see something truly unique. It’s a real life oasis in a desert, tucked away from the mass tourism that other destinations in Morocco experience. It really feels like stepping back into time, and there’s something so relaxing about walking around. If you are in the Ouarzazate or Ait Ben Haddou area for two or more days, I would say, yes, Fint Oasis is worth your time.
What Do You Think?
Will you be adding Fint Oasis to your Morocco itinerary? Do you need more details on how to get here? Let me know in the comments below, and I’ll respond.
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