Amongst my favourite things to do in and around Ouarzazate was the discovery of the Fint Oasis. Many travellers aren’t aware of its presence, and they are definitely missing something incredible.
I discovered it by coincidence, talking with local staff at the hostel as I was looking for unusual things to do around Ouarzazate. They talked about it with such passion that I had to give it a go.
But, Fint means hidden in Tamazight, and for a reason. The path to reach it isn’t the most accessible, but the rewards are worth every effort made. Let me guide you into the Fint Oasis in Morocco, and why you should visit this local gem near Ouarzazate.
Amongst my favourite things to do in and around Ouarzazate was the discovery of the Fint Oasis. Many travellers aren’t aware of its presence, and they are definitely missing something incredible.
I discovered it by coincidence, talking with local staff at the hostel as I was looking for unusual things to do around Ouarzazate. They talked about it with such passion that I had to give it a go.
But, Fint means hidden in Tamazight, and for a reason. The path to reach it isn’t the most accessible, but the rewards are worth every effort made.
Let me guide you into the Fint Oasis in Morocco, and why you should visit this local gem near Ouarzazate.
The Drâa region in Morocco isn’t what I would call a luxurious landscape. Many call this part of the country and Ouarzazate, the desert gate, for a reason. But, in this dry environment is a peaceful and green escape for the day.
The Fint Oasis appears like a magical place. Out of a corner, you can see various trees and plenty of other plants growing around what seems to be a river. The contrast this vision offers looks like straight out of a postcard, and I can still remember it clearly years after.
The oasis is part of the desert and offers a unique ecosystem, one of the most beautiful I’ve seen while backpacking in Morocco. It is fascinating to see how species thrive in this little piece of paradise. If you are looking to explore an off-the-beaten-path travel gem near Ouarzazate and create fantastic memories, the Fint Oasis is worth visiting.
The Drâa region in Morocco isn’t what I would call a luxurious landscape. Many call this part of the country and Ouarzazate, the desert gate, for a reason. But, in this dry environment is a peaceful and green escape for the day.
The Fint Oasis appears like a magical place. Out of a corner, you can see various trees and plenty of other plants growing around what seems to be a river. The contrast this vision offers looks like straight out of a postcard, and I can still remember it clearly years after.
The oasis is part of the desert and offers a unique ecosystem, one of the most beautiful I’ve seen while backpacking in Morocco. It is fascinating to see how species thrive in this little piece of paradise.
If you are looking to explore an off-the-beaten-path travel gem near Ouarzazate and create fantastic memories, the Fint Oasis is worth visiting.
Quick Facts about the Oasis of Fint near Ouarzazate
🌴️Fint Oasis – Quick Facts
Everything you need to know before visiting one of Morocco’s hidden gem.
- Location Drâa region
- Distance from Ouarzazate by car ~35 km · 20 min
- Distance from Ouarzazate by bike ~1h 30 min
- Best time to visit September – April
- Entry fee Free
- Facilities None (no toilets, shops, or restaurants)
- Things to do Hiking, exploration, swiming, wild camping
The oasis of Fint is a Moroccan treasure still spared by mass tourism. Bring enough water, sun protection, and be careful of leaving nothing behind but footprints.
Where is Fint Oasis Located?
The Fint Oasis is situated approximately 12 kilometres south of Ouarzazate, in southern Morocco, at the edge of the vast desert landscapes that stretch slowly towards the Sahara. Sitting close to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, its location might explain the contrast between the arid surroundings and the palm groves alongside the river.
To reach the Fint Oasis, you first need to head south from Ouarzazate following the N9 road, then turn right on the P1516 road, and left on the P1507.
After roughly 10 kilometres, you’ll see signs indicating “Oasis de Fint.” That’s where the real adventure begins (here). You’ll leave the paved road and continue on a rocky, unpaved track for the last few kilometres.
Although difficult to access, its slightly isolated position is precisely what keeps the Oasis of Fint preserved from heavy tourism. So, fortunately, you won’t find many tourist shops or bus tours, but four small villages surrounding the oasis, closely connected to this precious water source.
Route to Fint Oasis: N9 – P1516 – P1507 – P1509 (35min by car – 20 kilometres)
The Fint Oasis is situated approximately 12 kilometres south of Ouarzazate, in southern Morocco, at the edge of the vast desert landscapes that stretch slowly towards the Sahara.
Sitting close to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, its location might explain the contrast between the arid surroundings and the palm groves alongside the river.
To reach the Fint Oasis, you first need to head south from Ouarzazate following the N9 road, then turn right on the P1516 road, and left on the P1507.
After roughly 10 kilometres, you’ll see signs indicating “Oasis de Fint.” That’s where the real adventure begins (here). You’ll leave the paved road and continue on a rocky, unpaved track for the last few kilometres.
Although difficult to access, its slightly isolated position is precisely what keeps the Oasis of Fint preserved from heavy tourism.
So, fortunately, you won’t find many tourist shops or bus tours, but four small villages surrounding the oasis, closely connected to this precious water source.
Route to Fint Oasis: N9 – P1516 – P1507 – P1509 (35min by car – 20 kilometres)
Oasis de Fint: Complete Travel Guide & Tips
1/ Best Time to visit Fint Oasis in Morocco
The best time to visit this Moroccan desert Oasis varies during the year. Due to its location in an arid environment, you can enjoy it almost all year round. Plus, being off-the-beaten-path and difficult to access, chances are low that you will find crowds of tourists regardless of the season.
However, it’s important to consider the water flow before visiting the oasis of Fint. During an extended dry period, the water level might be low, offering fewer possibilities to swim and enjoy nature around.
The months from September to April are perfect for a day trip to this Oasis in the desert. During this time, temperatures are still supportable, and you are sure to find plenty of wildlife around this hidden gem in Morocco near Ouarzazate.
Best Time to visit Fint Oasis: September – April
The best time to visit this Moroccan desert Oasis varies during the year. Due to its location in an arid environment, you can enjoy it almost all year round.
Plus, being off-the-beaten-path and difficult to access, chances are low that you will find crowds of tourists regardless of the season.
However, it’s important to consider the water flow before visiting the oasis of Fint. During an extended dry period, the water level might be low, offering fewer possibilities to swim and enjoy nature around.
The months from September to April are perfect for a day trip to this Oasis in the desert. During this time, temperatures are still supportable, and you are sure to find plenty of wildlife around this hidden gem in Morocco near Ouarzazate.
Best Time to visit Fint Oasis: September – April
2/ How to reach the Fint Oasis
There are different ways you can reach this hidden Oasis in Morocco. Depending on your budget, time, and skills, each of them offers advantages and disadvantages. The Oasis of Fint is located approximately 12 km south of Ouarzazate, near the Atlas Mountains. However, the last part on a rough rocky road will make the short drive take around 45 minutes in a desert landscape.
There are different ways you can reach this hidden Oasis in Morocco. Depending on your budget, time, and skills, each of them offers advantages and disadvantages.
The Oasis of Fint is located approximately 12 km south of Ouarzazate, near the Atlas Mountains. However, the last part on a rough rocky road will make the short drive take around 45 minutes in a desert landscape.
By car
You can access the Fint Oasis by car. This is the good news. The bad one? The road is very rocky and bumpy on the last kilometres, so ensure your vehicle can go on this type of road. Four wheels would be the best, but you will do with what you have. By driving slowly, you should avoid any damage.
You can access the Fint Oasis by car. This is the good news. The bad one? The road is very rocky and bumpy on the last kilometres, so ensure your vehicle can go on this type of road.
Four wheels would be the best, but you will do with what you have. By driving slowly, you should avoid any damage.
By taxi
From Ouarzazate, go to the taxi central station and ask one of them to take you to Fint Oasis. The price should be around 300 – 500 MAD for the round-trip drive, depending on your haggling skills. Once you arrive at your destination, your driver will wait for you until you are finished and ready to head back to Ouarzazate. Thus, ensure that you agree on this point before leaving Ouarzazate to avoid one of the biggest Moroccan scam.
From Ouarzazate, go to the taxi central station and ask one of them to take you to Fint Oasis. The price should be around 300 – 500 MAD for the round-trip drive, depending on your haggling skills.
Once you arrive at your destination, your driver will wait for you until you are finished and ready to head back to Ouarzazate.
Thus, ensure that you agree on this point before leaving Ouarzazate to avoid one of the biggest Moroccan scam.
By scooter
In Ouarzazate, some shops exist to rent scooters. Prices should be around 20-30 euros for the day, and you must be careful on the rocky part of the path. Besides that, it can be a great alternative to the car as it is usually cheaper.
In Ouarzazate, some shops exist to rent scooters. Prices should be around 20-30 euros for the day, and you must be careful on the rocky part of the path. Besides that, it can be a great alternative to the car as it is usually cheaper.
By bike
If you are a real savvy backpacker like me, you can go biking! Rent one in Ouarzazate for 10 euros a day and ride your loyal transports for 1-2 hours, depending on your fitness level. The experience is worth it as you slowly see the landscapes changing. A real slow traveller journey!
If you are a real savvy backpacker like me, you can go biking! Rent one in Ouarzazate for 10 euros a day and ride your loyal transports for 1-2 hours, depending on your fitness level. The experience is worth it as you slowly see the landscapes changing. A real slow traveller journey!
3/ How long should you spend in Fint?
Overall, you can stay the whole morning or afternoon chilling in Fint Oasis. Lay down your towel, swim, rest, and enjoy the nature and landscape around you. To me, it’s a good day trip activity, whether you are doing it on a tour or by yourself.
Then, the time to come and go back to Ouarzazate will require one and a half hours. So in total, a solid 5 hours is required to have time to do everything you want. Of course, a whole day will be perfect if you want to hike and explore the villages around. Don’t rush the moment! This is the best advice I can give you.
Overall, you can stay the whole morning or afternoon chilling in Fint Oasis. Lay down your towel, swim, rest, and enjoy the nature and landscape around you. To me, it’s a good day trip activity, whether you are doing it on a tour or by yourself.
Then, the time to come and go back to Ouarzazate will require one and a half hours. So in total, a solid 5 hours is required to have time to do everything you want.
Of course, a whole day will be perfect if you want to hike and explore the villages around. Don’t rush the moment! This is the best advice I can give you.
4/ Staying Overnight in Fint Oasis
Do you want to spend a night in Fint Oasis? Two options unfold. The first is to book a room in one of the Airbnb or Guest Houses around the hidden Oasis. You can find those by looking at Google Maps. The second option is to camp there as I did!
You can rent a tent in Ouarzazate and bring it on a bike, scooter, car or taxi. It costs around 10 euros to rent it overnight. You can settle your campsite in many places, but don’t put it on the sand. By experience, this isn’t the most comfortable support for your back. The best option will be around the same point where you started the hike (see above).
Then, once installed, you can set a campfire and enjoy one of the best skies full of stars you have ever seen. There aren’t any lights in the villages around Fint, so the sky is super clear. Ensure to go when the weather is ideal, and you will be rewarded with a memorable moment. I’ve brought some sausage and veggies, a real pleasure!
Do you want to spend a night in Fint Oasis? Two options unfold. The first is to book a room in one of the Airbnb or Guest Houses around the hidden Oasis. You can find those by looking at Google Maps. The second option is to camp there as I did!
You can rent a tent in Ouarzazate and bring it on a bike, scooter, car or taxi. It costs around 10 euros to rent it overnight.
You can settle your campsite in many places, but don’t put it on the sand. By experience, this isn’t the most comfortable support for your back. The best option will be around the same point where you started the hike (see above).
Then, once installed, you can set a campfire and enjoy one of the best skies full of stars you have ever seen. There aren’t any lights in the villages around Fint, so the sky is super clear.
Ensure to go when the weather is ideal, and you will be rewarded with a memorable moment. I’ve brought some sausage and veggies, a real pleasure!
5/ Can the Oasis of Fint fit into a bigger itinerary in Morocco?
Because of its difficulty to access, I highly recommend integrating this Oasis in the desert into a bigger Morocco travel itinerary. Whether you are backpacking or travelling with more budget, having a base camp to reach this hidden gem is perfect.
My piece of advice is to sleep in Ouarzazate and go there for a day trip. Personally, I inserted a stop to Fint into a month-long itinerary across Morocco, making it part of a memorable adventure.
So if you want to visit the Fint Oasis, be aware that it’s better to make it fit into a bigger route in Morocco. Being close to Ouarzazate, this destination fits within your stay in this city, making it perfect for every traveller.
Because of its difficulty to access, I highly recommend integrating this Oasis in the desert into a bigger Morocco travel itinerary. Whether you are backpacking or travelling with more budget, having a base camp to reach this hidden gem is perfect.
My piece of advice is to sleep in Ouarzazate and go there for a day trip. Personally, I inserted a stop to Fint into a month-long itinerary across Morocco, making it part of a memorable adventure.
So if you want to visit the Fint Oasis, be aware that it’s better to make it fit into a bigger route in Morocco. Being close to Ouarzazate, this destination fits within your stay in this city, making it perfect for every traveller.
6/ Who Should Visit Fint Oasis?
Fint Oasis isn’t for everyone, and that’s exactly what makes it special and why I loved it. I believe that this oasis near Ouarzazate is the perfect day trip for you if you:
- Enjoy quiet, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
- Prefer nature and authenticity over tourist attractions.
- Don’t mind a rough road to reach a rewarding place.
- Travel Slowly through Southern Morocco.
However, if you expect luxury facilities or guided tours, get annoyed by bugs and dirty roads, or prefer developed tourist sites and are short on time, I advise you to move on. There are no major infrastructures in and around Fint Oasis.
But, if you’re crafting a thoughtful Morocco itinerary and want something more quiet and authentic than the usual stops, it’s absolutely worth adding.
Fint Oasis isn’t for everyone, and that’s exactly what makes it special and why I loved it. I believe that this oasis near Ouarzazate is the perfect day trip for you if you:
- Enjoy quiet, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
- Don’t mind a rough road to reach a rewarding place.
- Travel Slowly through Southern Morocco.
- Prefer nature and authenticity over tourist attractions.
However, if you expect luxury facilities or guided tours, get annoyed by bugs and dirty roads, or prefer developed tourist sites and are short on time, I advise you to move on.
There are no major infrastructures in and around Fint Oasis. But, if you’re crafting a thoughtful Morocco itinerary and want something more quiet and authentic than the usual stops, it’s absolutely worth adding.
Best Things to do in the Oasis of Fint
Hike Around
From the parking at the Fint Oasis entrance, follow the river on your right until you reach the crossing passage. From there, take a sharp left and go towards the facing hill.
You can climb to the top of this one and witness one of the most beautiful panoramas over the hidden Oasis and catch a glimpse of the Atlas Mountains. A real delight for your eyes.
From the parking at the Fint Oasis entrance, follow the river on your right until you reach the crossing passage. From there, take a sharp left and go towards the facing hill.
You can climb to the top of this one and witness one of the most beautiful panoramas over the hidden Oasis and catch a glimpse of the Atlas Mountains. A real delight for your eyes.
Explore the villages
If you are travelling slowly and eager to dive into the local Moroccan culture, you can explore the nearby village. In total, 4 villages surround the Fint oasis, gathering slightly more than 150 people.
You can eat traditional Moroccan food such as tagine or couscous while sipping a boiling mint tea.
Once again, it is not an invitation to take the locals for an attraction but rather to approach them to share mutual cultures and knowledge. With a smile and good intentions, many doors open and great things happen.
If you are travelling slowly and eager to dive into the local Moroccan culture, you can explore the nearby village. In total, 4 villages surround the Fint oasis, gathering slightly more than 150 people. You can eat traditional Moroccan food such as tagine or couscous while sipping a boiling mint tea.
Once again, it is not an invitation to take the locals for an attraction but rather to approach them to share mutual cultures and knowledge. With a smile and good intentions, many doors open and great things happen.
Enjoy the Oasis
Sometimes, the best thing to do is to do nothing. Follow the Slow Traveller mantras and enjoy your time in the Oasis of Fint. Take a dip, enjoy the beauty of the surroundings, and immerse yourself in the water and nature sounds.
This is a break from the heat of Ouarzazate any traveller will appreciate, especially if you come by bike like me. The water is clean, so don’t hesitate to jump in it!
Many species live around, and you can even see turtles in the morning or evening, looking for food.
Sometimes, the best thing to do is to do nothing. Follow the Slow Traveller mantras and enjoy your time in the Oasis of Fint.
Take a dip, enjoy the beauty of the surroundings, and immerse yourself in the water and nature sounds. This is a break from the heat of Ouarzazate any traveller will appreciate, especially if you come by bike like me.
The water is clean, so don’t hesitate to jump in it! Many species live around, and you can even see turtles in the morning or evening, looking for food.
The Fint Oasis - FAQ
Where is Fint Oasis in Morocco?
Fint Oasis is located 12 km south of Ouarzazate in southern Morocco, at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. To go there, follow the N9 road, then turn right on the P1516 road, and left on the P1507.
Fint Oasis is located 12 km south of Ouarzazate in southern Morocco, at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. To go there, follow the N9 road, then turn right on the P1516 road, and left on the P1507.
How do you get to Fint Oasis?
You can reach Fint Oasis by car, taxi, scooter, or bike from Ouarzazate. A round-trip taxi usually costs 300–500 MAD. The road becomes uneven in the last kilometres, so driving slowly is essential. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended but not required.
You can reach Fint Oasis by car, taxi, scooter, or bike from Ouarzazate. A round-trip taxi usually costs 300–500 MAD. The road becomes uneven in the last kilometres, so driving slowly is essential. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended but not required.
Is Fint Oasis worth visiting?
Yes absolutely! Fint Oasis is worth visiting if you are looking for a quiet, authentic desert oasis near Ouarzazate. It offers palm groves, small Berber villages, and a peaceful place where nature thrives.
Yes absolutely! Fint Oasis is worth visiting if you are looking for a quiet, authentic desert oasis near Ouarzazate. It offers palm groves, small Berber villages, and a peaceful place where nature thrives.
How long should you spend at Fint Oasis?
Most visitors spend half a day exploring and relaxing at Fint Oasis. The Oasis is small, but including transport time from Ouarzazate, at least 5 hours are required. A full day is ideal if you want to hike and visit nearby villages.
Most visitors spend half a day exploring and relaxing at Fint Oasis. The Oasis is small, but including transport time from Ouarzazate, at least 5 hours are required. A full day is ideal if you want to hike and visit nearby villages.
Can you swim in the Fint Oasis?
Yes, swimming is possible in the Fint Oasis. The water is generally clean and refreshing. Be careful not to swim with suncream on you to avoid damaging the local fauna.
Yes, swimming is possible in the Fint Oasis. The water is generally clean and refreshing. Be careful not to swim with suncream on you to avoid damaging the local fauna.
Where to eat around the Oasis de Fint?
You can either bring your picnic or go to the surrounding villages. A few restaurants around the Oasis Fint are there where you can eat delicious traditional Moroccan food.
You can either bring your picnic or go to the surrounding villages. A few restaurants around the Oasis Fint are there where you can eat delicious traditional Moroccan food.
Is there an entrance fee to Fint Oasis?
There is no entrance fee to visit Fint Oasis. Access is free. You only need to budget for transportation or accommodation if you want to stay overnight.
There is no entrance fee to visit Fint Oasis. Access is free. You only need to budget for transportation or accommodation if you want to stay overnight.
Is Fint Oasis safe for travellers?
Fint Oasis is considered safe for visitors, including solo travellers. The nearby villages are small and welcoming. However, as with anywhere in Morocco, basic precautions and respectful behaviour are recommended.
Fint Oasis is considered safe for visitors, including solo travellers. The nearby villages are small and welcoming. However, as with anywhere in Morocco, basic precautions and respectful behaviour are recommended.
Can you stay overnight in Fint Oasis?
Yes, you can stay overnight in Fint Oasis. Options include guesthouses in surrounding villages or wild camping near the palm grove. Many travellers stay to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and clear night skies.
Yes, you can stay overnight in Fint Oasis. Options include guesthouses in surrounding villages or wild camping near the palm grove. Many travellers stay to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and clear night skies.
What is the best time to visit Fint Oasis?
The best time to visit Fint Oasis is between April and November when temperatures are warm enough, and water flow runs enough. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather conditions.
The best time to visit Fint Oasis is between April and November when temperatures are warm enough, and water flow runs enough. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather conditions.
Final Tips to Enjoy the Oasis of Fint
The Oasis of Fint is one of those places that you don’t expect when travelling slowly in Morocco. It is a hidden gem only locals and a few visitors know, far from the buzz and hassle of other Moroccan places.
Still preserved from mass tourism, its difficulty of access makes it an ideal stop for any slow traveller staying in Ouarzazate. But, remember that as you enjoy this destination, don’t leave nothing but footprints.
It’s our duty as foreigners to preserve this place from our impact, as it belongs to locals. For them, it is more than a tourist spot but an invaluable water resource, a natural washing machine and a shower. Take care of it for the memories you made from staying untouched!
For more inspiration and ideas about off-the-beaten-path destinations and attractions in Morocco, I strongly encourage you to read about these routes and itineraries across Morocco.
But, where will you go after an idyllic moment in this nature haven? The mystical city of Fes isn’t that far, and you might fall in love with it as I did. If not your cup of tea, a quick shift to the Atlantic Coast and the hidden village of Tamraght is also an unmissable stop. Enjoy!
Bon Voyage!
Wander With Purpose – Connect with Heart.
The Oasis of Fint is one of those places that you don’t expect when travelling slowly in Morocco. It is a hidden gem only locals and a few visitors know, far from the buzz and hassle of other Moroccan places.
Still preserved from mass tourism, its difficulty of access makes it an ideal stop for any slow traveller staying in Ouarzazate. But, remember that as you enjoy this destination, don’t leave nothing but footprints.
It’s our duty as foreigners to preserve this place from our impact, as it belongs to locals. For them, it is more than a tourist spot but an invaluable water resource, a natural washing machine and a shower. Take care of it for the memories you made from staying untouched!
For more inspiration and ideas about off-the-beaten-path destinations and attractions in Morocco, I strongly encourage you to read about these routes and itineraries across Morocco.
But, where will you go after an idyllic moment in this nature haven? The mystical city of Fes isn’t that far, and you might fall in love with it as I did. If not your cup of tea, a quick shift to the Atlantic Coast and the hidden village of Tamraght is also an unmissable stop. Enjoy!
Bon Voyage!
Wander With Purpose – Connect with Heart.
