Ouarzazate, Morocco, is known as ‘The gateway to the Moroccan desert.’ Its distinguishing features include various landscapes, friendly people, rich and diverse mythology, and an authentically built environment. Situated at an elevation of 1,160 meters, Ouarzazate is surrounded by mountains.
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate arose as a Foreign Legion outpost built in 1928 and is still a significant garrison city today. About 69 420 people live and work here, making it more of a starting point and ending point for travels to the south than a destination. Visitors to the “red city” often choose an excursion to Marrakech Ouarzazate.
Ouarzazate is a must-stop for anyone traveling the Oasis route. It has recently seen a surge in film production due to its region’s natural landscape, which is ideal for filming. As a result, it is a significant draw for significant film producers and directors, including those in Hollywood. This city has several film studios where many feature films, including some Oscar winners, have been shot: Lawrence of Arabia, Kundun, Gladiator, Asterix, Obelix, Tea in the Sahara, Babel… There are three film studios and a museum in the city.
With 3,937 rooms in various high-quality hotels, Ouarzazate is well-suited to tourists. Because of this, it is a city that offers all the necessities for visitors to stay and take advantage of the city’s sights and activities.
Why Visit Ouarzazate?
The Moroccan city of Ouarzazate, which is also known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” is a must-see. Beautiful kasbahs like Ait Ben Haddou, on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and Kasbah Taourirt are full of Berber history. Atlas Studios, where movies like Gladiator and The Mummy were made, is in this city known as Morocco’s Hollywood. The town is also close to some of the most beautiful desert scenery in the world, like the Draa Valley and the nearby Sahara dunes, which are great for 4×4 trips and camel treks. With its unique mix of history, movies, and scenery, Ouarzazate is a place travelers will never forget.
Top Attractions in Ouarzazate
Ait Ben Haddou
An old kasbah on the UNESCO list, it is famous for its beautiful design and appearances in movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
The Kasbah Taourirt
This well-maintained fortress showcases traditional Berber architecture and offers great views of Ouarzazate.
The Atlas Studios
It is one of the biggest movie studios in the world, where hits like “The Mummy” and “Kingdom of Heaven” were shot.
The CLA Studio
Another big movie studio with famous movie sets and a look at Morocco’s booming movie business behind the scenes.
Fint Oasis
There is a hidden green paradise just outside of Ouarzazate, great for nature fans who want to get away from it all in peace.
Draa Valley
A beautiful valley that goes all the way to the Sahara and has traditional towns, old kasbahs, and thick palm groves.
The Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Between Marrakech and Ouarzazate is a beautiful mountain road with great views.
The Gorges of Todra and Dades
Beautiful rock formations that are great for hiking, taking pictures, and discovering Morocco’s natural beauty.
Amridil Kasbah and Skoura Oasis
A beautiful palm garden with one of the best-preserved kasbahs in all of Morocco.
The lake of El Mansour Eddahbi
A peaceful lake close to Ouarzazate that’s great for camping, fishing, and watching birds.
Where to Stay in Ouarzazate
Le Berbere Palace
This five-star hotel has beautiful rooms, a swimming pool, and a traditional Moroccan feel. Many famous people and film teams choose it.
Riad Ksar Ighnda
A riad with traditional Berber architecture, a spa, and stunning views of the desert are beautifully built and located near Ait Ben Haddou.
Dar Kamar
A cute boutique riad in the middle of Ouarzazate with tastefully furnished rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a calm atmosphere.
Hotel Dar Chamaa
This stylish and reasonably priced hotel combines modern comforts with Moroccan art. Its pool area offers relaxation, and the staff is friendly.
Exploring the Culture of Ouarzazate
Culture in Ouarzazate: Ouarzazate’s architecture, way of life, and friendly people show how Berber customs have shaped its culture. It combines different Moroccan styles because it is in the middle of the High Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, and the Draa Valley. People can visit old kasbahs and Berber towns that still follow traditional ways of life.
Food: Ouarzazate’s food is a mix of Moroccan and Berber tastes. It includes tagine, couscous, the Berber omelet, madfouna (Berber pizza), and mint tea, a sign of Moroccan hospitality.
Music: Ouarzazate’s music is a mix of Berber and Saharan styles, including Ahidous, Gnaoua music, and Desert Blues, which are often played at festivals in the area.
Clothing: Ouarzazate’s traditional clothes are djellabas, takchitas, Tuareg-style turbans, and Berber shawls. These clothes are all made for the desert environment and show Berber heritage.
Things to Do in Ouarzazate
Come to Ait Ben Haddou
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, which is famous for its old kasbahs and has been in movies like “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones.”
Walking in the Draa Valley
Have fun enjoying the Draa Valley’s beautiful scenery, which includes lush palm groves, traditional towns, and Berber culture.
Take the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
On this beautiful road that goes from Ouarzazate to Marrakech, you can see the Atlas Mountains in all their glory.
See the Dades and Todra Gorges on foot
Enjoy an exciting hike through these magnificent gorges, which offer beautiful views and great chances to take pictures.
Hike on a camel in the Sahara Desert
A classic camel trek through the Sahara is one of the most famous and memorable things to do in Morocco.
Best Time to Visit Ouarzazate
Spring (March- May) and fall (September–November) are the best times to visit Ouarzazate. The weather is mild and pleasant during these times, with daily temperatures between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F). This makes it a great time to be outside and see the city’s sights.
The weather is pleasant from March to May, and the desert looks especially beautiful at this time of year when the skies are clear and the weather is warm but not too hot.
The weather is warm in the fall (September to November), just like in the spring. This makes it a great time to visit before the summer heat gets too bad.
In the winter (December to February), temperatures can drop to 5°C (41°F) at night. However, it is still a good time to visit if you want to avoid a lot of tourists.
Summer can be very hot from June to August, with temperatures often above 40°C (104°F). This can make exploring the outdoors uncomfortable, especially in the des
How to Get to Ouarzazate
By Plane
Ouarzazate has its own international airport, Ouarzazate Airport (RAK), which is only 5 km from the city center. Many flights go from Ouarzazate to Marrakech, Casablanca, and other big towns in Morocco. You can land in Ouarzazate from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport or Marrakech Menara Airport.
By Train
As of now, there is no direct train service to Ouarzazate. However, you can take a train to Marrakech or Casablanca and then take a bus or cab to Ouarzazate, about 200 km from Marrakech and 350 km from Casablanca. It takes about three to four hours to get by train from Marrakech to Ouarzazate.
By Bus
You can get to Ouarzazate from Marrakech, Casablanca, and other big towns with several bus companies on a bus. Taking the bus from Marrakech to Ouarzazate can take anywhere from 4 to 5 hours, based on traffic and the state of the roads. Supratours and CTM are two well-known bus companies.
By Car
A common way to get to Ouarzazate is to rent a car. The road from Marrakech to Ouarzazate is well-paved and has beautiful views through the Atlas Mountains. Most of the time, the trip takes four hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth visiting Ouarzazate?
Ouarzazate is famous for its beautiful scenery, long past, and rich cultural heritage. The ancient fortified town of Ait Ben Haddou, which is close by and on the UNESCO World Heritage list, has been the setting for many famous movies. It is known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” home to the world’s biggest film studios, like the ones used to make Lawrence of Arabia. People can visit the historic Kasbah Taourirt and the beautiful 17th-century Kasbah Tifoultoute. They can also ride camels and camp out in the desert under the stars to enjoy the beauty of the Sahara. Ouarzazate is a fantastic place to visit if you are interested in history, culture, or nature.
