Ouarzazate
A gateway to the Sahara and a popular filming location for Hollywood movies.
Overview
Welcome to Ouarzazate, a picturesque city in southern Morocco known for its stunning desert landscapes and historic kasbahs. Founded in the 12th century, Ouarzazate has a rich history that includes being a key trading post along the caravan routes between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech. The city’s name translates to “noiselessly” in the Berber language, reflecting its peaceful atmosphere. Ouarzazate enjoys a desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for those seeking sunshine and warmth. The city’s geographical area is defined by its rocky desert terrain, dotted with palm oases and ancient kasbahs. Ouarzazate is also home to a variety of plant and animal species adapted to the desert environment, including date palms and Barbary sheep. Explore the city’s historic kasbahs, such as the Kasbah of Taourirt and the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ouarzazate’s breathtaking desert scenery and rich cultural heritage make it a truly unforgettable destination for visitors.
Things to Do
Atlas Film Studios: Visit the Atlas Film Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world, known for its role in numerous Hollywood films and TV series.
Kasbah Taourirt: Explore the Kasbah Taourirt, a historic fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing traditional Moroccan architecture and culture.
Ait Ben Haddou: Discover Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its well-preserved clay architecture and picturesque setting.
Atlas Mountains Excursions: Take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, where you can hike, trek, or simply enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
Draa Valley: Explore the Draa Valley, known for its lush palm groves, ancient kasbahs, and traditional Berber villages.
Ksar of Tissergate: Visit the Ksar of Tissergate, a historic fortress and village, offering insights into traditional Berber life.
Museums: Visit local museums like the Museum of Cinema and the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions to learn more about the region’s history and culture.
What to See
Atlas Mountains: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains, a stunning mountain range that stretches across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
Oasis Fint: Discover Oasis Fint, a picturesque oasis located just outside Ouarzazate, offering a peaceful retreat with stunning natural beauty.
Lake Mansour Eddahbi: Visit Lake Mansour Eddahbi, a man-made lake near Ouarzazate, known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities.
Kasbah de Tifoultoute: Explore the Kasbah de Tifoultoute, a historic kasbah located on the outskirts of Ouarzazate, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ouarzazate is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city and its attractions.
Getting there
By Air: Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ) is the nearest airport, located about 10 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Ouarzazate.
By Road: Ouarzazate is easily accessible by road from major cities in Morocco. The drive from Marrakech takes around 4 hours.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Hotel Palmeraie
Located in the city center, this hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a terrace with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains.
Le Petit Riad
A charming riad-style hotel located in the heart of Ouarzazate, offering cozy rooms with traditional Moroccan decor. The hotel features a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, a restaurant serving authentic local cuisine, and a spa offering a range of treatments.
Luxury Accommodation:
Dar Ahlam
A luxurious oasis in the desert, this hotel features beautifully decorated rooms and suites with private terraces, fireplaces, and plunge pools. The hotel also offers a wide range of activities, including camel rides, hot air balloon flights, and cooking classes.
Ksar Ighnda
This boutique hotel offers spacious and elegant rooms with traditional Moroccan decor and modern amenities. The hotel features a beautiful outdoor pool, a spa offering a range of treatments, and a restaurant serving delicious Moroccan cuisine.
Berbere Palace
A grand hotel set in a beautiful garden, offering luxurious rooms and suites with beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains. The hotel features an outdoor pool, a spa with a hammam and a sauna, and a restaurant serving international and Moroccan cuisine.
Other Attractions in Morocco
Chefchaouen
Marrakech
Fez
Asilah
The Saharan Desert
Rabat
Casablanca
Ait Benhaddou
Essaouira
Taghazout
High Atlas Mountains
Agadir
Tangier
Meknes
General Knowledge Base
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Prepare
Ouarzazate is a city located in the southeastern part of Morocco, at the edge of the Sahara Desert.
Ouarzazate is known as the “door of the desert” and is famous for its stunning natural scenery, including the Atlas Mountains, the Draa Valley, and the Sahara Desert. It has also served as a popular filming location for many Hollywood movies.
Some of the popular movies filmed in Ouarzazate include Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Babel, and Game of Thrones.
The famous Kasbah in Ouarzazate is called Ait Ben Haddou. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved Kasbahs in Morocco.
The traditional dance of Ouarzazate is called Ahwach. It is a group dance performed by men and women in traditional costumes.
The traditional food of Ouarzazate includes tagine, couscous, and pastilla. These dishes are made with local ingredients such as lamb, chicken, vegetables, and spices.
The famous desert near Ouarzazate is called the Sahara Desert. It is the largest hot desert in the world and covers an area of over 3.6 million square miles.
The famous movie festival held in Ouarzazate is called the Ouarzazate International Film Festival. It is an annual event that showcases films from Morocco and around the world.
Experience
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