Ouarzazate Guide
At the gateway to the desert, Ouarzazate is best known for having served as the setting for numerous blockbusters and is a good starting point for reaching the dunes of Merzouga.
Presentation
Perched at an altitude of approximately 1,150 m, the city of Ouarzazate in Morocco leaves no one indifferent. It is the main urban center of the Draa River Valley , and its territory is dotted with natural wonders ideal for various excursions. The Atlas Mountains , the Toubkal Massif , the Sahara Desert, the Souss Valley and many other spectacular natural sites are located around this authentic city. It is therefore not surprising that this place is nicknamed ” the Gateway to the Desert ” in Morocco . With the presence of emblematic monuments like the Kasbah of Taourirt nearby, Ouarzazate will also impress all those who love adventure.
Backpackers dreaming of a tailor-made stay in Morocco will certainly be captivated by the incredible history of Ouarzazate . As a reminder, the name of this city means ” without noise ” in Berber. Its origins date back many centuries, even to Prehistory . This is explained, in particular, by the burial mounds, the carved stone tools dating from the Paleolithic period and the rock paintings drawn all over the territory.
An expedition to Ouarzazate will allow adventure enthusiasts to learn more about the city’s beginnings, its growth, and the lives of Morocco ‘s Berber inhabitants. This experience is also a pleasant opportunity to learn about Ouarzazate ‘s relationship with other places known as Marrakech and Sudan . Curious travelers will thus delve into the country’s past by discovering the cultural exchanges and trade activities between Ouarzazate and other cities in North Africa .
Why visit Ouarzazate?
Travel through time through the city’s historical remains
A trip to Ouarzazate is undoubtedly synonymous with a getaway in time. The city is called the ” Gateway to the Desert “, first of all because it is completely disconnected from the frenzy of the big cities of Morocco ( Marrakech , Casablanca , etc.). If you are looking for a purely authentic place in this country, Ouarzazate takes you to its adobe kasbahs, its riads decorated with oases . Impossible to ignore this Moroccan city with its magnificent citadels and historic palaces. To fully enjoy this excursion, you can organize a tour in a group or in the company of a local tourist guide. Then set off to discover unparalleled vestiges that will transport you to the era of the great sovereigns of Morocco . Your journeys will be most memorable, because the sumptuous landscapes are Ouarzazate .
Immerse yourself in the world of cinema by visiting its film sets
This Moroccan destination has also become famous in terms of cinema. Boasting multiple idyllic landscapes, vast spaces and majestic natural gems, it allows many international directors and filmmakers to shoot films based on different themes. Film enthusiasts will easily recognize Game of Thrones , Prison Break, Asterix and Obelix , Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and many other film titles currently being shown around the world.
Furthermore, Ouarzazate is characterized by a hot desert climate with a continental influence. Its hot summers and icy winters are apparently perfect for the various stages of outdoor filming. A large number of professionals from the seventh art were thus attracted to Ouarzazate , the Moroccan Hollywood, from the year 1954 until today. Tourists passionate about art will surely head to the Museum of Cinema which is worth a visit at any time of the year.
Enjoy the exotic atmosphere of the Taourirt Kasbah
Looking to fully recharge your batteries during your vacation in Ouarzazate ? This Moroccan destination invites you to take a tour of the famous Taourirt Kasbah and its old medina. Resembling a medieval castle, this citadel was the former residence of the Pasha of Morocco and his family.
The Kasbah of Taourirt is made up of many spaces that will surely fascinate you. Even though it has been recently restored, this wonderful fortified house has retained all its authenticity . It attracts a horde of visitors with its rammed earth construction and its original decorations still intact. The walls of the building are also made of decorated stucco. The building has small openings in the ground that serve as a ventilation system. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , the Kasbah of Taourirt is undoubtedly one of the must-sees in Morocco .
Shopping differently in the city’s souks
Among the activities to do in Ouarzazate , tourist hikes will allow you to discover the charm of the city. This destination is, in fact, marked by a remarkable sweetness of life. Even in its busiest souks (the open markets in the Arab-Berber world), you will find only serenity and conviviality. Unlike the souks of the metropolises of Morocco , those of Ouarzazate are well organized and clean. You will surely be delighted to stroll through these popular markets to get closer to the inhabitants and learn about local customs.
In the souks of Ouarzazate , you will be mostly safe from harassers. No need to rush when you want to buy an item or product that you like. Instead, the merchants encourage you to take your time. This way, you can decide to buy the accessory that you really need. The souks of Ouarzazate are located opposite the Kasbah of Taourirt. The products and art objects found there are very diverse. There is, for example, rustic and artisanal pottery, including terracotta from the village of Tamegroute . You will also see candlesticks, plates, bowls, and many other items perfect for decorating the home. Most of these interior decorations are affordable.
Moreover, the souks of Ouarzazate are renowned for the sale of rose water. These extracts of Damascus rose are prepared by women from the surrounding villages and are highly valued around the world.
The districts of Ouarzazate
For an even more memorable stay in Ouarzazate , you can visit the historic districts and famous corners of Ouarzazate , starting with:
Fedragum
This neighborhood is one of the ancient sites of Ouarzazate . In the past, it was a must-see place for caravans who had to take the road to Marrakech . It was also characterized by intense commercial activity at that time. The place was defined as a very popular meeting point for nomadic peoples. Today, Fedragoum is a promontory and tourist site not to be missed, once you are at the western entrance of the city. The neighborhood is steeped in history and houses a unique cultural heritage through its crafts and folklore.
Taourirt
Located in the heart of the city, Taourirt is world-renowned for its magnificent, timeless kasbah. The kasbah was once the residence of the Pasha of Marrakech and has recently been restored. Taourirt is also home to other popular tourist attractions, including the Cinema Museum, the craft center, and a small medina located behind the kasbah.
Tifoultout
Still unknown to many travelers, the Tifoultout district is located on the road leading to Marrakech , about 7 km from Ouarzazate . It also houses a beautiful kasbah which offers a breathtaking view of the entire city. In this green setting filled with palm trees, you will surely have the opportunity to relax a little.
What to see in Ouarzazate?
Ouarzazate has many must-see places that are a must-visit during a tailor-made trip to Morocco !
The Skoura Palm Grove
Spread over an area of approximately 2,500 hectares, the Skoura palm grove is an ideal destination for relaxing in Ouarzazate . This authentic site also represents one of the only palm groves still cultivated in Morocco . Skoura is home to nearly 30,000 inhabitants and is still far from being suffocated by mass tourism. With its 130,000 palm trees that beautify the territory, this green setting also includes kasbahs, the most famous of which is called the Ksar of Amridil (a kasbah that appears on the 50 Dirham banknotes).
Are you looking for a perfect place to recharge your batteries after your tourist hikes? The Skoura of Ouarzazate is an excellent place to fully experience this. With family, as a couple or with friends, you can share good times and explore charming villages conducive to complete cultural immersion. In this part of the city of Ouarzazate , you will finally have the opportunity to savor good dishes based on fresh ingredients and quality products (almonds, alfalfa, various fruits, barley, etc.).
Ait-Ben-Haddou
Located about thirty kilometers north of Ouarzazate , Ait-Ben-Haddou is a well-preserved Moroccan ksar. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is characterized by its singularly striking architecture. If you are planning a tourist getaway to Morocco , this fortified hillside location will undoubtedly please you. At the top of the hill, there is an agadir, a fortified collective granary, which is well worth a visit. An earthen wall protects the village and imposing towers frame each corner of the site.
Once inside the Ait-Ben-Haddou complex, you’ll discover several impressive kasbahs with traditional houses built from the earth. While strolling through this destination near Ouarzazate , you’ll surely not miss the river located nearby. Take advantage of your time in Ait-Ben-Haddou to enjoy some water activities. You can also make a short stop at the ancient Berber nomadic villages located there and take this opportunity to completely recharge your batteries.
How to visit Ouarzazate?
Small taxis and large intercity taxis
The administrative capital of the Drâa region since 1956, Ouarzazate is very popular with curious tourists. If you are one of them, you will surely be delighted to stay longer in the territory to see the authentic and little-known corners of Ouarzazate up close . To do this, you can take two types of transport: small taxis (or individual taxis) and large intercity taxis. The latter are easily recognizable by their beige color, and they are accessible day and night.
Individual taxis
Individual taxis are dedicated solely to transportation within the city center and can only accommodate three passengers. These services are, naturally, cheaper. However, to avoid unpleasant surprises, you should make sure the driver is using the meter. As for grand taxis, or limousine taxis according to locals, there are many in Ouarzazate . Moroccans take these services when traveling long distances.
The bus
Moreover, the bus is a very convenient way to get around Ouarzazate . A wide selection of bus companies (of all sizes) are available, and each of them has stops in major cities. Before boarding the buses, you should always have your receipt or ticket, and then check the bus’s destination carefully. To escape the unbearable heat of Ouarzazate , it is best to take these transports early in the morning.
When to travel to Ouarzazate?
With sunshine shining generously almost all year round, Ouarzazate truly deserves its nickname “Gateway to the Desert.” It’s worth noting that the heat is difficult to bear during the summer, as it reaches temperatures above 40°C. Except for technical crews who need to go there for filming, the summer season should be avoided at all costs in Ouarzazate . In reality, this city is ideally visited in autumn or winter, depending on your preference. You can go there either between April and June or in September and October.
During these times of year, Ouarzazate is imbued with a warm and pleasant atmosphere, with sunny days and particularly cool nights. However, it is marked by an average temperature of 19°C throughout the year. In January, temperatures drop to around 3°C, and by July, they reach an average of 38°C.
Every August, October, and December, Ouarzazate is in peak tourist season. These are the times of year when the city welcomes a crowd of travelers and vacationers from all over the world. If you prefer to explore the area in peace, choose the months of March, May, July, or November. This will give you the opportunity to visit Ouarzazate in a more relaxed
