Ouarzazate

Uarzazate or Ouarzazate, in Morocco, is also known as ‘The gate of the desert of Morocco’. It is distinguished by the diversity of its landscapes, the friendliness of its people, the depth and variety of its folklore, and the authenticity […]

Uarzazate or Ouarzazate, in Morocco, is also known as ‘The gate of the desert of Morocco’. It is distinguished by the diversity of its landscapes, the friendliness of its people, the depth and variety of its folklore, and the authenticity of its habitat’s architectural design.It is situated at an elevation of 1162 meters and encircled by a mountain range.Ouarzazate was founded as an outpost by the Foreign Legion in 1928, and it continues to be a significant garrison city today.

It is true that there are about 56,000 people living and working here, but rather than being a destination in and of itself, it serves as a point of departure and arrival for trips coming from the south to Marrakech Ouarzazate tour is also a regular option for tourists from the ‘red city’.

Ouarzazate is an obligatory stop for all those who make the Oasis route and lately it is booming at the cinema level, as its region offers a natural landscape of great beauty for filming.Major Hollywood producers and directors, as well as others, find it to be a huge draw. Many feature films have been filmed in this city’s various film studios, some of which have won Oscars, including Lawrence of Arabia, Kundun, Gladiator, Asterix and Obelix, Tea in the Sahara, and Babel. There are three movie studios and a museum in the city of Ouarzazate.

Ouarzazate is prepared for tourism, with a variety of quality hotels, offering in total more than 4000 beds. As a result, it is a city with all the necessary amenities for residents to enjoy the city’s attractions and surroundings.

Things to do in Ouarzazate

The highlight of the city centre is probably the Central Market, Al Mouahidine Square and the craft souk. The Kasbah of Ouarzazate or Taourirt, which is open for visits from 9.00 to 19:30, is situated on the outskirts. It is not only the most popular attraction in the region but also one of Morocco’s most fascinating Kasbahs.

This fortress, flanked by crenellated towers, was built by the Glaoui tribe in the 18th century for the gold route from Marrakech to Tumbuctú. It is possible to visit its interior, where the rooms of the Glaoui dynasty are, accompanied by one of the guides who will offer their services.

In addition to visiting the Kasbah of Ouarzazate, you can also visit the craft center, from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 18:30, and on Saturdays from 8:30 to 12:00. Pottery, stones, tapestries and carpets from the region are manufactured and sold here.

The film studios are also worth a visit, where you can see the sets of the films that have been shot in the area. The Oscar Hotel and Atlas Film Studios both have a long list of movies that were filmed there. Lately it also enjoys great fame among the followers of “Game of Thrones” since Ouarzazate has been the scene of Game of Thrones and can be visited in the movie studios part of its scenarios.

Kasbahs and Berber villages around Ouarzazate

Ait Ben Haddou

Apart from an excursion to Ouarzazate, we recommend visiting the Ksar-Ben-Haddou or Ait Ben Haddou, which is located about 26 kilometers towards Marrakech.UNESCO has designated this magnificent fortification a World Heritage Site. It’s being repaired right now. Since ancient times, it has been a significant economic and cultural crossroads for the area.

The palm grove of Ouazarzate

It is forty kilometres from Ouarzazate, 1,188 metres above sea level, between the Atlas, Anti Atlas and the Dades valley. Famous for its olives and oil, it offers a fresh oasis and a labyrinth of gardens in the shade of date palms, pomegranates, fig trees, almond trees and cereal fields.

Tour guides refer to this forest as “The route of the thousand kasbahs” because it is home to a variety of magnificent kasbahs. It is the perfect location to practice all types of tours, including those taken by car, 4X4, horse, mountain bike, mules, or hiking. Spending wonderful nights in tents in the middle of the oasis is an additional intriguing suggestion.

How to get to Ouazarzate

Since the train stops in Marrakech, there are only two ways to get to Ouarzazate: by car or by plane. By road, a good option is to take the bus with the company CTM or Supratour. It takes approximately 4-5 hours. Each person will pay less than 100 dirhams.

Another option would be to hire a taxi in Marrakech: the journey is faster, as it takes between 3.5 and 4 hours. But keep in mind that the departure is only when the taxi is full (6 people: 2 in front plus the driver and 4 in back), unless you buy several seats. Additionally, the cost per person is less than 100 dirhams.

In minibus or 4 4, with a transport agency, the price will be higher than in the previous options,but with the ease of pausing wherever to take pictures.

By air, Ouarzazate Airport receives flights from major airlines.

Getting around the city of Ouarzazate

The city centre is not very big. You can take a taxi to move around the town for about 6 dirhams (10 dhs if it is after 9 pm). They typically charge around 60 dhs to take you from the airport to the city. The maximum places of these taxis are three.

Shops, restaurants and hotels in Ouarzazate

There are numerous stores, hotels, and eateries along Mohamed V Avenue. Behind is the “prince,” a pedestrian area with stores and dining establishments. In Taourirt, there are many traders who will make an effort to catch your attention.

The weather in Ouarzazate

The climate of Ouarzazate is going to depend how it is logical of the date on which we travel, although it must be taken into account that its average temperature is 19.1 °C. Summers are very warm and winters are cold and dry. The best date to travel to Ouarzazate is between the months of March to May and September to the end of October as it is the most temperate.

We must bear in mind that Ouarzazte is close to the Atlas mountain range, exactly near the high atlas, with which snowfalls are frequent in winter, being able to cut the pass of the Tizi n tichka mountain pass that connects Ouarzazate with Marrakech.

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