Ouarzazate
Find out the charm of Ouarzazate in Morocco
Situated at the border of the amazing Atlas Mountains and the great Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate is a destination offering an interesting combination of history, culture and adventure. The city has developed into one of the most desired destinations for tourists visiting Morocco due to the spectacular desert surroundings, traditional buildings and world-renowned film studios.
Those who visit Morocco will realize Ouarzazate is quite different from other Moroccan cities such as Marrakech or Casablanca. Tourists will find tranquility of the desert setting, traditional kasbahs, local Berber lifestyle and some of the most picturesque views in Northern Africa.
Known as the 'Hollywood of Morocco', the city is used as the shooting location for many international film production and television series. Movies set in different periods of history or fantasy can be seen featuring the desert backdrops of Ouarzazate, turning the city into a must-see place for movie enthusiasts and photographers.
Whether you are interested in Sahara Desert tours, an exploration of Moroccan culture or an epic trip through the Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate is the place you are looking for. Enjoy our top morocco tour pacakges
The Long and Rich History of Ouarzazate
The International fame of Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is internationally known as "The Gate of the desert" and is internationally recognized due to its important link to the cinema industry. Indeed, with its unusual landscapes, its climate and its historic settings, Ouarzazate turned into an ideal film location for a number of Hollywood blockbusters.
Film studios located close to the city, for instance Atlas Studios, are amongst the largest film studios in the world. Films such as 'Gladiator', 'The Mummy', 'Kingdom of Heaven' and a scene from 'Game of Thrones' were filmed there. Tourists can take a tour of the studios to admire film sets and find out more about the film making process while soaking in the film-themed setting.
But Ouarzazate also fascinates due to its natural splendor. The scenery surrounding Ouarzazate includes spectacular mountains, green valleys and palm-groves, but also immense desert panoramas which lure photographers, adventure seekers, as well as nature lovers.
Best Things to Do in Ouarzazate
There are a number of things to see and do while you're visiting Ouarzazate which are certainly memorable.
At Benhaddou is a must visit where you can wander around the medieval mudbrick kasbah and enjoy its surroundings.
Most travellers take advantage of being in Ouarzazate and venture out on a Sahara desert tour taking in camel trekking, camel sleeping and 4 x 4 driving through the dunes.
The Draa Valley is also worth exploring as a nature and culture experience with its palm trees, kasbahs and wonderful oasis surroundings and the High Atlas Mountains are an ideal place to hike, take pictures and see the traditional Berber villages.
For movie lovers an outing to Atlas Studios is recommended to see some of the famous locations.
Enjoy the real taste of Morocco in a local restaurant and try some of the authentic tagine dishes, cous cous and mint tea, along with wonderful Berber food.
When is the best time to visit Ouarzazate?
It's best to visit during the spring and autumn when temperatures are moderate and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor pursuits. The summer is incredibly hot because of the desert climate; in winter the evenings can get deceptively cold especially out in the desert. Spring time sees picturesque scenery and it's great for exploring Kasbahs, valleys and desert locations nearby; autumn is a fantastic time for photo touring and cultural travelling. If you are hoping to travel into the Sahara desert, it's common to stop at Ouarzazate for an overnight stop to get further into southern Morocco.
Advice for visiting Ouarzazate
Lightweight clothes, sunblock, sunglasses and a good pair of trainers are essential at any time of year to contend with the hot and dry desert sun. It would also be beneficial to bring a light jumper for cool evenings, and particularly in the winter. A local guide would provide a fantastic addition to your trip allowing you to gain insight into local Berber culture and historical attractions and lesser-known sights of the region. You will want to have your camera on you at all times in Ouarzazate as some of the most photogenic settings in the whole of Morocco await you, especially at dawn and dusk. Whatever it is you're looking for in Morocco, be it desert escapades, cinematic backdrops, cultural wonders or natural beauty Ouarzazate does not disappoint.