Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate - Vacation Briefing
Ouarzazate is a city in southern Morocco known as the 'Gateway to the Sahara Desert'. Nestled between the Atlas Mountains and the desert, Ouarzazate offers stunning landscapes and a rich history. The city is famous for its impressive film studios, where many blockbuster movies have been filmed. Visitors can explore the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wander through the vibrant markets of the old town. Ouarzazate is also a great base for Sahara desert excursions, where you can experience camel treks, sandboarding, and traditional Berber culture.
Popular Sights in Ouarzazate
Things to do during your Ouarzazate vacation
Ouarzazate is a mesmerizing city located in Morocco, known as the 'Door of the Desert'. Explore its rich history, marvel at its stunning architecture, and immerse yourself in the unique culture of this enchanting destination. Along with its famous sights, Ouarzazate offers a variety of activities that will make your visit even more memorable.
- Kasbah Taourirt: Discover the ancient fortress of Kasbah Taourirt, once home to the powerful Glaoui family, and explore its intricate architecture and rich history.
- Ait Ben Haddou: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a picturesque fortified village surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and featured in many famous movies.
- Todgha Gorge: Embark on a hiking adventure through the stunning Todgha Gorge, known for its towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear river.
- Film Studios: Take a tour of the renowned film studios in Ouarzazate, where many iconic movies and TV series have been filmed, including 'Game of Thrones'.
- Kasbah Tifoultoute: Explore the ancient Kasbah Tifoultoute, perched on a hilltop overlooking the city, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Quad Biking: Experience the thrill of quad biking through the desert dunes surrounding Ouarzazate and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sahara.
- Atlas Film Studios: Visit the Atlas Film Studios, the largest film studio in Africa, which has served as a backdrop for numerous international productions.
- Camel Trekking: Embark on a camel trekking adventure and traverse the picturesque desert landscapes, immersing yourself in the nomadic way of life.
- Kasbah Amerhidil: Discover the charming Kasbah Amerhidil, one of the most well-preserved kasbahs in the region, known for its intricate mud-brick architecture.
- Oasis Fint: Visit Oasis Fint, a hidden gem nestled amidst towering cliffs, and enjoy a tranquil walk along its lush palm groves and refreshing water springs.
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class: Immerse yourself in the flavors of Moroccan cuisine with a cooking class, where you'll learn to prepare delicious traditional dishes like tagine and couscous.
Why you should visit Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate, Morocco is a destination with a unique charm and a mix of cultural experiences. While it may not be a must-visit destination, it offers some interesting attractions and sights.
In terms of safety, Ouarzazate, Morocco has some concerns. While it may not be extremely dangerous, it is recommended to be cautious and take necessary precautions.
Ouarzazate, Morocco is rich in culture and history. It offers a variety of museums, historical sites, and opportunities to explore local traditions and cuisine.
Ouarzazate, Morocco does not have a vibrant nightlife scene. It is more focused on traditional culture and activities, so if nightlife is a priority, other destinations may be a better fit.
For adventure enthusiasts, Ouarzazate, Morocco offers opportunities for desert trekking, camel riding, and exploring the nearby Atlas Mountains. It can provide thrilling experiences for those seeking adventure.
While Ouarzazate, Morocco has some relaxing elements such as beautiful landscapes and desert excursions, it is not primarily known as a relaxing destination with beaches or lakes.
Best time to visit Ouarzazate
The best time to travel to Ouarzazate, Morocco is from September to November and March to May. These months offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.
A guide To your first day of Ouarzazate vacation
morning
- Start your day with a visit to the Atlas Film Studios, known as the Hollywood of Morocco. Explore the sets where famous movies like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed.
- Wander the historic Kasbah Taourirt, a fortified village with stunning architecture and intricate details. Learn about the history of the region and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
afternoon
- Take a scenic drive to the Aït BenHaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the well-preserved mudbrick kasbah and its intricate maze of narrow streets.
- Visit the Taourirt Oasis and enjoy a leisurely walk amidst lush palm groves. Take in the serene atmosphere and soak up the natural beauty of the surroundings.
evening
- Experience a traditional Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant. Indulge in flavorful tagines, couscous, and authentic Moroccan tea. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Moroccan cuisine.
- Enjoy a sunset camel ride in the nearby desert. Witness the breathtaking colors of the sky as the sun sets over the dunes and create lasting memories of your time in Ouarzazate.
night
- Stargaze in the clear desert sky. Ouarzazate is located in a region known for its dark skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. Lay back and marvel at the countless stars above.
- Visit a local rooftop terrace and enjoy panoramic views of the city at night. Sip on Moroccan mint tea or try a traditional Moroccan coffee while taking in the enchanting ambiance.
How to get to Ouarzazate
By Plane
Book a flight to Ouarzazate via Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca or Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) in Marrakech. Both airports have direct flights from major hubs around the world. From either airport, you can take a domestic flight or hire a private car to reach Ouarzazate.
By other means
To reach Ouarzazate by public transport, take a train to Marrakech or Casablanca and then catch a connecting bus or hire a private car for the remaining journey. The train stations in both cities offer frequent departures and comfortable services. It's advisable to check the schedules in advance.
Tips for Booking Your Trip
Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.
Flights: How to Score the Best Deal
First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.
Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot
For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.
Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!
Flights
Accommodation
Best for travelers who are ...
Adventure seekers, history and film enthusiasts, and nature lovers
How long to stay in Ouarzazate?
A minimum of 2-3 days is recommended to explore the main attractions of Ouarzazate and enjoy a desert excursion. However, those with more time can extend their stay to discover the surrounding landscapes and immerse themselves in the local culture.
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