The Town of Ouarzazte

 

The Town of Ouarzazte

 

Ouarzazate, also called the Door of the Desert, is a Moroccan townlocated inthe Province ofSouss-Massa – Draâ. It is one of the most renowned Moroccan Southern cities, and it’s not that far from other famous towns such as Errachidia and Zagora. Ouarzazate is a sort of cultural melting pot that includes Berber, Arab, African, and sub-Saharian cultures, that have been coexisting within the same area for so many long years. Ouarzazate is actually one of the most fascinating Moroccan travel destinations for both local and foreign tourists.

Ouarzazate is also famous for its remarkable market place, its various the traditional Moroccan folk bands, and the very famous Atlas studios of Ouarzazate where so many Foreign movies (especially American ones) were directed. Indeed, those studios are actually among the biggest studios in the African continent. Ouarzazate is now known as the Moroccan Hollywood and its reputation as an area full of very beautiful natural sites and wonderful landscapes is transcending the local borders. This beautiful city is also including two very old Kasbahs that are officially recognized by the UNESCO as part of its heritage program.

The most visited tourist sites around Ouarzazate are Mhamed, Tinghir, Sekoura, Zagora, Kalaa de Megouna, where the well known Rose Festival is held every year during the summer.

Interesting places to visit in Ouarzazate

Taourirt Kasbah:
including a very old palace and a sort of castle that was originally built within the Jewish district.

Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah:
A famous site where so many popular American movies were directed such as: Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, Lawrence of Arabia, the Jewel of the Nile and Gladiator.

Kelaa of Megouna:
Including very beautiful rose gardens on its large valleys.

Tifoultout Kasbah:
located seven miles from the city, including very vast fields where you can enjoy the murmur of the waters coming from the river.

It’s not surprising that Ouarzazate is also called "The City of the 1000 Kasbahs", due to the several Kasbahs that are spread all over the town (Skoura, Agdez palaces, Talmasl, etc.). All these historical monuments are living witnesses that prove the incredible savoir-fair of the local craftsmen.

What to do there

 

  • Camel trips in the nearby Erg Chebbi, within the Sand dunes
  • Drive around the dunes using a robust 4x4
  • Camping in the middle of the desert.
  • Sand skiing
  • Visits to Berber local homes in order to get in touch with the people living there,
    and get more familiar with the different customs and traditions.