Places to Visit in Quarzazate (Ouarzazate), Morocco, Africa

Places to Visit in Quarzazate (Ouarzazate), Morocco, Africa

Ouarzazate is the capital city of the Ouarzazate Province in the southern-central part of the northwestern African country, Morocco. It falls under the Souss-Massa-Drâa region, located around 1,160 metres meters above sea level, between 30°55′ N latitude and 6°55′ W longitude. Ouarzazate is located towards the south of the High Atlas Mountains, around 200 km southeast of Marrakech and 430 km north-northwest of Casablanca, the largest city of Morocco.

Ouarzazate itself is one of the top holiday destinations in Morocco and also situated close to the village, called Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ouarzazate is also renowned as the shooting location for many Hollywood movies, including The Mummy and Gladiator.

History of Ouarzazate:

Ouarzazate got its name from the Berber language, in which Ouarzazate means ‘without noise’. Until the French colonization, Ouarzazate was at the back door and it came to front door during French period, becoming a garrison town and customs post.

How to reach Ouarzazate?

Ouarzazate hosts an airport with the scheduled flights from Casablanca, El Aaiún, Paris, Agadir, Casablanca, Zagora and seasonal flights from Luxembourg. The distance of 5 km from the airport to Ouarzazate city centre can easily be crossed by bus or taxi or more conveniently by a pre-booked car.

It costs around 80 dirham from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate by CTM buses. Red petit taxis and Machi Car Rental are the options to get around Ouarzazate other than buses.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Ouarzazate:

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ait Benhaddou is a fortified village within Ouarzazate. The city is also home to two popular film studious, CLA Studios and Atlas Studios.

Ouarzazate is famous for carpets and other handicraft products. Restaurants are abundant in Ouarzazate, cheaper options can be found at Mohammad V Street and in Central Square.

What to do in Ouarzazate?

Travel Exploration Morocco tour
Morocco Desert Tour
Desert Dream Day Tours
Sahara 4×4 viajes tour
Shopping
Walking

What to see in Ouarzazate?

Ait Benhaddou:

Ait Benhaddou is the first preference of visitors coming to Ouarzazate. It is a fortified village, located in the west of Ouarzazate, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its eye-catching well preserved architectural features. It will be a memorable day trip for visitors.

Atlas Studios:

Atlas Studios is a popular movie studio in Ouarzazate, served many English movies like Mission Cleopatra, The Man Who Would Be King, Kingdom of Heaven Gladiator and Alexander. Admission fee for visitors is 50 dirham. The studio is situated 4 km away from the heart of the city.

Oasis de Fint:

Oasis de Fint is a picturesque site located in the centre of the dry hills, close to Ouazarzate. The area is rich in vegetation, which takes around a half day to explore. There is also a restaurant.

CLA Studios:

The CLA Studios is located on the road leading to Atlas Studios. This studio is mainly used for TV movies and serials. It is located around 7 km west of the centre of Ouarzazate. Admission fee is 100Dh.

Other places of interest in and around Ouarzazate include:

Kasbah Amridil
Musee Theatre Memoire de Ouarzazate
Jebel Sahro
Taourirt Kasbah
Labyrinthe Du Sud

When to visit Ouarzazate?

Ouarzazate generally experiences a hot and dry summer and very cold winter and the tour of Ouarzazate can be enjoyed best during any month among March, April, May, October and November.

Where to stay in Ouarzazate?

Like the most Moroccan cities, Ouarzazate also holds a grand hospitality industry with more than 100 standard accommodation centres with a blend of modern and traditional facilities. Some such prominent hotels in Ouarzazate are given below: