Immerse in Ouarzazate
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Atlas Mountains in Morocco lies the charming city of Ouarzazate, a true oasis in the heart of the desert. Known as the ‘Door of the Desert,’ Ouarzazate offers a wealth of stunning sights and experiences that are sure to enchant every traveller. From ancient ksars to stunning natural landscapes, traditional handicrafts to Hollywood film studios, Ouarzazate has something for everyone. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to experience the best of Moroccan culture.
Ksar Aït Benhaddou
One of the must-visit places in Ouarzazate is Ksar Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient fortified village features traditional Moroccan architecture, with buildings made from clay and stone, an earth architecture gem. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the history of the ksar and admire its intricate details.
Oasis Valleys, Kasbahs, and Ksars
Ouarzazate is surrounded by lush oasis valleys, which are home to palm groves and traditional kasbahs (fortified houses). Visitors can take a tour of the valleys to experience the local way of life and see the stunning architecture of the kasbahs and ksars (fortified villages). The Skoura Oasis is a popular destination, famous for its beautiful kasbahs and palmeraie (palm groves), along the 1000 kasbahs route.
Rose Valley and Saffron Valley
Ouarzazate is also known for its stunning rose and saffron valleys. The Rose Valley is home to Morocco’s rose capital, Kalaat M’Gouna, where visitors can witness the annual rose harvest and visit local distilleries to see how rose water and perfumes are made. In the Saffron Valley, visitors can see the harvest of one of the world’s most expensive spices, saffron.
Dades & Todra Gorges
Nature lovers will enjoy visiting the Dades and Todra Gorges, two of the most stunning natural landscapes in Morocco. The Dades Gorge is known for its unique rock formations, while the Todra Gorge is famous for its towering cliffs and crystal-clear water. Visitors can take guided tours to explore these breath-taking landscapes and experience hiking or rock climbing.
Carpet Handicrafts
Ouarzazate is famous for its traditional carpet handicrafts, made by local Amazigh women. Visitors can visit a local cooperative to witness the art of carpet weaving and purchase a unique souvenir to take home with them, especially in the picturesque locality of Taznakht.
Cinema Studios
Ouarzazate is also known as the ‘Hollywood of Africa’ due to its many film studios. Visitors can visit the Atlas Studios to see where famous movies such as “Gladiator” and “Lawrence of Arabia” were filmed. The CLA Studios is another popular destination, where visitors can see props and costumes used in famous films.
