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Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate: Gateway to the Sahara Desert

Situated strategically where the High Atlas Mountains meet the Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate (pronounced "Wahr-za-zaht") serves as Morocco's threshold to the vast golden dunes and dramatic landscapes of the country's southern regions. This sun-drenched city, whose name translates to "quiet place" in the Berber language, has transformed from a former French colonial outpost into a vital cultural and tourist center with a character entirely its own.

Ouarzazate's international reputation as "Morocco's Hollywood" is well-deserved. Since the 1960s, its spectacular landscapes and clear desert light have attracted filmmakers from around the world. Atlas Film Studios, one of the world's largest film studios, has served as the backdrop for blockbusters including "Gladiator," "Lawrence of Arabia," "Game of Thrones," and "Star Wars." Visitors can tour these studios to see impressive remaining sets that showcase everything from ancient Egyptian temples to medieval fortresses, offering a fascinating glimpse into cinema history against the backdrop of the real Moroccan desert.

The architectural jewel of Ouarzazate is undoubtedly the Taourirt Kasbah, once the residence of the powerful el Glaoui family. This massive earthen structure, with its maze of corridors, staircases, and rooms, exemplifies traditional southern Moroccan architecture. From its watchtowers, visitors can take in panoramic views of the surrounding palm groves and mountain landscapes. The kasbah has been carefully restored in recent decades, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate stuccowork, painted cedar ceilings, and traditional Berber design elements that characterize this impressive fortress.

Just a short drive from Ouarzazate lies the even more spectacular Aït Benhaddou, a fortified village (ksar) that seems to rise organically from the desert landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of a collection of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, creating one of the most striking examples of pre-Saharan construction techniques in Morocco. Dating primarily from the 17th century, though built on foundations many centuries older, Aït Benhaddou once served as an important stop on the caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara. Today, while most inhabitants have moved to more modern dwellings across the river, several families still maintain homes within the ancient walls, preserving traditions that stretch back generations.

The climate of Ouarzazate is defined by its desert location, with scorching summers where temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (38°C) and cool winters with occasional nighttime freezes. The city receives minimal rainfall, averaging less than 5 inches annually, contributing to the stark, dramatic beauty of its surroundings. This arid environment has shaped both the architecture and the lifestyle of local residents, who have developed ingenious methods to conserve water and create comfortable living spaces despite the harsh conditions.

Beyond its cinematic fame, Ouarzazate serves as the perfect base for exploring southern Morocco's natural wonders. The nearby Draa Valley, with its 200-kilometer stretch of date palms and mud-brick kasbahs, offers insights into traditional oasis agriculture. The Valley of the Roses, where damask roses are harvested to produce valuable rose water and oil, erupts in fragrant pink blooms each spring. And for those seeking to venture deeper into the desert, Ouarzazate serves as the starting point for expeditions to the stunning dunes of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, where the full majesty of the Sahara unfolds in rippling waves of golden sand.

Related tours in Ouarzazate

Marrakech - Ouarzazate

7 days Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech
Rating:
  • 5.0
From 9580 MAD
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