Ouarzazate is a historic market city anchored by a sprawling "kasbah" palace and filled with colourful bazaars, atmospheric restaurants and fascinating museums. The rugged Atlas Mountains and sun-baked Sahara Desert create a dramatic backdrop.
Things to do in Ouarzazate
The Taourirt Kasbah offers a glimpse at Ouarzazate's lavish past. The citadel is cross-crossed with a maze of passageways and stairwells leading to over 300 rooms. Taourirt has managed to maintain its original beauty by moonlighting as a set for Hollywood films, such as “Gladiator” and “Prince of Persia”.
Thrilling 4WD safaris offer a unique chance to explore the mighty Atlas Mountains, where you’ll be whisked up to the 2,260-metre-high Tizi N'Tichka pass. You can visit traditional Berber villages and explore Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified pre-Saharan settlement that's served as a filming location for “Game of Thrones”, “Lawrence of Arabia” and “The Mummy”.
Movie buffs will love visiting Atlas Film Corporation Studios, founded in 1983. It showcases a host of original props featured in Hollywood hits like “Jewel of the Nile” and “Kingdom of Heaven”. Guided tours offer a chance to check out stages, sets and workshops.
For the best Moroccan food in town, head to Douyria, an atmospheric restaurant known for its sumptuous tajines. Expect exotic ingredients like camel, figs and wild thyme. Dine on the rooftop terrace, where candlelit tables are surrounded by colourful cushions and lush plants.
Getting around Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is best explored on foot, especially around the Taourirt Kasbah. Organised tours are an easy way to visit surrounding attractions. The city is also serviced by local buses and taxis. Flights arrive at Ouarzazate Airport, two kilometres away.