Ouarzazate offers a unique opportunity to experience the serenity of vast landscapes at the edge of the desert. Even its name, meaning "without noise" in Amazigh, evokes a sense of calm. Known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” the city captivates visitors with its cinematic landscapes, attracting filmmakers from around the world.
In Ouarzazate, you are surrounded by towering mountains that rise over a thousand meters, golden dunes, and expansive desert vistas dotted with lush oases, crystal-clear springs, and ancient kasbahs and castles. The city’s iconic film studios further enhance its appeal, drawing visitors and artists alike, all seeking inspiration and a peaceful creative atmosphere.
Nestled in the High Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate began as a small Amazigh village known as Taourirt, located 1,105 meters above sea level. This historical village, with its famous kasbah, stands as a testament to the region’s rich heritage and continues to attract visitors today.
For centuries, Ouarzazate was a key stop for African traders on their way to northern Morocco and Europe. However, it wasn’t until 1920 that it became an official city, evolving from its origins as a French military outpost during the colonial era.
Getting There and Staying
As a cinematic hub, Ouarzazate is well-connected, both domestically and internationally, via its airport, linking it to cities like Tangier and Casablanca, as well as European destinations such as Barcelona, Marseille, Paris, and London, with affordable flights. Overland, the city is accessible by train to Marrakech, followed by a bus ride to Ouarzazate, with an average fare of 100 MAD ($10 USD). Public buses and taxis offer similar pricing.
Accommodation options in Ouarzazate are diverse, ranging from classified hotels to traditional riads and private residences, with prices typically ranging from 250 to 1,000 MAD, catering to a variety of tourists. Getting around the compact city is easy, with taxis and public buses available, with fares typically ranging from 5 to 8 MAD ($0.50 to $0.80), or 70 MAD from the airport.
The "Hollywood of Africa"
No visit to Ouarzazate is complete without a tour of its expansive film studios. Among the most famous is Atlas Studios, located just three kilometers west of the city. Spanning 136,000 square meters, this studio complex includes workshops, stables, special effects labs, production offices, and three large shooting stages. You can visit between 10 AM and 6 PM for just 50 MAD ($5), allowing you to explore the site and snap a few photos.
Also notable are the KAN ZAMAN Studios, covering an impressive 252,000 square meters and featuring editing rooms, warehouses, artist lounges, restaurants, and an on-site cinema school with four studios. Walking through these studios, you’ll be able to relive scenes from famous films shot here, such as Gladiator and The Mummy.
Kasbahs and Castles
Ouarzazate is renowned for its beautiful mudbrick kasbahs, adorned with intricate Moroccan designs. A must-see is the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, perched on the southern slope of the High Atlas Mountains. This architectural marvel, dating back to the 16th century, has been the backdrop for numerous films and TV shows.
Other historical gems include the 17th-century Amridil Kasbah, known for hosting scenes from famous films, and Taourirt Kasbah, with its ancient wall carvings. A little further out, about 10 kilometers from Ouarzazate, stands the impressive Tifoultoute Kasbah, which once belonged to the powerful governor Thami El Glaoui of Marrakech. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding region.
Entertainment, Cuisine, and Rugs
Ouarzazate also offers a range of organized desert excursions, with activities like sandboarding and camel riding, allowing visitors to capture the stunning desert landscape in unforgettable photos.
The city’s streets, lined with traditional craft shops and cooperatives, offer a taste of the region’s rich artisan heritage. For a culinary adventure, try Berkoukech, a traditional Amazigh dish made from large couscous grains, either savory or sweet, often served as a soup or with salted dried meat.
Make sure to also try Baddaz, a type of couscous made from hand-rolled corn and served with vegetables, especially with kordas—pieces of lamb's stomach stuffed with slices of heart, liver, and lungs. The entire dish is steamed before being left out in the sun to dry over time. Together, these two dishes will make you proud to have tasted a very unique cuisine, with flavors and combinations you likely haven’t encountered before.
If you visit between April and June, don’t miss the National Carpet Festival in Tazenakht, located west of Ouarzazate. Tazenakht’s rugs are celebrated for their high-quality wool and vibrant colors, derived from natural sources like henna, dates, and saffron.
Farewell to Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate leaves you with a rare blend of history, cinema, tranquility, and desert wonder. As you depart with hundreds of photos in hand, you'll likely feel a renewed longing to return and discover even more secrets of this magical city, which reveals its charm one glimpse at a time.
