Ouarzazate Through the gates of Moroccan Sahara
Ouarzazate is a town located 124 miles (200 km) to the southeast of Marrakech.
Ouarzazate means The door of the desert in Arabic. This walled city is an absolute must-see if you’re making your way to the Sahara.
The name “Ouarzazate” means “city without noise” in Amazigh, the languages spoken there.
The Hollywood of Africa
The “Hollywood of Africa” is only one of many labels given to Ouarzazate. The country’s many film studios, notably Atlas Studios, one of the biggest in the world, are largely responsible for this.
If you’re interested in learning about the evolution of film, you should definitely stop by the Atlas Studios. This studio was the site of many famous films, including The Jewel of the Nile, Asterix and Cleopatra, and The Ten Commandments.
Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou
There is a walled town called Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou, which is situated 18 miles (30 km) away from Ouarzazate. Like Ouarzazate, this town has been featured in several films. To name a few: Gladiator, The Mommy, The Jewel of the Nile, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Mommy.
Taourirt Kasbah
An outpost of Ouarzazate, Taourirt Kasbah is a community with a strong defense system. One of the most well-preserved kasbahs in Morocco, this adobe structure has crenellated towers and is characterized by its traditional architecture.
How to get to Ouarzazate
- Book a day trip: With Marrakech Vacation Guide , we offer day tours with English-speaking chauffeurs and hotel pickup. (Book Here)
- Rent a car: Driving in Morocco is not easy and some of the highways are not very well kept. If this is the best option for you, we suggest getting a GPS so as not to get lost.
Location
