Ouarzazate Travel Guide
Plan your travel to Ouarzazate with our comprehensive travel guide. Know about the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay and what to buy.
- Introduction to Ouarzazate
- List of Places to Visit in Ouarzazate
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Ouarzazate
- Best Things to Do in Ouarzazate: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Ouarzazate
- Food and Drink Scene of Ouarzazate
- Where to Stay in Ouarzazate: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Ouarzazate: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Ouarzazate
- Best Time to Visit Ouarzazate
- Do’s and Don’ts of Ouarzazate
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Ouarzazate: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Ouarzazate
- Where to Go Next from Ouarzazate: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Ouarzazate
Nestled in the Saharan Morocco, Ouarzazate is a remarkable city, surrounded by natural beauty at its best. Known as the Gateway to the Sahara, Ouarzazate is steeped in history and culture that makes it a must-visit destination for travelers. The city is home to a range of awe-inspiring museums, outdoor adventures, and historical sites that will leave you mesmerized.
List of Places to Visit in Ouarzazate
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Kasbah Taourirt
- The Atlas Film Studios
- The CLA Film Studios
- Tifoultoute Kasbah
- Aït Ben-Haddou
Natural Attractions of Ouarzazate: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Atlas Mountains
- Draa Valley
- Oasis Fint
- Jebel Sahro Trekking
- Lake Ouarzazate
Hiking/Biking Routes of Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate offers top-tier hiking and biking routes with stunning scenery all around. One must visit the Atlas Mountains as it offers a wide array of trekking options. One must visit Dades Gorges, Tamatert in Azzaden Valley, and Toubkal National Park. Mountain biking enthusiasts should also explore the surroundings of the city, featuring beautiful landscapes and steep mountain trails.
Best Things to Do in Ouarzazate: Activities and Tours
- Explore the Atlas Film Studios
- Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Draa Valley
- Visit the Aït Ben-Haddou Kasbah
- Go on a Camel Trek in the Sahara Desert
- Go Hiking in the Atlas Mountains
Week-Long Itinerary for Ouarzazate
Here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary to help visitors maximize their time in Ouarzazate:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Kasbah Taourirt and the Atlas Film Studios |
| 2 | Explore the Aït Ben-Haddou Kasbah |
| 3 | Take a hot air balloon ride over Draa Valley |
| 4 | Trek the High Atlas Mountains |
| 5 | Stay at a Sahara Desert camp |
| 6 | Take a camel trek in the Sahara Desert |
| 7 | Relax and unwind at Oasis Fint |
Food and Drink Scene of Ouarzazate
Must-Try Dishes
- Tajine
- Couscous
- Harira soup with dates and sheep or chicken
- Pastilla
- Zalouk
Local Beverages
- Mint tea
- Moroccan coffee
- Juices made with fresh fruit
Where to Stay in Ouarzazate: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hotel Ouarzazate Le Tichka
- Riad Ksar Ait Ben Haddou
- Dar Bladi
- La Perle du Sud
- Le Petit Riad
What to Buy in Ouarzazate: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Pottery and ceramics
- Rugs and carpets
- Leather products
- Traditional clothing
- Spices and herbs
Local Culture and Customs of Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is a city with a rich and fascinating culture. The locals here are extremely warm and friendly, and visitors are always welcomed with open arms. The locals follow a traditional way of life, and they still practice a range of cultural traditions and ceremonies. Visitors must respect their customs and beliefs, especially during religious festivals.
Best Time to Visit Ouarzazate
The best time to visit Ouarzazate is during spring and fall, from March to May or from September to November. The weather is pleasant during this time, and there are fewer crowds than during the high season.
Do’s and Don’ts of Ouarzazate
Do:
- Dress appropriately and modestly
- Respect the local culture and customs
- Always greet the locals with a smile and a friendly “Salam!”
Don’t:
- Drink tap water
- Take pictures of people without their permission
- Touch their belongings without permission
Safety and Health
Safety in Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it’s always wise to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling in the outskirts of the city.
Health in Ouarzazate
Visitors must take precautions to avoid water-borne illnesses such as diarrhea, hepatitis, and cholera. It’s also recommended to take malaria medication if you plan on traveling to remote areas.
Getting to Ouarzazate: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Ouarzazate
The Ouarzazate International Airport is located about five miles from the city center. There are daily flights from other cities in Morocco and a few international flights.
Bus Stations Near Ouarzazate
The Supratours bus station is located in the center of Ouarzazate. It provides daily services to several cities in Morocco, including Marrakech, Casablanca, and Agadir.
Other Options
Taxis and rental cars are the most common options available for transportation in Ouarzazate.
How to Get Around in Ouarzazate
The best way to get around Ouarzazate is by taxi, which is easily available in the city. You can rent a bike or a car if you prefer to explore the surrounding areas.
Where to Go Next from Ouarzazate: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Marrakech
- Zagora
- Merzouga
- Draa Valley
- Aït Ben-Haddou
Conclusion
Ouarzazate is a city filled with history and culture, stunning natural beauty, and outdoor adventures that can keep visitors busy for days. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their itinerary and make the most of their time in this wonderful city.
