What to do and see in Ouarzazate

What to do and see in Ouarzazate

What to do and see in Ouarzazate: Located in the south of Morocco, Ouarzazate is a destination of choice for those wishing to discover the region’s rich culture and history. Whether you’re a fan of the desert, hiking, museums, ruins or music… Ouarzazate is a destination with something for everyone.

In this article, we take a look at some of the many things you can do in Ouarzazate.

Why visit Ouarzazate?

Ouarzazate is a must-see destination for anyone wishing to discover the wonders of Morocco. It’s a city famous for its historic sites, beautiful scenery, and numerous leisure activities.

Ouarzazate is an ideal starting point for exploring the treasures of southern Morocco. Situated close to the Erg Chebbi dunes, the region is known for its rich cultural and religious history.

There’s so much to do in Ouarzazate that it’s impossible to see it all in one trip. The main tourist activities in Ouarzazate are visiting historical sites, discovering natural wonders, practicing extreme sports and shopping.

For history and culture buffs, the city offers a variety of historic sites to explore, including the Kasbah Taourirt, the El Badi Palace and the Berber Museum.

For those looking for a more sporting experience, there are also a number of activities available, including canyoning, climbing, hiking and much more.

Ouarzazate also offers visitors a variety of stores where they can find traditional local handicrafts such as embroidered fabrics or handmade pottery. These products also provide a great opportunity for visitors to take home an authentic souvenir of Ouarzazate and their Morocco tours.

What to do in Ouarzazate

Located at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate is known for its arid, sunny climate. Ouarzazate is also known as the “Gateway to the Desert”, as it lies on the border of the Moroccan desert.

Some quick recommendations for activities in Ouarzazate:

Ouarzazate is a popular destination for tourists wishing to discover Morocco’s magnificent landscapes. If you’re heading to Ouarzazate and want to know what to do when you get there, here’s a selection of things to do and see in the town.

A film set

Ouarzazate is also known for its important film industry. Many films and TV series have been shot in Ouarzazate’s studios. Ouarzazate’s film studios are the largest in Morocco and Africa. Built in the 1970s, they have served as the backdrop for many famous films, including “Lawrence of Arabia“, “The Living Daylights”, “Gladiator” and “Game Of Thrones“.

Ouarzazate’s film studios are open to the public, and it is possible to visit the various sets used in the films.

Unique architecture

Ouarzazate is also known for its unique architecture. Most of the town’s buildings are made of adobe, a traditional material used in the region.

The town boasts many interesting monuments, including the Bou-Regreg Fort, the Taourirt Palace and the Christian Tomb. Ouarzazate offers tourists a wide range of activities.

Hiking and golf

What to do and see in Ouarzazate: The town is surrounded by numerous mountains and there are many hiking trails available in the area. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy the many sandy beaches close to the town. In the neighborhood, there are also many golf clubs.

The Dades gorges

A visit to this area allows visitors to learn more about the local history and culture. The region also abounds in natural wonders, offering visitors a multitude of possible activities.

The best-known are the Dades Gorge, with its spectacular scenery, the lush oases of Fint Oasis and Skoura Oasis, and the Sahara dunes, which can be explored by 4×4 or camel.

How do I get from Marrakech to Ouarzazate?

Whether you want to spend a night in the desert near Marrakech or simply visit Ouarzazate, the town lies around 250 km southeast of Marrakech. The town is served by a road and an airport.

By air

Ouarzazate can be reached by plane, bus or car. Direct flights from Marrakech to Ouarzazate take around 1h15. Several airlines offer daily flights between the two cities, including Royal Air Maroc, Jet4You and Atlas Blue. Tickets can be purchased directly from the airlines or via online booking sites such as Kayak.

By bus

Buses are also a popular option for getting to Ouarzazate. Buses frequently leave from the Marrakech bus station, and the journey takes around 5 hours. There are several bus companies operating daily services between the two cities, including CTM, and Supratours (ONCF).

It is advisable to buy tickets directly from the companies.

Rent a car

What to do and see in Ouarzazate: You can also rent a car for the trip between Marrakech and Ouarzazate. The road is in good condition and signs are clearly visible. Driving time is around 4 hours.

There are many car rental agencies in Marrakech, including Avis, Europcar and Hertz.

With its varied landscapes, ancient history and authentic, welcoming character, Ouarzazate is an exceptional destination offering a multitude of activities for visitors.

Some recommendations for excursions to Ouarzazate from Marrakech:

Whether it’s desert excursions, visits to historic sites, horse-drawn carriage rides or local shopping sessions, Ouarzazate is a destination to suit all tastes and needs.