Ouarzazate is an exciting city in southern Morocco. It is often called the “Gateway to the Sahara.” It is famous for its movie sets, old kasbahs, and beautiful desert settings. Some of the best places to visit in Ouarzazate are:
A kasbah An Ait Ben Haddou
This well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site is a town built of mud bricks to protect itself. Movies like Gladiator and The Mummy and TV shows like Game of Thrones have been filmed in Ait Ben Haddou, which is about 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate. You can walk through the narrow alleys, climb to see expansive views, and enjoy the traditional Berber architecture.
From Atlas Video Studios
Because it is used so much for filming, Ouarzazate is sometimes called the “Hollywood of Africa.” Atlas Film Studios, which is one of the biggest movie studios in the world, offers:
Tour guides.
Guests can see old film sets and items used in big Hollywood movies like Lawrence of Arabia.
Heaven’s Kingdom.
“The Pearl of the Nile.”
People who like movies might find this site interesting.
The Taourirt Kasbah
Taourirt’s Kasbah is one of Ouarzazate’s most historically significant and incredibly well-preserved sites. It used to be that the powerful Glaoui family controlled the area. The Kasbah has beautiful town and countryside views, winding hallways, and well-designed rooms. A visit helps you learn about the history and culture of the area.
Fint Oasis
This green valley is Fint Oasis, about ten kilometers outside of Ouarzazate. The desert nearby is very different from this peaceful haven. People can walk through the palm fields, drink tea with Berber families who live nearby or plan a guided tour to learn more about the area’s customs. The oasis is a hidden gem for people who want a quiet place to go or who love being outside.
Solar Station in Nouarzazate (Noor Complex)
The Noor Solar Power Complex is one of the world’s largest solar power plants. Although it’s not a typical vacation spot, it shows how Morocco is working to use green energy. Visitors can sometimes go on tours and learn about how the country uses solar power to make clean energy.
The Kasbah Amridil and Skoura Oasis
The Skoura Oasis is a beautiful palm field about forty kilometers from Ouarzazate. It is famous for its kasbahs, especially Kasbah Amridil. This 17th-century Kasbah is one of the best-preserved in Morocco, and you can even see it on Moroccan money. Southern Morocco’s traditional way of life can be seen through displays about local buildings, disabilities, and farming.
Pass the Tizzin’tichka
Whether going to or from Marrakech, the Tizi n’Tichka Pass is a beautiful way to cross the High Atlas Mountains. The winding road gives you stunning views of mountains, rivers, and traditional Berber towns. Many people stop along the road to take pictures and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Kasbah of Tifoultoute
The Kasbah of Tifoultoute is another beautiful Kasbah just a few kilometers outside Ouarzazate. It has sweeping views of the Ouarzazate River and the desert next to it. This building, which used to be the home of a powerful local king, is still a sign of the area’s long history.
Gorges of Dade and Todra
People often take day trips to these beautiful valleys, even though they are far from Ouarzazate. The Todra Gorge has gorgeous rock walls that rise to 300 meters (984 ft), which attract hikers and rock climbers. The Dades Gorge, on the other hand, has steep hills and winding roads. Both are magnificent natural sights that are worth seeing for their stunning landscapes.
Movie Museum of Ouarzazate
People who want to learn more about the city’s movie history should visit the Ouarzazate Museum of Cinema. The museum is close to Taourirt Kasbah and has many old film sets, outfits, and production tools. It offers a fascinating look into Moroccan and world movies.
Ouarzazate is a city of natural beauty, historical sites, and movie magic. If you want to learn about the past of movies, hike through oases, or see old kasbahs, this is the only place you should go.