Ouarzazate: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Morocco’s Hidden Gem (2024)
Welcome to Ouarzazate! In this blog, we unearth the enchanting world of Ouarzazate, often referred to as Morocco's Hidden Gem. Known for its stunning desert landscapes, ancient kasbahs, and rich cultural heritage, Ouarzazate is a must-visit destination for adventurers seeking a unique experience off the beaten path. Get ready to be inspired to add this captivating city to your travel bucket list!
Why Would Someone Travel To Ouarzazate In Morocco?
Let's talk about finding Ouarzazate on the map! This epic destination isn't your typical tourist hotspot – it's tucked away in the southeastern part of Morocco, right where the Atlas Mountains meet the Sahara Desert. Yup, you heard that right – it's like stepping into a real-life movie set in the middle of nowhere! So if you're up for some off-the-grid exploration and jaw-dropping scenery, Ouarzazate is where it's at. You won't want to miss out on this bucket-list-worthy gem!
Cheapest Airport To Fly Into Morocco
The best way to get to Ouarzazate, known as the “door of the desert,” is by plane. We took a direct flight from London Stansted with Ryanair, which cost us £185 for two return tickets. We have to admit that flying to Ouarzazate airport was much cheaper than flying to other airports in Morocco. This is true most of the time, but of course, it will depend on the dates you plan on flying. If you don’t believe us, take a look at this search on Skyscanner... You can probably save yourself on average £30 to £100 or more per person for a one-way trip when flying into Ouarzazate Airport compared to larger international airports, like Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport or Marrakech Menara Airport.
It's hard to believe that Ouarzazate is an international airport, considering how small it is. When we say small, we mean literally one terminal, one plane, one entrance! Although it is much cheaper to fly to this airport, be aware that you need to give yourself plenty of time from when you land until the first item on your itinerary, as getting through passport control can take a while. It took us at least 45 minutes, but bear in mind that we were sitting at the back of the plane, which meant we were at the back of the queue. One thing to know about this airport is that you have to bring a printed out version of your boarding ticket because they don’t accept electronic ones (this might change in the future, but it’s always best to be prepared). For those of you who want to stay connected without racking up those roaming charges, be aware that there is free Wi-Fi at the airport - lucky for us since we were getting picked up at the airport by our car rental agency, so we could communicate easily with them.
How To Get From Ouarzazate To Marrakech? 3 Simple Ways
Ready to explore beyond the city limits? No problemo! With various transportation options at your disposal, getting from Ouarzazate to other cities like Marrakech is a breeze. But please bear in mind that driving around in Morocco takes way longer than Google Maps estimates! This is because the roads can be quite narrow and sometimes you will encounter animals or even people randomly in the middle of the road, making the journey extra lengthy. But hey, you're in the desert after all… It took us almost five hours to drive to Marrakech, and that’s regardless of whether you’re going by car, bus, or taxi. Definitely expect delays, especially if you’re like us and make a few scenic pit-stops along the way.
By Car
Another reason we decided to start our Morocco trip in Ouarzazate is because we wanted to rent a car so we could explore as much of Morocco as possible, road-trip style, and once again, this city came through with the best deals.
Max finally looking relaxed that we were driving in the mountains and not in the city.
At the airport, you will find your popular car rental companies like AVIS and Hertz, but if you’re like us and you don’t like to leave a huge deposit with your credit card, we highly recommend you look outside of the airport for local car rental companies. However, we know it can be difficult to determine if a local company is trustworthy, safe, and provides good quality cars. So, for us, having never been to Morocco before, we were a little unsure!
However, after a couple of days researching and reading Google Reviews, we found the most amazing car rental company called “Amridil Car” (use code: CARMA for 10% OFF your car rental.) We highly recommend this company if you’re thinking of renting a car in Morocco. We booked the car with Walid, the most friendly person we’ve met when renting a car! Not only did he pick us up at the airport, but he also helped us buy a SIM card from a local shop (our hero), which only accepted cash and at that point, we hadn’t exchanged any Moroccan Dirhams. In terms of the car rental, it was the ideal choice because a deposit was not required, and we rented a super stylish automatic Kia Rio. The Kia Rio was in great condition, and most importantly, it had CarPlay. It might just be us, but we cannot be in a rental car without it. The biggest difference when we rent cars from local companies like Amridil Car instead of global companies is the customer service. We found that Walid was very attentive and responsive. We communicated with him via WhatsApp, and any questions or concerns we had, he was very quick to reply and always happy to help. As we mentioned before, he did pick us up at the airport, and we felt really bad because we were being held up at passport control, but he waited for us without any issues. He also spoke very good English and told us a lot about Morocco on the drive to the car rental office. We will definitely be coming back to Morocco and renting from Amridil Car again!
By Bus Or Taxi
Don’t worry if you can’t drive or just don’t feel like driving in Morocco, public transport is very affordable. You can hop on a local bus from 80 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) to 150 MAD per person for a one-way trip (around £6-11) to Marrakech, for example. We advise you check the schedules on the CTM bus company website (important to note that all CTM bus tickets are non-refundable) or Supratours bus company website.
Now, if you're thinking about taking a taxi from Ouarzazate Airport to Marrakech, it varies quite a bit. Prices can be affected depending on factors like the time of day, type of taxi, and most importantly, how good you are at haggling! On average, you're looking at around 1000 to 1500 MAD (that's about £80 to £120) for a one-way trip. Taxis offer more privacy than buses and save you from the hassle of driving in Morocco (more on that later). We recommend grabbing a taxi in the city rather than from the airport, as you'll likely get a better deal. And remember, always negotiate and agree the fare with the driver before you set off to avoid any surprises. As they say in the U.K., "sometimes they can be a bit cheeky!"
Our must-have travel companion and favourite app for planning routes whilst getting an idea of costs is Rome2Rio - it's a total lifesaver!
Top Things To Do In And Around Ouarzazate
Alright, let's dive into the juicy details – the coolest places that make Ouarzazate a traveler's paradise. Get ready to be amazed as you explore the old kasbahs scattered across the city and the stunning views of the Atlas Mountains that will leave you in awe!
Atlas Film Studios
Just a stone's throw away from Ouarzazate – Atlas Film Studios is a playground for movie buffs and adventure seekers alike. It’s like stepping into the sets of your favorite films, right in the heart of the desert.
Founded in the 1980s, this studio has been the backdrop for countless blockbusters and TV shows. From epic battles in "Gladiator" to the fantastical worlds of "Game of Thrones," Atlas Film Studios has seen it all. Atlas Film Studios is actually the biggest studio in the world in terms of land area.
But what's really cool is that you can actually wander around the sets. Stroll through ancient cities, climb medieval castles, and trek through desert landscapes, all within the studio grounds. It’s a surreal experience that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. What’s even more interesting is that once filming wraps up, the set built will stay there as it is, and a new piece of land will be used to build the next production.
And hey, it's not just about the sets – there's a museum on-site too. Here, you can get up close and personal with props, costumes, and memorabilia from the films shot in this studio. It's like taking a trip down memory lane through your favourite movies.
You must be wondering, how much does it cost to visit this iconic Hollywood landmark? The entry fee for Atlas Studio is 80 dirhams per person. They also offer a combined visit ticket to Atlas Studios + Kingdom of Heaven for 110 dirhams per person (around £9 per person - pretty good price!). If you want more information check out the official Atlas Film Studio website.
So whether you’re a film fanatic or just looking for something unique to do, the Atlas Film Studios is a must-visit. Let your imagination come to life here, and make your own cinematic memories in the mesmerising Moroccan desert. Although we had planned to visit this iconic spot during our trip, we unfortunately didn't get the chance. But even after all our research, we still think that this film studio is a must-see location (especially after we binge-watched Game of Thrones). We'll definitely make it a priority on our next Morocco adventure!
Kasbah Of Aït Ben Haddou
Some incredible items locals were selling on the side of the road.
Leaving Ouarzazate in our rearview mirror, our road trip began with just a short 40-minute drive. Driving in Morocco was unlike anything we'd experienced before – the landscapes, architecture, and surroundings felt surreal, like stepping into a whole new world. Along the way, we passed by locals selling all sorts of treasures on large cloths spread out by the roadside. Intrigued, we couldn't resist stopping at one of these roadside markets. Among the mix of items, from spoons and forks to necklaces, sculptures, and even old-style guns, we found ourselves snapping photos to share this unique sights with you.
Although we didn't buy anything at this stop, we'll let you in on a little secret: we did end up picking up some souvenirs from a similar trader later on (more on that later!). But before we jump ahead, let's rewind to the moment we stumbled upon a place so stunning it felt like a dream. Yep, you guessed it – the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou. Just a quick 40-minute drive from Ouarzazate, this UNESCO World Heritage site was our very first stop on the itinerary – and what a start it was!
As we stepped out of the car, we were immediately approached by extremely persistent locals offering tours. Feeling tired and a bit on edge from our long journey and lack of sleep due to our early flight, we decided to take some pictures from a distance and move on. But don’t worry, this was just our first interaction in Morocco, and we quickly learned that socializing with the locals and their persistent sales pitches are pretty common and harmless. Do leave a comment in this blog if you’ve ever had any experiences that were not so harmless, we would be very interested to hear your story.
Distant views of Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou
Initially, we didn’t realise that the only way to access the Kasbah was by foot; we had hoped to drive there and explore inside. However, short on time and exhausted, seeing this ancient fortress even from a distance was enough to leave us amazed.
Sitting against the Atlas Mountains, the Kasbah looked like something out of a movie, we couldn’t believe this fortress was built with mud. From where we stood, we couldn't help but admire its true beauty and intricate details, imagining all the adventures hidden within. While we can't tell you what's inside, we can tell you this: if you're ever in Morocco, don't skip the chance to check out this amazing place. Whether you're into history, movies (it's been in a few!), or just love cool sights, the Kasbah won't disappoint.
So, if you're wandering through Morocco, make sure to swing by the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou. Though our visit was short, we're thrilled to have witnessed the majesty of this spot in person.
Our view of Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou - if you look close, you can see people right at the top.
Tizi-n'Tichka Pass
At a whopping 2,260 meters above sea level, you'll hit the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass, the road that links Marrakech to Ouarzazate. It’s like a wild rollercoaster ride through the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. You might notice we've changed outfits, but that's because we actually skipped the drive through the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass on our way to Marrakech. As we mentioned earlier, exhaustion was really getting to us, especially in the heat, so we opted for another route to Marrakech to speed things up.
In case you didn’t know, skipping the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass can save you a good 1 to 2 hours of travel time when heading to Marrakech. But hey, it all depends on the route you pick and the traffic situation.
But of course, we couldn’t resist cruising down this awesome road. On our way back to Ouarzazate to catch our flight to London, we made a nice long stop at the perfect viewpoint. We snapped some amazing photos and just soaked in the breathtaking view.
Remember when we mentioned buying souvenirs from a street vendor? Well, that happened right here at the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass. There were loads of folks selling rocks and other goodies, and this guy caught our eye because he was right at the viewpoint. The man in the first picture, the one in blue, was super friendly and even surprised us by speaking some Spanish! We had a blast chatting with him and haggling over the prices of some souvenirs. In the end, we were low on cash, so we paid him in U.S dollars from Carol's stash. We hit it off so well that he even tossed in a gorgeous rock for free, claiming he mined it himself! True or not, he sounded pretty convincing…
But it's not just about the views (though they're breathtaking). It's about the thrill of driving through this stunning terrain, feeling the rush of excitement as you navigate winding bends and steep slopes. The drive can be a little intense for those prone to motion sickness, like Carol, but stopping at the top was really helpful to get some fresh air and recover from all the turns.
Just a heads up: the weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter when snowfall is common. So, it's a good idea to check road conditions before setting off and maybe pack a warm jacket, just in case. It might seem like we were warm from our pictures, but being so high up in the mountains was actually pretty chilly.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a nature enthusiast, or simply love a good road trip, the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass is a must when you're in Morocco. So, buckle up, take your motion sickness pills and get ready for this adventure!
Kasbah Amridil
Another Gem near Ouarzazarte is Kasbah Amridil, tucked away in Morocco's Draa Valley near Skoura. Dating back to the 17th century, this Kasbah is like a living time capsule of Moroccan history and culture. Originally built as a residence for a local leader and his family, Kasbah Amridil has stood the test of time, preserving its mud-brick structures and intricate designs. Here you will have a very authentic experience, wandering through its corridors, maze of courtyards, gardens, and living spaces you will feel like you’re stepping back in time. Surrounding the Kasbah are vibrant palm groves and of course the stunning Atlas Mountains.
But it's not just about the architecture – it's about the stories. Local guides are always happy to share tales of the Kasbah's past, from its days as a bustling trade hub to its role in Moroccan cinema. It feels like Morocco is very popular in the movie industry. And speaking of cinema, Kasbah Amridil has had its fair share of starring roles like “Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves” and interestingly enough the picture of the Kasbah is featured on the 50 Dirham bank notes.
Some people say that Kasbah Amridil is actually better than Aït Ben Haddou, but of course that is subjective and depends on your preferences and interests. What differentiates the two is that Kasbah Amridil offers a more intimate and relaxing experience, whilst Aït Ben Haddou is larger in scale and thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage site status, often draws larger crowds of tourists. Ultimately, both Kasbah Amridil and Aït Ben Haddou have their own unique charm and attractions, so whether one is better than the other ultimately depends on what you're looking to experience during your visit to Morocco. We highly recommend visiting both if you have the time, but if you must choose one... our recommendation would be Kasbah Amridil for its authentic experience.
Morocco Sahara Desert
The Morocco Sahara Desert, starting from Ouarzazate, is like stepping into another world. You'll embark on a journey southward, passing through breathtaking desert scenery, ancient villages, and rugged mountains.
One popular route takes you through the Draa Valley, known for its palm groves and traditional kasbahs. As you venture deeper into the desert, you'll come across towering sand dunes like Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, which are simply mesmerising, especially at sunrise or sunset. These are the two main regions of the Moroccan Sahara: Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga.
Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga, is famous for its towering sand dunes that can reach heights of up to 150 meters, while Erg Chigaga, near Zagora, offers a more rugged and remote desert experience. The Sahara Desert is a magnificent expanse of sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and breathtaking landscapes that stretch across the northern part of Africa. It's the largest hot desert in the world, covering an area of over 9 million square kilometres, and extends across several countries, including Morocco of course.
And let's not forget about the people. In addition to its natural beauty, the Sahara Desert is home to a rich cultural heritage, the Berber nomads, who have lived in the desert for centuries, living a traditional way of life that is closely connected to the rhythms of the desert landscape. You can learn about their way of life, hear their stories, and maybe even share a cup of mint tea with them.
Many tours departing from Ouarzazate offer camel treks into the desert, allowing you to experience the Sahara up close. Spending a night camping under the stars in traditional Berber-style tents is also a must-do, immersing you in the peacefulness of the desert night.
Visiting the Sahara is all about adventure. You can hop on a camel and trek through the dunes, feeling like a nomad traversing the desert sands. Or, if you're feeling more adventurous, you can jump in a 4x4 and tear through the desert, kicking up clouds of sand as you go.
Exploring the Morocco Sahara Desert from Ouarzazate promises unforgettable adventures, whether you're seeking thrills, cultural experiences, or just want to soak in the beauty of nature, the Sahara Desert in Morocco has it all. It's a place where time stands still and the beauty of the desert stretches out before you, inviting you to explore and discover its secrets. Truly an experience that will stay with you long after you've left the desert sands behind.
If you want to explore the activities available in Ouarzazate, we book our experiences with Get Your Guide, a booking platform that helps travellers like you to find incredible travel experiences wherever you're headed.
Is Ouarzazate Safe For Tourists?
Safety is paramount and definitely something that might cause doubt when you choose a travel destination, especially when exploring new places. We were skeptical of going to Morocco at first, having never travelled anywhere in Africa before, but rest assured, Ouarzazate is generally considered a safe city for visitors. But of course, as with any adventure, it's essential to be cautious and always remain vigilant. Just embrace the local culture, be respectful of customs, and trust your instincts.
First off, it's a good idea to stay informed about the local situation by checking reliable travel sources or government websites before your trip (as we are based in the United Kingdom, we always check the GOV.UK website for some travel advice).
When you're out and about, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas like markets or tourist spots. Pickpocketing can happen, so it's best to keep valuables secure.
Driving around, we highly recommend keeping the doors of your car locked. Depending on the model of the car you rent, it may not lock automatically, so always remember to do that before setting off on your journey. We say this because after leaving Aït Ben Haddou, we decided to drive straight to Marrakech. Although the drive was beautiful, we encountered a pretty uncomfortable situation driving through one of the villages along the way.
At first, we didn't think anything of it. There was a group of very small children, around 8-10 years old, in the middle of the road playing football – pretty normal, right? However, as we waited for them to move from the road, they all started surrounding the car, hitting the windows, and trying to open the doors. They were gesturing with their hands, asking for money, and refused to move from the road.
At this point, Carol felt that we needed to get out of there quickly before they managed to open the door, it was a frightening situation. So, Carol shouted, "Max, go, go, drive!" As we started to speed up, they quickly moved out of the way.
I mean, don’t get us wrong – we weren’t trying to run over little kids; we just wanted them to move along so we could continue our journey. Not like we had any money to give them anyway!
If you plan on taking taxis to get around, stick to licensed taxis or reputable transportation services. And be prepared for the heat, especially in the summer months. Stay hydrated and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day. Safe to say that even with suncream and occasional shade we both still burned quite a bit (especially Max).
As with any tourist destination, be wary of scams and people looking to take advantage of visitors. By respecting local laws and regulations, you can expect a trouble-free stay. Why should you be cautious? Well, Morocco is well known for having police checkpoints all around the country, and we didn't have any issues with the police until we were making our way back to Ouarzazate.
Our concerned faces talking to the police officer at a traffic stop
We got stopped by the police, not once but twice. Both times, they claimed that Max overtook a car when there were solid white lines. We have to admit that the first stop, that was absolutely not true. We really struggled to communicate with the police as they only spoke French and Arabic, so we attempted a bit of Google Translate, and Carol came to the rescue with some GCSE French. The police officer was basically saying we had to pay a fine of 400 Dirhams for the infraction. However, they let us go because we showed them that we didn’t have any cash.
The second time things got a little trickier. There was a really slow truck on the road, and everyone was overtaking it, so we did too. It was safe and everything, but the police were right there at the roundabout, and they stopped us. This time, the police officer was very intense. He told Max to get out of the car and go with him. Carol did get a bit worried at this point because she couldn’t see where they took Max. After about 10 minutes, Carol got out of the car with the camera and saw that they took Max to this table on the side of the road, it was like an interrogation room out in the open. The officer didn’t like when Carol showed up, especially because of the camera in her hand. Even though they were trying to get us to pay them, it felt really weird. But if that’s how the fine system works in Morocco, what can we say? We’re just not used to it.
The officer basically said to Max that normally, the fine is 700 Dirhams, but he was giving a discount, and we “only” had to pay 400 Dirhams (the officer was pretty rude, but I guess he was nice enough to give us a discounted rate). Basically, the officer wanted us to go to a cash machine somewhere and take out money to then bring it back to that roundabout to him whilst he held onto Max’s passport. We understand that breaking the law is no joke and there are consequences, but to request that we go back to the middle of nowhere to bring him cash felt strange. Please, can someone tell us if this is normal in Morocco?
At the end of that interaction, they pretty much just got tired of us and told us to go. Once again, we didn’t have any cash because we spent all of our money buying souvenirs in Marrakech, so we were really lucky to get out of those situations safe and sound without any financial losses. A valuable lesson is to just be extra careful. If you do come across a situation like this, try to communicate with the officers in any way you can to understand why they are stopping you and asking you to pay. At the end of the day, if you don’t have cash on you, they can't expect you to cough up money on the spot, but it’s up to you if you want to carry cash on you just in case. But if you know you did something wrong, then accept the consequences. However, if you truly believe you didn’t, then try to reason with them if you feel comfortable.
Overall, we wouldn’t let these inconvenient moments stop us from going back to Ouarzazate, and you shouldn’t either! You just need to be prepared for anything and always be vigilant. This is such a beautiful city and a place you must visit at least once in your life. We can safely say the good and amazing moments definitely outweigh the bad ones. It’s all part of the adventure after all, and you will have great stories to tell.
Where To Stay In Ouarzazate?
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Ouarzazate, you've got plenty of options to fit any budget and style. Read about our first Riad experience here.
Is Ouarzazate Worth Visiting in 2024?
So, is Ouarzazate really a hidden gem in Morocco that's worth exploring? You bet! This city is full of surprises, and although we had a couple of bad ones, our opinion remains unchanged, Ouarzazate offers so many adventures and cultural experiences you won't want to miss. Whether you're into thrilling activities, stunning landscapes, or immersing yourself in local life, Ouarzazate has it all. So, why wait? Grab your gear, get ready for some fun, and let Ouarzazate work its magic on you. Until next time, happy travels from Carma Adventures! 🌍✨
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