Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate, the capital of the South is easily reached from Marrakech. The town lies in a valley at the foot of the Atlas Mountains with a desert-like setting and prettily designed architectural layout.
This is a good base for exploring the Kasbah Trail and the surrounding sub Saharan region which includes the Dadès Valley, ‘The road of the Thousand Kasbahs’ and Todra Gorge. To the south is the Drâa Valley, a sub Saharan Desert interrupted by the green date palm oases. The road from the desert towns of Erfoud to Zagora, a four to five hour drive, completes the Ouarzazate - Erfoud - Zagora triangle, a fascinating drive of high peaks, rivers of sand, gorges and Kasbahs.
Ouarzazate holiday highlights
- A scenic day trip to the surrounding areas will soon have you entertained as you visit ruins of ancient Kasbahs, date palmeries and remote villages.
- You should definitely make arrangements to visit the studio. Most days it is open to the public for tours and if you are lucky you will get the chance to see them filming a movie. Movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars and The Gladiator have either been filmed here in their entirety or have had their desert scenes shot here.
- The Kasbah has been recently restored and is worth a visit as is the Artisans Cooperative. At the end of the day you might find delight in dining at the famous Chez Dimitri restaurant. The restaurant serves pasta and salads and is a great change from the usual local food.
- From Ouarzazate there is a choice of trekking by foot, or on camel back, as well as the opportunity to try your hand at four wheel drive safaris in the fantastic sand dunes of this region!
