Ouarzazate - The Gateway City to the Sahara Desert
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Ouarzazate, a place all about trading flip-flops for desert boots. This city nestled in Morocco's Atlas Mountains isn't just a pitstop before the Sahara, it's a whole vibe in itself. Think ancient kasbahs whispering stories of the past, bustling markets overflowing with spices, and epic mountain views that'll blow your Instagram up.
Best time to visit: From Mar-To-May Sep-To-Nov
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Reaching Ouarzazate
- Getting to Ouarzazate is easier than getting lost in a mirrored maze. Most travelers jet in via Ouarzazate Airport, with connections from major Moroccan cities. Want more adventure? Buses wind through the mountains from Marrakech, offering stunning scenery along the way.
- Exploring Ouarzazate
- Ouarzazate is pretty compact, so lace up your comfy shoes and get ready to explore. The Medina, the old town center, is a maze of narrow alleys begging to be wandered. Haggle for a Berber carpet, pick up some colorful pottery, and fill your bag with enough spices to make your kitchen smell like a Moroccan souk. Feeling beat? Taxis are everywhere, ready to whisk you to your next stop for a few dirhams.
- Local Flavour of Ouarzazate
- Ouarzazate's food scene has hearty tagines packed with lamb or veggies, simmered to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Dates, a desert staple, are everywhere – sweet, sticky, and perfect for an energy boost. Don't worry about veggies, there's plenty for you too – lentil and chickpea dishes abound, always served with fresh, seasonal goodness. Feeling adventurous? Try "Tanjia" – a slow-cooked stew. Wash it all down with a steaming cup of mint tea, the ultimate Moroccan drink.
- Accommodations Options
- Ouarzazate Accommodations Options caters to all budgets. Backpackers, you're sorted with comfy guesthouses and hostels. Want to feel like Moroccan royalty? Splurge on a riad – a traditional house with a central courtyard, all fancy tilework and intricate carvings. For Luxury lovers? Swanky hotels with mountain views and infinity pools await your arrival. No matter your choice, Ouarzazate's friendly vibe ensures a comfy stay.
Top Visiting Spots
- Ksar Aït Benhaddou: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a real-life movie set that's been in countless Hollywood flicks. Think "Gladiator" vibes, minus the oiled-up guys.
- Atlas Studios: Calling all movie buffs! This is your chance to geek out on movie sets and learn how Morocco became Hollywood's desert darling.
- Kasbah Taourirt: This 17th-century fortress is like a history book you can walk through.
- Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs: Take a day trip and explore this dramatic landscape dotted with crumbling kasbahs, remnants of a glorious past.
- Nomad Festival: Enjoy dancing, singing, and perhaps even camel racing to fully immerse yourself in Berber culture.
- The Verdict
- The city of Ouarzazate catches you off guard. It's an energetic centre with breathtaking surroundings, a rich history, and a relaxed desert atmosphere. Ouarzazate offers something for everyone, regardless of interests: history buff, film enthusiast, or simply seeking adventure prior to visiting the dunes. Prepare to be enchanted by this unexpected Moroccan treasure. You may find yourself staying in Ouarzazate for a little while longer and forgoing a trip across the Sahara.
