Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate the Moroccan Sahara gate
Its a relatively small and quiet town, built mostly along the main street – Avenue Muhammed V. Ouarzazate is situated at an elevation of 1,135 metres. Its name comes from a Berber phrase meaning “without noise”.
In the past, this spot was a crossroad for African traders seeking to reach northern cities in Morocco and Europe. During the French period, Ouarzazate expanded considerably as a garrison town and administrative centre. It is the largest town in the Moroccan Sahara.
Sights around Ouarzazate
Of course, This city is a good base of operations for local touring. Most of what you want to see is not in Ouarzazate, but around it. You do not need to enter the centrally located Taourirt Kasbah, as it is empty, crumbling and unimpressive and will overcharge you.
Certainly, you will get the very best impression of it from the street (for free). The kasbahs outside the city, such as Aït-Benhaddou, are far better. Spend your time planning day trips from the city, and you’ll see what the city itself has to offer just by staying there, eating and passing through.
Ait Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou – one of the best-preserved Kasbahs and a fantastic day trip from Ouarzazate. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A beige grand taxi can take you to Aït-Benhaddou, wait for you for a couple of hours (you pay the full amount when you arrive back in Ouarzazate) and drive you back for 200 dirhams.
A private grand taxi from Ouarzazate to Ait Ben Haddou, a couple of hours waiting, then to the next Kasbah along Tamedakhte and back was 250 dirhams. However, this could be bargained down to 200. Initial price quoted by the driver-coordinator at the Grand Taxi point at the Gare Routiere was 300 Dirhams, from which you should bargain down.
Transportation
You can also take a standard grand taxi until Tabourahte (the crossroad between the N9 and the P1506 roads) for 10Dh per person. (or 60€ for the whole car if you don’t want to wait until it fills up), After that, change to another taxi to Aït-Benhaddou (5Dh per person, 30Dh for the whole car). You’ll find the taxis in the Gare Routière (bus station) in Ouarzazate as usual in Morocco.
Buses going to Marrakech can also drop you off at the crossroad of Tabourahte (“le carrefour”). So, they will ask for 10Dh for the trip + eventually 5Dh for the luggage.
Very picturesque place, lots of movies were shot there (Gladiator) and so many movies. And more recently hit HBO series “Game of Thrones”.visit kasbahs guided by locals. Be ready to climb stairs! For the best photos, climb the round hill next to the city. Arriving here during the sunset call to prayer is magical.
Atlas Studios
Go to Atlas Studios. It lies about ~ 4km from the town centre. Entrance ticket is 50 dirhams. Films such as Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, Lawrence of Arabia, The Man Who Would Be King, Cleopatra, Kundun, Gladiator and Alexander, Kingdom of Heaven and Babel were shot there. Most of movie decorations are a bit crumbled, but Egyptian decorations are still impressive but in very poor condition.
Sights nearby Ouarzazate
Plan an expedition out to M’Hamid. A night in the Sahara is unforgettable and can be the best part of your Moroccan adventure. Ourzazate is the last big town in the south where this is easy and cheap to do.
There are lots of agencies around that can arrange a trek like this, though this is the more expensive way to do it. A cheaper way, if you don’t mind worrying about a few details, is to rent a car, go out there yourself, and negotiate an overnight in the desert with a Merzouga auberge, most of them offer overnights in the desert. Renting a car and driving the way is relatively easy if you drive a stick. The roads out that way are very good and easy to navigate.
Camping in the desert
The overnight in the Dunes should only cost about 300-400Dh. A grand taxi will also take you out that way and back for 150-200Dh. Everything out here is negotiable, so shop around for the best price. Local agencies also offer trips to mountain valley of Dades. Be prepared to negotiate hard otherwise they will rip you off!
CLA Studios
CLA Studios. CLA Studios aka Dino de Laurentis Cinecitta Studios is along the same road as Atlas Studios about a kilometre closer to Marrakech. If you can go to only one of the two studios, this is the one to go to. The Atlas Studios tour is mostly TV movies and The Mummy Returns remake. CLA has the Jerusalem set from “Kingdom of Heaven,” and a host of props. 100Dh.
Oasis of the Fint
Make a half-day trip to beautiful Oasis of de Fint. A small paradise of vegetation in the midst of the dry hills surrounding Ouarzazate. Cross the river into Tabount, then take the road direction Agadir. After about1 km there is a signpost, from here it is about 10km by mostly unpaved roads. At the Oasis there is an auberge with restaurant. You can get there by car, taxi or rent a bike in Tabount.