Ouarzazate (pronounced Wa-za-zat) is often the goal of travellers looking for the different and more audacious kind of holiday. It is the most important of the southern towns and is strategically located at a crossroads that joins the north to the south and the east to the west.
For those who want a taste of the south, prefer larger towns and do not want to move hotel several times, Ouarzazate is a good location from which to explore with daily excursions as far a-field as Zagora, Agdz, Skoura, Tineghir and the Todra Gorge, as well as dozens of breathtaking kasbahs.
It is an ideal base for exploring the Beau Geste of oasis and dune, which makes Morocco’s South unique.
Sightseeing
Ait Benhaddou
Within easy driving distance (less than 30 minutes) is one of the most spectacular Atlas villages – Ait Benhaddou with its Kasbahs among the most elaborately decorated and best preserved in Morocco.
The World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou is about 30km northwest of Ouarzazate. It is a collection of kasbahs (fortified houses) making up a small village or Ksar (a collection of kasbahs) set on a hill.
Only about 10 families now live here, though at one time probably about 200-300 people inhabited this picturesque place, and it is thought that there have been houses here since the 16th century.
You reach the Ksar by walking from the small modern village on the main road and over stepping-stones across the river. If the water is high, or if you prefer a bit more of an adventure, you can hire a mule or donkey to make the return journey.
You can walk through the kasbahs and even reach the top of the hill where there is a fortified granary (agadir) from which you get stunning views of the surrounding countryside. If Ait Benhaddou seems familiar to you, it may be something to do with the fact that it has been used as the setting for various films including Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and Gladiator.
The Oasis of Fint
The charming oasis village of Fint is 20 km from Ouarzazate – 4×4 vehicle is best.
Fint Oasis is still unknown for many visitors but stands for one of the most beautiful views in Morocco. An enormous valley with small Berber villages and a gorgeous river covered with palm trees and several oases make the perfect scenario for a day trip out of Ouarzazate. One of the peculiarities of Fint Oasis is that all the existing villages have a distinctive way of life, where African roots and customs still prevail in a blend of North-African and sub-Saharan cultures that prevailed the test of time.
Tiffoultoute Kasbah
Tiffoultoute Kasbah is 10 kilometres to the north of Ouarzazate, and is said to be over 300 years old. However, the present structure is largely 20th century, the original property of the Glaoui clan.
The Kasbah was converted to a hotel in the 1960s for the cast of Lawrence of Arabia. It is still a hotel serving adequate food and giving some magnificent views from its terrace. The Kasbah is open for visits for a small fee: you can climb the roof for amazing panoramic views over the countryside and a stork’s nest on the turrets.
Taourirt Kasbah
Kasbah Taourirt is located at the east end of town, a twenty-minute walk from the centre.
This was built by the Galoui chiefs in the 19th century and reached its height in the 1930s when it was considered the largest Kasbah in Morocco – an enormous construction housing the family of the chief, his servants and followers as well as a community of labourers, builders and craftsmen.
Unfortunately, the Kasbah has fallen into decline and despite “rehabilitation” plans, parts of the Kasbah are partly ruined and the rear end is still occupied by the poor in Ouarzazate in a maze of narrow alleyways, houses and shops. What you are shown is the maintained area, adjacent to the main road, which would have been the quarters of the family and extended relatives, including courtyards and reception rooms.
Atlas Film Corporation Studios
Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate is where many blockbusters have been shot. Since Lawrence of Arabia was shot in Ait Benhaddou in the 1960’s, Ouarzazate and its region has been a popular filming location for many of Hollywood blockbusters.
The magnificent desert and mountain scenery and the plentiful supply of authentic looking extras have been a favourite directors’ choice.
To see the sets of some international blockbusters, such as Gladiator, Kundun, Alexander the Great and Kingdom of Heaven, visit the Atlas Film Corporation Studios, 5 kilometres west of town on the Marrakech road. They are open to the general public for mini-tours for a small fee.
