Ouarzazate: African Capital of Cinema

Ouarzazate, African capital of cinema 

Ouarzazate: African Capital of Cinema 

Morocco at the gates of the desert

    Long considered by travelers as a stopover city between the imperial cities (Marrakech, Fez, Meknes) and the desert, Ouarzazate is today positioned as a destination in its own right with Stunning landscapes and a legacy of luxury are listed as UNESCO.

At the gates of the desert, it has so much to offer. Thanks to its origins and history, Ouarzazate has become a "Hollywood Africa".

From Lawrence of Arabia to Gladiator :

You certainly already know Ouarzazate and its surroundings without having been there yet. Desert, arenas, low buildings, cities surrounded by clay walls, kasbahs, palm groves…

These decors are familiar to you if you have seen Lawrence of Arabia, The Diamond of the Nile, Indigenous, Alad’2, Gladiator, Alexander, Babel, or Spy Games. These films and many others were shot near or in the city of Ouarzazate.

The film industry is thriving there. It represents an annual turnover of more than $ 100 million and creates thousands of jobs (artisans, extras, technicians, hoteliers, merchants).

It is not impossible that you come across film crews and stars of the big and small screen during your stay.

Museum and Studios:

In addition, the visit of the Cinema Museum and Atlas Studios (30 hectares dedicated to the sets and filming of international productions) will make you evolve in many settings: Tibetan and Egyptian temples, the Roman arenas of Gladiator, the jails of Prison Break, the village of Prince of Persia, the city of Game of Thrones…

Quad tours also allow you to go from one setting to another in the middle of the desert, at the end of a palm grove or at the top of a hill.

A beautiful heritage:

Once your film enthusiasts are satisfied, set off to explore the incredible architectural wealth of the region. 

Red fortresses carved out of the mountains or out of the desert, the kasbahs are real gems typical of the architecture of southern Morocco in the 16th century and are, for some, classified as UNESCO World Heritage.

A must-see is the climb to the ksar citadel of Aït-Ben-Haddou at sunset. Absolutely sublime. We cross the village - composed of traditional common dwellings and large decorated mansions - enclosed in its walls corner towers to rise above and admire a 360 panorama of the valley.

The architectural authenticity and the harmony of the buildings with the natural environment make this place a monument classified as World Heritage by UNESCO.

In southern Morocco:

Other magnificent kasbahs not to be missed while you are shining around Ouarzazate: Taouirirt, with a view of a palm grove and pretty pieces of kitchen, lighting and construction; Tifoulsoute, Tamedakhte or Amridil on the road to Skoura.

They are as many witnesses of grandeur from the past as pleasant stops during your wanderings in southern Morocco.

Breathtaking landscapes:

Traveling in the south of Morocco is the promise of crossing magnificent landscapes.
Go on a road trip in the Dades Gorges (the great Moroccan Canyon), between Boumalne and Imdiazen and stop in the small villages on the mountainside to share a tea and a beginning of friendship with the locals.

300m deep and alternating green landscapes and rocky terrain that blooms on the waning day, these gorges are a paradise for hikers and climbing enthusiasts.

Near the village of Boulmane, the rock formations appeal. "The fingers of the monkeys" point their rocky peaks towards the sky.

The High Atlas:

The High Atlas mountains hold many surprises for walkers who venture off the beaten track, with caves in which were hidden deposits of fine stones such as amenyst, whose colors and reflections are beautiful and that the '' you can pick up by hand when hiking on a mule.

The Draa Valley, dotted with kasbahs and earthenware ksours dating from the 17th century, moves with its contrasts of red earth and opulent palm groves sprinkled with waterfalls.

Its 300 km in the arid and stony environment are an enchantment for the traveler looking for a little sweetness.

A night in the dunes:

A night in the sand dunes, under a starry sky, is the experience you will want to live during your trip to Ouarzazate.

Take the car and set sail for Zagora and its renowned potters. Then stop at the amazing Tinfou Dunes, set in the middle of a rocky desert or continue to Merzouga and Chegaga.

Let yourself be overcome by the calm that emanates from these expanses of sand. Walk in the dunes, venture there on the back of a camel at sunset to see them change color and opt for a night in bivouac. The magic will be total.

A warm and welcoming people:

But the first reason to go visit Ouarzazate, will be the legendary kindness of Moroccans.

You will be warmly and quickly received there, objects of all attentions and a choice guest at the table, you will feel at home.

Moroccan hospitality is not an empty word. Whether you are in town, cocooning in your riad, on the roads with a driver, in a small Atlas village, you will always be pleasantly surprised by the generosity, the simplicity and the restraint of the people, always happy to take the time to share with you a mint tea, a meal or a conversation.

                                                                       A real joy.