discover Ouarzazate and the Sahara
“Without noise”: the city of southern Morocco is aptly named!
Located on the borders of radically opposed landscapes: the valley of the Oued Draa, its palm groves and earthen villages contrast with the abrupt and arrid mountains announcing the Moroccan desert, a world where different forms of life are rare.
In addition to a breathtaking landscape, Ouarzazate has a rich history, common to many Moroccan cities. Erected in 1928 by the French colonial forces, the latter was in its early years a garrison town (military aviation base).
Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Great South, will take you to the immense arid expanses of the Moroccan desert. At the confluence of the Drâa and the Dades, not far from the Ziz, the landscapes turn into a kingdom of palm groves, orchards and gardens, but also of regs and ergs. Above the valleys and at the gates of the desert, Ouarzazate is perched at 1160m on the high plateaus of the Atlas. The city thus benefits from an exceptional climate for the region: winters are mild (around 15 ° C), while in summer temperatures can exceed 35 ° C! A trip not to be missed under any circumstances!
While visiting Ouarzazate, meet at the Kasbah of Taourirt, the former palace of the Pasha of Marrakech. It is located opposite the craft center, on the other side of Avenue Mohammed V. This colossal adobe building houses a veritable labyrinth of corridors and stairs, sumptuous rooms. In the fortified village of the Kasbah, venture into the maze of shady alleys, the peaceful atmosphere is very pleasant.
-The desert of Sahara -Atlas Film Studio -Aït Ben Haddou -Taourirt Kasbah -The old Synagogue -Kasbah of Tifoultoute
On the road to Zagora, discover the Tamesla kasbah, the “stork fortress”. It is located near the village of Tabounte, 2km from Ouarzazate. The site is the starting point for a charming stroll in the surroundings, away from the tourist trails. Back on the Zagora road, turn right after the Tabounte bridge towards the Tiffoultoute kasbah. From there, you can admire a magnificent view over the entire Drâa valley. After 3 km, follow the track that appears on your left. You will find yourself in the middle of a landscape of black rocks, on the pre-Saharan plateaus of the Anti-Atlas. Follow the course of the wadi and enjoy a wonderful walk in the gardens of Fint.
To visit Ouarzazate, prefer the periods when it is not yet too hot, from March to June and from September to November.
Three things to see and do in Ouarzazate, for a superb stay:
Treat yourself to a desert safari
Ride a camel
The road from Tizi n Tichka through the Atlas
