Standing watch over the Sahara for hundreds of years, Ouarzazate is aptly nicknamed ‘the door of the desert’. Wander quiet, palm-lined streets in the shade of its dramatic city walls. Stop off at the souk to sample the flavours of the city. Or simply unwind poolside in your boutique hotel.
FOOD
Known as the crossroads of the south, Ouarzazate is a melting pot of Moroccan and Saharan cuisine. It’s also the saffron capital of the world and the air is full of the heady aroma of rich spices. Traditional tajines, refreshing mint tea – every corner of Ouarzazate has a culinary story to tell.
CULTURE
Ouarzazate is ingrained with the history and culture of desert life. From the inhabitants of High Atlas to the pre-Saharan Moroccans, centuries of tradition are etched into the city. Take a tour of the Kasbahs, visit one of Ouarzazate’s museums or simply wander among its imposing architecture.
DAY TRIPS
The true majesty of Ouarzazate lies beyond its honey coloured walls. The slopes of the Atlas Mountains down to the valleys of the Sahara put adventure is on your doorstep. Ride camels over the dunes or explore the ancient city of Ait Benhaddou before spending a night to remember sleeping out under the stars.
Follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia with a visit to Atlas Studios, backdrop to the film.
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