27/07/2015
http://whereinmorocco.com/dt_places/ouarzazate/
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). 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.
it 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. See Ait-Benhaddou for more infos about bus. Very picturesque place, lots of movies were shot there (Gladiator), and more recently, hit HBO series “Game of Thrones”. 10 dirham to visit kasbahs (or use exit). You don’t need a guide, but locals will follow you pretending to help and at the end will ask for money. Be careful not to get too wet from the river when crossing it, since there’s been reports of Schistosomiasis contracted from the water. 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.
Walk along the central square behind Muhammad V at night when everyone comes out. Children play football on the square, people go eat and socialise, and you’ll get a feel for the community just walking around.
Walk to Taourirt Kasbah (2km), 10 DH
Walk to Cinema Museum (opositte of Taourirt Kasbah), 30 DH
Go to Atlas Studios. It lies about ~ 4km from 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.
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, , go out there yourself, and negotiate an overnight in the desert with a Merzougan auberge (most of them offer overnights in the desert). and driving the way is relatively easy if you drive a stick. The roads out that way are very good and easy to navigate. 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 aka Dino de Laurentis Cinecitta Studios, is along the same road as Atlas Studios about a kilometer 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 mosly TV movies and The Mummy Returns remake. CLA has the Jerusalem set from “Kingdom of Heaven,” and a host of props. 100Dh.
Make a half-day trip to beautiful . A small paradise of vegetation in the midst of the dry hills surrounding Ouazarzate. 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 a auberge with restaurant. You can get there by car, taxi or rent a bike in Tabount.
