Ouarzazate - Morocco
Ouarzazate literally translates to, ‘space between noise,’ and in a country than can be quite overwhelming at times, it truly is a place of peace and quiet. And even if you’re thinking that you’ve never heard of Ouarzazate before, I’m sure you’ve seen it, as the city frequently stars as the setting for desert based films. But there is so much more to this small city that movies and peace - like stunning handmade rugs, ancient palaces, and some of the world’s nicest people.
How do I get to Ouarzazate?
If you are traveling to Ouarzazate from Marrakech or Casablanca, all of the options are open to you, really. I’ll try to be as comprehensive as possible.
FLY.
That’s right, there are usually pretty cheap flights from Marrakech and Casablanca to Ouarzazate, (between 40- USD each way). If you are traveling from Casablanca and have any time constraints, I honestly think flying is your best option. The flight is around and hour from Marrakech and three hours from Casablanca. You can search for the cheapest available flights below.
Bus from Marrakech to Ouarzazate
If you’re looking for a cheaper transport option, then a bus is the best option for you. The best available bus companies in Morocco are CTM and Supratous (which covers all of the southern provinces that are not serviced by the train line.) Tickets for both companies range between 90 - 95 Dh (9 - 9.5 USD), and the trip takes around 4.5 hours. Click on the links below for bus/ train timetables.
CTM - Their comfort plus option is super nice and is only 5 dh more.
Train & Bus from Casablanca to Ouarzazate
If you are traveling from Casablanca, then your best bet is to take the train from Casablanca to Marrakech (the train line doesn’t extend south of Marrakech) and then the bus from Marrakech to Ouarzazate. ONCF/Supratours, is your best option for this because the bus station is located in the train station. The total trip from Casablanca to Ouarzazate starts at 200 Dh (20 USD, depending on what class on the train you choose) and the trek usually takes around 9.5 hours. Click on the link below to begin planning your trip.
ONCF/Supratours - The preferred option if your travel is originating somewhere North of Marrakech, as it is connected to the train station.
IMPORTANT TIP
You maybe unable to purchase tickets ahead of time via the websites, unless you have a Moroccan bank card (sometimes international cards work, and sometimes they don’t). However it is easy to pick up tickets at the train or bus station upon arrival. Your riad may even be willing to help you with it. Usually there are no troubles getting travel tickets on the day of, unless there is a public holiday, however I suggest that you purchase your tickets at least a day in advance, just to be safe. You will also need to buy a place for your bag, if you have big luggage that won’t fit overhead. It is 5 Dh (.50 USD) per piece.
Taxi to Ouarzazate from Marrakech
It is possible to get to Ouarzazate from Marrakech by grand taxi and while it is slighty more expensive (100 Dh a place), it is usually faster, because they leave more frequently. You can get a taxi at pretty much any time of day from the Bab Doukala Taxi Stand. Keep in mind though, that each taxi has 6 places, so if you get to the taxi stand early to mid morning the taxi will most likely fill up very quickly. However, if you are wanting to travel late at night, it may take a lot longer for the taxi to fill up.
Rent a Car
Your last option for getting to Ouarzazate and beyond is to be adventurous and rent a car. I personally, love the convenience of having a car when I travel. I like to be able to be able to stop whenever I damn well please, so renting a car is essential for me. But please keep in mind that driving here is definitely not for the faint of heart. If you feel brave enough to drive on your own then we recommend searching for your perfect rental here!
I have all kinds of videos about our most recent Saharan road on our Instagram.
PRO TIP: Small taxis in the city center are flat rates. During the day, where ever you go, it is 5 Dh, at night it is 7 Dh. (Not per person, per drop off).
When should I go to Ouarzazate ?
Ouarzazate is completely doable all year, but we suggest going from October to December or March to June, as the weather is milder and the skies are usually clearer. Summers can be brutal here, so it’s best to avoid that time period if at all possible.
What are the best restaurants in Ouarzazate?
Ouarzazate has a growing number of great restaurants that range from local cuisine to global eats. A few of the restaurants I recommend are.
La Kasbah des Sables
A mid range restaurant that serves Moroccan food and has a really cool vibe. They are closed on Tuesday and are open 12-2 and 7-11 Wednesday through Monday.
Jardin Des Arômes
Is more on the expensive side, but it is stunning and the food is incredible. It is the perfect place to relax and reflect on your trip.
PRO TIP: There is a liquor store located just next door to this restaurant and if you would like a bottle of wine (or whatever tickles your fancy) for the rest of your journey south, then this is the place to get it. The further south and more rural you get, it becomes nearly impossible to find liquor stores, and who doesn’t want to sip champagne while laying on the dunes in the Moroccan Sahara?
Habous
If you are looking for a quick, simple lunch then this is your place. It has a large menu that includes pizza, pasta, salads, and Moroccan food and is cheap, clean, and very centrally located in the main square.
What should I do in Ouarzazate?
Ait Benhaddou is an ancient Ksar or Kasbah where several original families still live to this day. It was originally inhabited by the Galoui and today is a popular destination point for filming and those interested in the architecture of Southern Morocco. If you have googled Morocco or watched Gladiator, you are sure to have seen it. There is no entry fee and you are free to roam around without a guide. Make sure to take a bottle of water with you and check out the artist who makes paintings with tea and fire (he’s located about half way up).
If you don’t have a car, speak to the hotel where you are staying and they will be happy to arrange a taxi for you. It should be around 150 Dh, round trip.
Many of the desert movies you love, including Gladiator, The Mummy, Lawrence of Arabia, City of Heaven and more were filmed right in Ouarzazate. Entrance is between 80-110 Dh and you are able to roam around freely and take as many pictures as you'd like. If you are actually interested in learning about the sets and what they were used for, I would recommend getting a guide (Mohammed is great and speaks tons of languages) as there is no to very little signage. It is definitely a fun way to spend a few hours.
Where should I go shopping and what should I get?
Ouarzazate is located very near to Tazenakt, a town known for it’s amazing carpets, so there are many beautiful carpets to be found. My favorite shop in Ouarzazate is conveniently located on the main street that runs through town. (A few doors to the right of Jardin Des Arômes and the liquor store mentioned above.
Bazar du Sud
The shop owner, Ridouane, (0672518145) is incredibly kind and more than willing to chat with you about rug making and culture in Morocco. He is also a registered national guide and does tours in multiple languages, if you are looking for a guide. If you go make sure to tell him Brandi (Aziza) the American sent you, it’ll help you get better deals! ; )
PRO TIP: A few doors to the left of Jardin Des Arômes (there are large lanterns out front) there is a ‘fixed price store,’ meaning that all of the prices are posted and inflexible. This is a great place to wrap your head around about how much items should cost. He also has some cool, good quality leather pieces and shoes available.
And if you are interested in buying some amazing pieces from Ridouane, but won’t be making a trip to Ouarzazate anytime soon, no worries! These two gorgeous carpets were purchased in his shop and available through our site. We are also other pieces in our SHOP, if you’re interested.
Best hotels and b&b’s in Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate has a ton of great hotel options, ranging from the cheapest around to the super luxurious.
Budget
I have stayed at this lovely little hotel more times than I can count. It is centrally located, the staff is incredible, everything is super clean. It is under $40 USD and comes with breakfast. You really can’t go wrong here.
Mid Range
These two options are some of my absolute favorites in the South of Morocco. They are about 2 KM from the center of Ourzazate, but easily reached by car or small taxi. They are tastefully renovated, reasonably priced, and completely AWESOME. Technically they are managed by the same staff and are loosely connected by a stair system. Meaning you can use the amenities of each hotel, no matter which hotel you choose to stay in.
This place is magical. It has been beautifully restored. They have wheelchair and medical assistance rooms available, and have a wheelchair capable hammam experience available. The staff is incredible. And the food is SO GOOD. I still regularly pine for the in house made black cherry sorbet. You should go to Ouarzazate just to stay here.
Like most places in Southern Morocco, it doesn’t look like much from the outside, but then you open the door, and WOW. This place is not suited for anyone with mobility issues, as there several flights of stairs you’ll have to climb, but the reward is worth it. Plus you can use the pool and eat dinner at its sister hotel, Dar Daif. When we stayed here we were the only guests and it was the most magical escape. And it may be one of the best places to watch the sunset in Ouarzazate.
If none of these options spoke to you, no worries. Check out your other options here.
Still have a question about Ouarzazate?
Ask me anything in the comments section below and I’ll get back to you!
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