Draa-Tafilalet
Ouarzazate
Gateway to the kasbahs and the desert.
Ouarzazate at a glance
- Region
- Draa-Tafilalet
- Province or prefecture
- Ouarzazate (province)
- Status
- Province capital
- Population
- 71,067 (2014 census)
- Area
- Not available
- Elevation
- 1,150 m
- Coordinates
- 30.919, -6.893
- Postal code
- 45000
- Phone area code
- +212 524
- Time zone
- Africa/Casablanca (see note on Ramadan)
- Local names
- Ouarzazate (French) · ورزازات (Arabic)
- Best time to visit
- March to May and October to November
Population is from the 2014 census (HCP) and is being updated. Climate figures are indicative regional profiles. Confirm details with official sources before relying on them.
About Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is a high-desert crossroads and film location, close to Ait Benhaddou, the Skoura palm grove and the Draa valley.
History
The Taourirt Kasbah was a stronghold of the Glaoui family. The town grew as a French garrison and now hosts film studios.
Things to see in Ouarzazate
- Taourirt Kasbah
- Atlas Film Studios
- Ait Benhaddou (about 30 km)
- Noor solar complex
- Skoura oasis
UNESCO World Heritage: Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou (1987), nearby.
Climate and best time to visit
Pre-Saharan desert. Very hot summers, cool winters with cold nights, and very little rain. Spring and autumn are the comfortable seasons.
Best time to visit: March to May and October to November. Indicative regional profile.
Getting to Ouarzazate
- By air
- Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ), about 5 km from the centre.
- By train
- There is no ONCF station; buses cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass from Marrakech.
- By bus
- CTM, Supratours and regional bus companies serve most routes; grand taxis cover shorter hops. Check current schedules.
- By road
- Reached by national roads and, on many routes, the motorway network. Check road conditions in winter, especially in mountain areas.
Economy
Film production, tourism, solar energy (Noor complex) and oasis agriculture.
Food and drink
Berber tagines, dates and rose products from the Dades valley.
Festivals and events
The Rose Festival at Kelaat M'Gouna is held in spring; check dates.
Where to stay
Options are mostly mid-range hotels and family-run guesthouses. In peak season and holidays it is wise to reserve in advance.