Ouarzazate

File:Ouarzazate banner Kasbah Taourirt - The Kasbah Taourirt on Avenue Mohammed V in Ouarzazate just before sunset in April Ouarzazate (ورزازات) is a city in Morocco.

Ouarzazate Halal Explorer

Ouarzazate Medina - |Old housing around kasbah

Ouarzazate is relatively small (60 000 inhabitants) and for Morocco quiet town, built mostly along main street -Avenue Muhammed V. Ouarzazate is situated at an elevation of 1,135 meters. Its name comes from a Berber phrase meaning "without noise" or "without confusion". Once in its history, Ouarzazate had been crossing point for African traders seeking to reach northern cities in Morocco and Europe. During the French period, Ouarzazate expanded considerably as a garrison town and administrative centre. It is largest town in saharan Morocco.

Travel to Ouarzazate

Travel on a Bus in Ouarzazate

• From Inezgane (close to Agadir) twice daily, 120 dirham, fixed price with CTM and a similar price with Supratours.

The morning CTM bus from Inezgane departs at 09:30 (April 2009).

• From Marrakesh - There are two CTM buses a day (80 dirham), along with three local buses (also 80 dirham). You can also reserve a place in a grand taxi for around 100 dirham per person.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Ouarzazate

Often two flights a day during the week from Casablanca, occasional Flights to Agadir and other cities.

How to get around in Ouarzazate

The area around Mohammad V is very walkable. The CTM station is there as well. Petits taxis for within the city (no more than 10 dirham from the airport to the hotel), grands taxis for between cities (no more than 150 dirham to Ait Benhaddou and back, though you can probably get it lower), including to Ait Benhaddou and surrounding Kasbahs.

Don't be surprised if during a local taxi ride the driver requests you to "transfer taxis" or has "a friend to pick up on the way." When this happens, a friendly English (or other language) speaking person will start pitching you outings, most of them to Erg Chebbi near Merzouga or Zagora. If you are not interested, just politely tell them so, but if you are, you can negotiate a reasonable price with them.

Car rental

• Machi Car Rental - Machi - machi@ / Ouarzazate 45000 No 13 Tabounte ☎ +212 5-2485-4418 +212 5-2485-4418 Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00 300-600 dirham

What to see in Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate kasbah - |Kasbah Taourirt in Ourzazate

Kashba - |Kashba near Skoura

• Aït Benhaddou - one of the best preserved Kasbahs. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Taxi can take you to Ait Benhaddou for 300 dirham, however you can haggle (perhaps 220 after some serious effort), driver will wait couple of hours. Very picturesque place, lots of movies were shot there (Gladiator). 10 dirham to visit kasbahs. You don't need a guide, but residents will follow you pretending to help and at the end will ask for money. Careful not to get too wet from the river when crossing it, since there's been reports of schistosomiasis contracted from the water.
• Atlas Studios. It lies about 4 kilometers from town center. Entrance ticket is 50 dirham. Films such as Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, Lawrence of Arabia, The Man Who Would Be King, Cleopatra, Kundun, Gladiator, The Living Daylights and Alexander, Kingdom of Heaven and Babel were shot there. Most of movie decorations are a bit crumbled, but Egyptan decorations are still impressive but in very poor condition, left to rot.
• 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 affordable 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, is to rent a car, go out there yourself, and negotiate an overnight in the desert with a Merzougan auberge (most of them offer overnights in the desert). Renting a vehicle 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 300-400 dirham. A grand taxi will also take you out that way and back for 150-200 dirham. Everything out here is negotiable, so shop around for the best price.

• CLA Studios - 100 dirham CLA Studios aka Dino de Laurentis Cinecitta Studios, is along the same road as Atlas Studios about a kilometer closer to Marrakech. If you have to 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. The sets are unconvincing in person. CLA, on the other hand, has the Jerusalem set from Kingdom of Heaven, which looks real in person, and a host of great props.

• Make a half-day trip to beautiful Oasis de Fint. A small paradise of vegetation in the midst of the dry hills surrounding Ouazarzate. Cross the river into Tabount and then take the road direction Agadir. After ~1 kilometers there is a signpost, from here it is ~10 kilometers by mostly unpaved roads. At the Oasis there is an auberge with restaurant. You can get there by car, taxi or rent a bike in Tabount.
• Local agencies also offer trips to mountain Valley of Dadès. Be prepared to negotiate hard; otherwise and they will rip you off! Plan a full day tour by 4WD jeep. Make a shortcut off-road in order to avoid a part of the paved N10. The views are spectacular and you have a great chance to meet shepherds (often young girls) with their herd. In the area are many Kasbah's, some inhabited, some abandoned. Don't be surprised if you see a for-sale sign on an abandoned Kasbah.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Ouarzazate

Tours

• Ecolodge Adventures - @ntures.com kasbah tawrirt bloc 2 nr 31 ☎ +212 528536443 Excursions and al-tours/ tours from Ouarzazate

• Ouarzazate Explorer - Lot du centre North 69 ☎ +212 670719027 Expeditions to the heart of the desert of the south of Morocco, and to the mountains of the Atlas and the gorges of Toudgha and Dades with their canyons. Camel rides and bivouac nights. Camel meharees.

• Go for a swim, Public swimmingpool between Tammasint and Gar routier bus station on Mohamed V, 20 dirham. Nice break from a road trip. The river is usually full December-January where you can find local residents swimming.
• Walk along the central square behind Muhammad V at night when everyone comes out. The kids go out to play football on the square, people go eat and socialize, and you'll get a feel for the community just walking around

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Ouarzazate

Whatever you buy, it is likely you won't find it cheaper in Marrakech or Fes. Realize everything is negotiable! In Ouarzazate and there is souk, some local stores. At the town's center and there two western like shops with fixed (but pretty high) prices, but at these you can by alcohol including Judeo-Berber vodka and local soft drinks.

There is a large local market every Saturday in El Hay Mohamadi where local residents including the nomads sell their crafts and animals -- a great place to buy carpets.

There is another market across the river in Tabounte on Sunday with the same goods on offer.

Halal Restaurants in Ouarzazate

Plenty of affordable restaurants along Mohammad V street and in central square near market. Normal price for tagine should be about 30 dirham.

There is a supermarket across the road from Place de Mouahidine (main square), including 5L water bottled for 11.5 dirhrams There is a small stores across the road from the main square, next to the supermarket.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Ouarzazate, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ouarzazate. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Ouarzazate and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Ouarzazate. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Ouarzazate. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inOuarzazate: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Ouarzazate.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Ouarzazate: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Ouarzazate, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Ouarzazate.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Ouarzazate, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Ouarzazate, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Ouarzazate and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Ouarzazate, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Ouarzazate, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Ouarzazate without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ouarzazate is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Ouarzazate.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Ouarzazate is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Ouarzazate, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Ouarzazate Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Plenty of hotels of all ranges around town. Ask a cabby to bring you to one, but realize he'll pocket commission for bringing you there.

• La Gazelle - 156 dirham double room with hot shower Clean, affordable hotel, safe parking in the courtyard, ATM just next door, bakery across the road.

• Hotel Atlas Rue du Marche no.13 5-7 dirham by taxi from CTM ☎ +212 0524887745, +212 0605202817 - singles 60-90 dirham, double 110-160 dirham - Convenient location, English and French spoken, WiFi, clean rooms, Hassan can guide desert tours.

• Hotel Amlal - Hotel Ouarzazate - Rue du Marché Nº24-25 Centre Ville Located on the town center, in front of the big Somalian mosque ☎ +212 672-730-585 - 1 person 200 dirham, 2 persons 250 dirham, 3 persons 300 dirham Check-in: until 23:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Simple and clean hotel located right on the town center. This is a nice affordable option and great quality price and facilities. All rooms have private bathrooms and tv. Breakfast served on downstairs restaurant.

• Zaghro Hotel - 1½ kilometers on the Route de Zagora, Tabounte Ouarzazate, 30.909775, -6.907528 From the airport or bus station you have to take a taxi (50 dirham during daytime or 100 dirham at night. At anytime you can obtain the hotel vehicle to bring you to the hotel just call ☎ +212 524 85 41 35 - €7-20 per person with breakfast included It is located a bit far from the village but is neat and clean, has a restaurant and a swimming swimmingpool to enjoy after some time in the desert.

• Hotel la Vallée - Hotel Ouarzazate - Km 1 route de Zagora, Taboute Ouarzazate Morocco Located in Ouarzazate Tabounte neighborhood on the way to Zagora ☎ +212 24-85-40-34 - €20-30 per person with breakfast and dinner included Offers accommodation, restaurant service, swimming pool, Moroccan caidal tent party lounge, al-tours/ tours and organized excursions in Morocco and 4wd/ATV adventure activities. Rooms decorated in traditional Moroccan style.

• Hotel Royale - triple room 160 dirham Right in the centre, has ugly rooms. It can get very cold in winter, and the street facing rooms are very noisy.

• Dar Rita - Riad Ouarzazate - Rue de la Mosquée 39 Located inside Tassoumate old neighborhood on the entrance of Ouarzazate coming from Marrakech ☎ +212 672-730-585 - Double room + breakfast + diner = €70 Check-in: until 23:00 / Check-out: 12:00 New riad in Ouarzazate located on the typical neighborhood of Tassoumate near the river bank and palm trees. 7 rooms with private bathroom, terrace tend, all amenities.

• Hotel el Salam - Mohamed Ave - 70 dirham for single room with hot shower - Not bad for budget people, however cold in the night.

• Hotel Yasmina - Gorges Todra 30.9097, 6.8963 ☎ +212524895118 - 300 dirham

Nearby

• Dar Ahlam - 10-room hotel in Skoura, about 40 kilometers from Ouarzazate. Expensive, but distinctive in every element: architecture, style, service, and food. They also have villas.

• I Roccha - Irocha - Tiseldey/Tisselday Extremely friendly hosts and international mix of travellers. Quiet and relaxing place overseeing a valley in a small village of Tisselday. For New Year holidays, normally confirms booking only for those who visited previously (and hosts liked them).

• Riad Ksar Ighnda - Ksar Ighnda - Douar Asfalou - Amerzane 31.066150154853492, -7.143001556396484 ☎ +212 5 24 88 76 44 +212 5 24 88 76 44~€100-240 On the edge of the desert and the Riad Ksar Ighnda opens its doors onto the Atlas Mountains. Authentic yet modern setting.

Stay Safe

Ouarzazate is very safe, but don't wander into weird corners at night. Crime throughout the Moroccan south is minimal, but it's best not to take (too many) chances.

Travel Next

Drive further through Zagora to M'Hamid for trips in the desert by camels, 4x4 or quad bikes.

There is a bus line which runs from Ouarzazate to Er Rachida, a mid-sized administrative town which can be a good launching pad for Merzouga and the desert. Agents will join the bus at stops along the way and try to lever you into going on a 'discounted' desert tour. They are persistent and will ask you about yourself. Claiming to be a 'veteran' of Saharan travel (perhaps more convincing if you can speak French) and already booked into a hotel at your destination may help convince them to let you be.

There are two bus stations in town and the "gare routier" where vans and local buses leave from, and the CTM terminal in the center of town, don't buy CTM tickets at gare routier as their buses don't leave from there.

Buses that pass through Ouarzazate can be badly delayed en-route, and the buses always take a long lunch break, keep this in mind to avoid arriving at your next destination too late

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