Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate sits at the gateway to the Sahara, surrounded by some of Morocco's most dramatic landscapes. Known as the 'Hollywood of Africa' for its massive film studios (Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and dozens more were filmed here), it serves as the essential base for exploring the Draa Valley, Dades Gorge, and Todra Canyon.

The city was established as a French military outpost in 1928, at the strategic junction of caravan routes from the Sahara. The surrounding region has been inhabited since antiquity — the kasbahs (fortified earthen towers) lining the Draa Valley represent 500+ years of Berber and Arab settlement. The Glaoui clan, who collaborated with the French, built the most elaborate kasbahs in the region.

Kasbah architecture — earthen towers with geometric carved details, built by Berber tribes for defense — is the defining visual culture of the region. The rose cultivation around Kelaa M'Gouna (Rose Valley) produces essential oils and hosts a famous Rose Festival in May. Carpet weaving by Amazigh women using natural dyes is a living tradition.

• ✓Aït Ben Haddou is 30km away — a half-day trip minimum, full day is better.
• ✓Use Ouarzazate as a base for the Draa Valley south and Dades/Todra gorges north.
• ✓Film studio tours are genuinely interesting even for non-film fans.
• ✓Rent a car — public transport connections to the gorges are limited.

Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ) has limited direct European flights. CTM buses from Marrakech (4h via Tizi n'Tichka pass). The mountain drive from Marrakech is spectacular.