Visit Ouarzazate to the desert

Dive into the essence of Ouarzazate, a city that combines captivating history and breathtaking landscapes, perfect for culture and adventure lovers. From world-famous film studios to the surrounding kasbahs, explore all the facets of Ouarzazate. And let yourself be carried to the desert like the caravans of yesteryear that passed through this major trading city.

The must-see sights during a visit to Ouarzazate

• Discovery of the Kasbah of Taourirt: A jewel of architecture

The Kasbah of Taourirt is one of the must-visit attractions during a stay in Ouarzazate. This ancient citadel, built in the 18th century, is a real jewel of architecture. Walking through its labyrinthine alleys, you will be transported to another era. Admire the details of the carved wooden doors and rammed earth walls. Do not miss the panoramic view from the top of the Kasbah, which offers a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings.

The Kasbah of Taourirt is also known for its role in the film industry. Many films and television series have been shot in its authentic settings. Explore the different rooms and discover behind the scenes of Moroccan cinema. For an even more complete experience, you can join a guided tour of the Kasbah of Taourirt, which will allow you to learn more about its fascinating history and cultural importance.

• Atlas film studios: A journey behind the cameras

The Atlas film studios are another must-see place to visit in Ouarzazate. These studios are one of the largest film complexes in the world and have been the filming location for many famous films, such as 'Gladiator' and 'Lawrence of Arabia'. During your studio visit, you will have the opportunity to discover the behind-the-scenes of cinema and learn more about the different stages of film production. You will be able to visit the sets, costumes and accessories used in film productions.

Don’t miss a visit to the cinema museum, which houses an impressive collection of film posters and other objects related to the history of cinema in Ouarzazate. The Atlas cinema studios also offer the possibility to participate in excursions into the surrounding desert, which makes it a unique experience for movie and adventure lovers.

• The palm grove of Skoura and its kasbahs: An oasis of tranquility

The palm grove of Skoura is a true oasis of tranquility located a few kilometers from Ouarzazate. This vast expanse of palm trees offers a peaceful and green setting, ideal for relaxing and recharging. Stroll through the palm grove and discover its magnificent kasbahs, ancient mud fortresses that testify to the history of the region. Admire the traditional architecture and details of carved doors and windows. The palm grove of Skoura is also the ideal starting point for hikes in the surrounding mountains or excursions in the desert. Enjoy the tranquility of this unique place and soak up the beauty of Moroccan nature.

• Local crafts and shopping in Ouarzazate: Souvenirs and discoveries

Ouarzazate is renowned for its authentic local crafts. During your visit, do not miss the opportunity to discover the traditional souks of the city, where you will find a wide variety of artisanal products. Explore the colorful stalls and admire the hand-woven Berber carpets, pottery, silver jewelry, leather goods and many other unique items. You will also be able to meet local artisans and learn more about their manufacturing techniques. Shopping in Ouarzazate is an enriching experience, where you can take home authentic souvenirs and support the local artisans.

• Exploration of the Chegaga desert: An unforgettable adventure

For an unforgettable adventure, discover the Chegaga desert. Located about 98 kilometers from Ouarzazate, this vast dune desert offers breathtaking landscapes. You can take a 4x4 excursion from Ouarzazate to Foum Zguid, and join the Chegaga desert. It is the fastest and easiest access to reach corners of wild and calm desert, far from the tourist crowds. Enjoy the journey through the magnificent desert landscapes and admire the golden sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Once you arrive in Chegaga, you will have the opportunity to spend a night in a traditional camp, where you can enjoy a delicious meal under the stars and enjoy the magical atmosphere of the desert.

The Chegaga desert is also an ideal place to practice activities such as sandboarding, camel rides or hiking in the dunes. This exploration of the Chegaga desert will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your visit to Ouarzazate. It is a must see that will suit everyone: lovers of wide open spaces, travelers in search of new cultures, families who want to experience unique and authentic moments, adventurers in search of unusual places.

Sleeping in a bivouac in the Chegaga desert

• Prepare your trip to the Chegaga desert

For an optimal experience in the Chegaga desert, it is essential to prepare your trip well. From Ouarzazate, several options are available to you to reach this magical place. You can opt for an organized excursion in 4x4 or for a more personal adventure by renting a suitable vehicle. Make sure you have enough water, food and clothing suitable for temperature variations. In addition, it is recommended to check the weather conditions and inquire about any restrictions or safety advice specific to the area. Once these preparations are made, you will be ready to start your adventure.

At Desert Foum Zguid, we accompany you in all the stages of construction of your stay according to your needs: transfer with private driver from Ouarzazate, steps to visit, setting up a custom tour. All for a personalized experience that suits you.

• The wonders of the Chegaga desert to explore

The Chegaga desert is a natural treasure with its majestic dunes and breathtaking landscapes. Among the wonders to explore, you will find the immense sand dunes that can reach up to 300 meters in height. The sunrise and sunset on these dunes are magical moments not to be missed. Do not miss either the hidden oases and unique rock formations that dot the desert. Every corner of the Chegaga desert offers a new discovery and a new perspective on the raw beauty of nature that we are committed to making you discover.

• Must-see activities in the Chegaga desert

The Chegaga desert offers a multitude of activities to make your stay unforgettable. Go hiking on a dromedary camel for total immersion in the desert, or opt for an excursion by quad for an adrenaline rush. Stargazing is an essential activity, thanks to the clarity of the desert night sky. You can also participate in traditional local cuisine workshops or meet the nomadic inhabitants to learn more about their lifestyle and culture.

• The bivouac experience in the Chegaga desert

Sleeping in a bivouac in the Chegaga desert is a unique and authentic experience. Imagine yourself seated under a traditional Berber tent, surrounded by the soothing silence of the desert and a starry sky as far as the eye can see. The bivouacs we offer are well equipped with comfortable mattresses, warm blankets and traditional meals prepared on site. Spending the night in a bivouac allows you to fully experience the desert, far from modern distractions. Enjoy the present moment, tranquility and connection with nature.

• Tips for a successful night in bivouac

For a successful night in bivouac, it is important to prepare properly. Pack warm clothes, as temperatures can drop significantly at night depending on the time you choose. A flashlight or headlamp is also essential for moving easily in the dark. Hydrate regularly and apply sunscreen during the day to avoid sunburn. Finally, relax and enjoy this unique moment. Let yourself be lulled by the calm of the desert and the stories told around the campfire.

An ideal circuit in the south of Morocco, from Ouarzazate to the desert via the Drâa valley

The south of Morocco and the desert appreciate each other by taking the time to travel. Do not try to see everything but focus on a particular region, it is a good way to understand the life of the inhabitants and explore the cultural richness of the region. We offer you several itineraries that will allow you to fully explore the jewels of southern Morocco, here is our favorite tour:

• 4-day 3-night tour from Ouarzazate:

Day 1: Ouarzazate - Foum Zguid

After a first night spent in Ouarzazate, join Tazenakht where you can take the time to visit the Berber carpet cooperatives of which it is the local specialty. Magnificent carpets, all unique, handwoven by the women of the surrounding villages from wool from the herds of sheep and dromedaries of the region and dyed with natural pigments for incredible colors and patterns. Then join Foum Zguid for a night in a charming riad, quiet where you can stroll quietly in the palm grove and the small heart of town to soak up local life. Total travel time: 2h30

Day 2: Foum Zguid - Erg Chegaga

Departure by 4x4 for the great adventure towards the desert. You can cross the Iriki National Park and thus discover varieties of landscapes such as the tabular mountains nicknamed the Moroccan Colorado. Then you will arrive at the sand dunes of Erg Chegaga to enjoy an unforgettable night in a bivouac in the heart of the desertTtotal travel time: 2h30

Day 3: Erg Chegaga - M'Hamid - Zagora

L'avantage de ce circuit est de faire une boucle qui vous permettra après le désert de remonter la vallée du Drâa pour un parcours magnifique au coeur des palmeraies.

Vous quitterez les dunes pour rejoindre la première ville aux portes du désert : M'Hamid el Ghizlane. Ensuite, votre route vous mènera jusqu'à Zagora, en passant par Tagounite puis par Tamegroute, la capitale de la poterie, reconnaissable à ses émaux verts où vous pouvez faire une pause déjeuner et visiter un des nombreux ateliers de poterie à la fabrication ancestrale.

In Zagora, you can enjoy the charm of small hotels with green gardens in the heart of the palm grove. Total travel time: 2h

Day 4 : Zagora - Agdz - Ouarzazate

The road between Zagora and Agdz is a succession of small villages in the valley where life revolves around palm groves that bring freshness and food to the population. Picturesque villages overlooked by mountains with shimmering colors. Finally between Agdz and Ouarzazate, you can make a detour to the oasis of Fint, a little corner of paradise before quietly reaching the city of Ouarzazate. Total travel time: 2h30

Are you interested in this circuit? You can contact us and we will establish a precise program for you as well as a quote based on the number of people. Do you want a circuit that resembles this one? We will offer you a tailor-made program. Send us a message and we will answer you with pleasure to allow you to discover this magnificent region of southern Morocco.