Outstanding Ouarzazate!

October 16-18, 2024

To break up the 9+ hour drive from Marrakesh to Merzouga and our date with the Sahara Desert, we planned a couple night stop in Ouarzazate (pronounced Wuar-za-zat). This city is nicknamed "The Door to the Desert" although, given you're still 5+ hours from the Sahara, I consider that someonwhat of a misnomer. :) 

There isn't a ton to do and see in Ouarzazate, but what there is to see is top notch.  The top 2 highlights are the fortified city of Ait Benhaddou, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Atlas Studios, the Moroccan movie studio where several Hollywood films were (at least partially) shot including James Bond: The Living Daylights (1987), The Mummy (1999), The Hills Have Eyes (2006), Gladiator (2000), Kundun (1997) as well as part of the Game of Thrones TV series.

AIT BENHADDOU

Ait Benhaddout is a Ksar, or fortified village, along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh. It is considered a great example of Moroccan earthen architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.  Here are some pics from our visit. 

ATLAS STUDIOS

Atlas Studios was founded in 1983 by entrepreneur Mohamed Belghmi is a favorite location for filmmakers due to his cost effectivenss (government incentives) and a topograhy that can mimic the landscapes of many different countries.  Here are some pics of our studio tour. 

We stayed two nights in the Ecolodge I'ile de Ouarzazate which I would rate a B.  It was a bit far out there, in the middle of nowhere, and while it looked pretty impressive at night (see pics), in the harsh light of day it wasn't quite as picturesque.  We also found the food to be sub-par and the pool appeared to be dirty - I am sure it wasn't (at least I hope it wasn't), but it definitely didn't look too inviting.  And there was an outdoor gym that I was excited to use, but most of the equipment either didn't work a all or was partially broken.  

The worst part was that they shut off their internet from 9am to 5 or 6pm as they are run 100% on solar and can't afford to run electricity all day.  An admirable goal, but not great for us digital nomads and Worldschoolers who rely on strong, realiable internet.

On the plus side, they did have wild peacocks roaming around the property, which, admitedly was pretty cool. 

It's hard to go from Marrakesh to the desert without going through Ouarzazate - so I guess in a way it is the Door to the Desert - and there Ait Benhaddou and Atlas Studios are well worth a visit, but you probably don't need more than a day or two here.