Ouarzazate is situated in central Morocco on the southern side of the Atlas Mountains. This was once part of the trans-Saharan trade routes. Today, it remains some five hours south of Marrakech but, for tourists, is presented as a day excursion.
It is therefore a long and, in parts, breathtaking trip across the peaks of the Atlas Mountains. In time one gets the confirmation that the trip is worthwhile as the adobe hilltop settlements come into view.
The principal attractions for such a trek are movie related. The Atlas Studios lie to the west of Ouarzazate, the Film Studio Museum lies within Ouarzazate. However, 25km to the northwest is the World Heritage Centre and backdrop of many a desert movie – Aït Benhaddou.
