Ouarzazate

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Earth > Africa > Northern Africa > Maghreb > Morocco > Ouarzazate
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<map lat='30.929920145286' lng='-6.9073989868133' zoom='12' view='5' float='right'/> Ouarzazate is a city in Morocco. It is the largest town and main hub of activity on the Saharan side of the Atlas Mountains. Its name comes from a Berber phrase meaning "without noise" or "without confusion". Ouarzazate was once a 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.

Hitching out

East toward Skoura, the Dades and Todra gorges, and Errachida (N10)

Walk northwest on Avenue Mohammed V, which becomes the N10. Once you reach the edge of the city you will come to a Shell station and will see the airport to your left. This is the best spot to hitch from.

Also you can take bus №1, when you'll see the sign - "Errachidia", bus turn left, this is your stop. Walk Errachidia road about 500 metres and you'll see petrol station and a good stop to hitch.

West toward Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou

Most traffic heading west on the N9 will be going directly to Marrakech, although it is a long drive. If you are heading for Ait Benhaddou, get dropped off at the turn-off in Tazentout. It is well worth the detour to continue through Ait Benhaddou to see the Ounila River valley, and re-join the main road to Marrakech at the edge of the mountains.

South-east toward Agdz, Zagora, Mhamid (N9)

As most long-distance traffic heading south-east bypasses Ouarzazate it is best to go to the village south of the river (called Tabounte?) first. At the exit of the village it will be easy to get a lift.

Accommodation and Sleep

For wild camping, head west along the main road for two or three kilometers, then begin to look for cover in the trees and fields on your left. Farm workers will be out there until dusk, so this should only be done after then. It shouldn't be a problem if you are discovered, just take care not to crush crops.

You may ask officers at a police checkpoint if they were allowed to camp next to the checkpoint (even though the officers allowed them, in the middle of the night there came other policeman (tourist police) and forced them to put together their tent and escorted them to a campground)

Nomadwiki & Trashwiki

Check Nomadwiki for info on accommodation, showers etc. or Trashwiki for dumpsters...and share your wisdom :)