Ourzazate: The Gateway to the Sahara

Whilst many people have heard of the bustling medinas of Marrakech and even the seaside resort of Essaouira, the town of Ourzazate remains an insider's secret. However, if you are looking to experience the real side to the country whilst on your Moroccan holiday then look no further to the town of Ourzazate; the gateway to your Saharan adventure.

The name Ourzazate sounds more like a semi-precious gemstone than a garrison town, but in the 1920's this town was an important military base for the French Foreign Legion. Nowadays the stunning scenery of the looming Atlas Mountains coupled with the dramatic desert landscapes makes it a popular destination for filmmakers and actors. The Atlas Studios are located in this town and whilst on your Moroccan holiday it is possible to take a tour of these elusive studios and see the sets used in 'Kingdom of Heaven', 'Alexander' and 'Gladiator' to name but a few.

Obviously with the destination attracting the glitterati of Hollywood, it needs to have the perfect luxury hotel in Morocco in which they can stay and La Berbere Palace is definitely the answer. Russell Crowe and Brad Pitt have both stayed at this hotel whilst filming and it's definitely the place to go for a bout of celebrity spotting whilst on your Moroccan holiday. The hotel also exhibits many of the famous props and outfits used during filming, including some of the costumes worn by Elizabeth Taylor during 'Cleopatra'.

However the town of Ourzazate is more than just a glorified film studio. It is also the gateway to the Sahara desert and therefore visited by many people as the first stop on their luxury holiday in Morocco's Sahara. The area is known for its fragrant almond trees which flower during the spring months of February to March and heading to the Valley of the Almond Trees by 4x4 is a must during these decadent months.

Ourzazate is also known for its many Kasbahs, which has earned it its nickname 'The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs'. Of all these Kasbahs, the Ait Benhaddou is a definite must see whilst on your Moroccan holiday. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the best preserved in the region and has been used in many films including 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'Jesus of Nazareth'. The best and most authentic way to reach the top of Ait Benhaddou is by camel across the Oued Ounila River. A Kasbah consists of many individual dwellings and for a small charge the friendly locals will take you into their homes and offer you copious amounts of mint tea, whilst showing you how they live.

From the top of Ait Benhaddou you can expect to take in breathtaking views of the local scenery including the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and the old arena which was used during the filming of 'Gladiator'.

Whilst Ait Benhaddou may be breathtaking, make sure that you also visit Kasbah Taourirt whilst on your luxury holiday in Morocco. The Kasbah is the largest in the region and a former El Glaoui Palace. During the 1930s the El Glaoui clan controlled one of the major caravan routes to West Africa and were given power by the French in exchange for keeping the Southern tribes subdued.

Kasbah Taourirt is located at a strategic point on the caravan route and the Kasbah has close to 300 rooms with 20 individual riads located inside. Visitors can take a tour and see the former kitchens and harem area whilst the main courtyard offers stunning scenes of the High Atlas.