Early in the morning, the journey to Ouarzazate crossing the Tizin' Tichka Pass (2610m) brings you superb views over the mountains and into the valleys along this drive.  Stops are usually made in small villages on the edge of the road, plus a stop at the Pass. The main road goes via Taddert, one of the villages on the way. The area's other draw card is the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, 32km north of Ouarzazate road, a popular location for film-makers.

A noiseless place! This is the exact translation of the Berber word "Ouarzazate". Situated at the centre of a basin, the town rises up to a height of 1160 metres, one side facing the High Atlas (snow-covered for 6 months a year), and the oasis on the other side. Ouarzazate was created by the French as a garrison and regional administrative centre in 1928 and now it has about 30,000 inhabitants. A place worth visiting in Ouarzazate is the Glaoui Kasbah at the eastern end of town.