Golden red sculptured sand dunes are the backdrop for this traditional Kasbah hotel, surrounded by rocky outcrops and mountain ranges, acacia trees, tamarisk, pampas grass and a fossil strewn desert. Accessibility is with locally experienced drivers and 4x4´s along the old Paris Dakar Rally tracks that crisscross this remote semi-arid region of around 300 kilometres between Zagora and Merzouga in the Moroccan Sahara. The landscape is surprisingly diverse and starkly beautiful, interspersed with rugged mountains, wind carved dunes, dramatic black desert, soft golden sands and scattered vegetation. A few villages survive in this harsh environment and the village of Ouzina is one of them. The oldest remaining village, it has around 20 small dwellings with animal shelters built of local stone, adobe, local vegetation and palms. These are Berber people who are very friendly, welcoming and accustomed to tourists visiting to see their way of life. There is a small school which is always happy with gifts of materialsand an association for women who make artisan products. The breads and other staples are cooked there by the women for the hotel and by the family of the hotel owner. A small garden adds a vivid green to the seemingly barren landscape and these people have ancient knowledge of wild vegetation and how to survive in the challenging environment. There is a seasonal river and water is pumped from wells. The surrounding dunes hide a maze of underground activity, this is the home of the sand fish, a delicacy in the desert, grilled and eaten like fish.
The hotel is built using traditional methods and materials and is sympathetic to its surroundings, water, as in all desert regions, is treated with respect and often turned off at night, electricity the same.Solar power is used by many people in these areas. Internet is not available and phone coverage erratic, making it the ideal location for a relaxing retreat from life´s daily demands.Airy rooms are tastefully decorated with artisan rugs, sabra silk bedcovers and wall paintings, bathrooms with beautiful locally crafted fossil sinks. The capacity is for 60 plus, with additional options for sleeping on the roof under the canopy of stars, out in the desert dunes in handmade goat and camel hair nomad bivouacs, wild camping and ensuite rooms with comfortable beds for two or three people. Camel treks are available and local excursions to visit remote villages for lunch. This is a fantastic experience and ideal for large groups and individuals alike. Ouzina is also an amazing team building location, as part of a longer tour around the south of Morocco or for a week. Food is home cooked and the service is excellent. Music is deep rooted in the fabric of the land, drumming speaks to the soul and Ouzina is no exception, moonlit star studded nights are sure to be filled with the sounds of local musicians connecting to the earth.
Come for a day, or stay for a week, come alone, or bring a big group, whatever you are looking for, Kasbah Hotel Ouzina will leave you with an unforgettable experience and an inner peace to take back with your memories.
