Ouarzazate is where the Atlas meets the Sahara. City of cinema, golden kasbah gateways, endless palm groves and the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou — UNESCO World Heritage Site and set for Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
See the 10 must-seesKnown as "the gateway to the desert" and the "Hollywood of Africa", Ouarzazate (1,160 m above sea level, on the southern slopes of the Atlas) is the crossroads between the Berber mountains and the Saharan dunes. Its red earth architecture, cinematic light and the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou make it unique in the world.
Morocco's most famous Berber ksar has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. This red earth fortified village on a hilltop facing the Ounila River is of hypnotic beauty. Its towers, kasbahs and stacked granaries create an unmistakable silhouette that has appeared in dozens of films. Climb to the viewpoint for Morocco's most iconic vista.
At 32 hectares, Atlas Studios (also known as CLA Studios) is Africa's largest film production complex. Its permanent sets include an Ancient Rome, an Egyptian temple, a medieval Arab market and the Game of Thrones encampment. Guided tours available when no active filming is taking place. A fascinating experience for any film enthusiast.
Guided tour available — confirm availability in advanceKasbah Taourirt is Ouarzazate's largest kasbah, built by the powerful Glaoui clan in the 19th century. Its labyrinth of rooms, courtyards decorated with zellige and carved plaster is an excellent example of Berber domestic architecture. Partially restored by UNESCO, it also has an inhabited area where Berber families still live.
City centre — walkable from most hotels in 10 minutesThe small but fascinating cinema museum inside Kasbah Taourirt documents the cinematic history of Ouarzazate from the 1960s onwards. Original posters, costumes, props and on-set photographs from the most famous films shot here. An essential visit to understand why this corner of southern Morocco became Hollywood's favourite backdrop.
Quick visit of 30-45 min — combinable with Kasbah Taourirt10 km from Ouarzazate, the vast El Mansour Eddahbi reservoir creates a 7,000-hectare artificial lake in the middle of the desert. The reflection of the Atlas Mountains in the water is utterly surreal. It is the region's water source and its picnic and sunset area is one of the city's best-kept secrets.
Spectacular sunset — 10 min by car from the centreSouth of Ouarzazate begins the Draa Valley, Morocco's longest valley (1,100 km), lined with palm groves, ksour and Berber villages. The first 180 km to Zagora are a continuous spectacle of red earth, palms and oases. A drive through this valley is one of the most beautiful experiences in the country.
To Zagora: 2h — Tinfou sand dune desert at the end of the valley45 km from Ouarzazate, the Skoura Palm Grove is a 2,500-hectare oasis considered one of Morocco's most beautiful. The 17th-century Kasbah Amridil is one of the most photographed in the country. The "Kasbah Route" linking Ouarzazate with Todra Gorge and Tinerhir offers some of the world's most impressive earthen architecture.
45 min from Ouarzazate — en route to Merzouga7 km from the centre, Kasbah Tifoultoute was a Glaoui residence and served as a hotel during the filming of Lawrence of Arabia in the 1960s. Restored as a monument-hotel, its exterior and gardens can be visited. It offers a magnificent view over the Draa River and the palm groves surrounding the city.
Set for Lawrence of Arabia (1962) with Peter O'TooleThe road between Aït Ben Haddou and Telouet (the former Glaoui palace in the Atlas) runs through the Ounila Valley, dotted with ruined ksour and Berber villages that have barely changed for centuries. It is one of southern Morocco's most authentic routes, leading directly back to Marrakech via the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
Alternative route to Marrakech via Telouet — stunning but partly unpavedOuarzazate is the best place to buy southern Moroccan crafts: Berber carpets, Tuareg silver jewellery, geodes and rock crystals from Atlas mines, terracotta ceramics and wool textiles. The small souk near Kasbah Taourirt has more reasonable prices than Marrakech and the craftspeople are often the producers themselves.
Better prices than Marrakech — bargain calmly and good-humouredlySpring (March–May) and autumn (Sept–Nov) are perfect. Summers very hot (38–42°C). Winters cool but sunny. Avoid August if possible.
1 day for Aït Ben Haddou + Kasbah Taourirt + Studios. 2 days if you add Draa Valley or Skoura. Perfect base to continue to Merzouga desert (300 km).
From Marrakech: 200 km via N9 (Tizi n'Tichka pass), 3–4h. Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ) with direct flights from Europe. CTM bus from Marrakech (4h).
Drier and more extreme than Marrakech. Cold nights in winter (0°C), very hot summer days (40°C). High altitude (1,160 m) moderates the heat compared to the Sahara.
Aït Ben Haddou (30 km, morning), Kasbah Taourirt and Cinema Museum (afternoon), sunset at Lake Mansour Eddahbi. If time allows, visit Atlas Studios in the late afternoon.
Atlas Studios (32 hectares) is Africa's largest studio and its landscape has been the set for Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, Babel and many more. The light, landscapes and costs make it unique for international productions.
200 km along the N9, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka (2,260 m) in the High Atlas: 3–4h by car. The pass is a spectacle in itself. Also CTM bus (4h) or flight from Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ).
Aït Ben Haddou is 30 km from Ouarzazate, about 35 minutes by car. It is the must-do excursion from the city and is usually visited in combination with Kasbah Taourirt and the film studios on the same day.
Visit Aït Ben Haddou, Kasbah Taourirt and the film studios with an expert local guide. From Marrakech in a day or en route to the desert.