Ouarzazate in Morocco: Known as the Gateway to the Sahara, with film studios, historic sites, and kasbahs

Ouarzazate: Visit Hollywood of the Desert

Ouarzazate, often called the "Gateway to the Sahara" and "Hollywood of the Desert," is a city in southern Morocco renowned for its stunning desert landscapes and its role as a major film production hub. Surrounded by the Atlas Mountains and the vast desert, Ouarzazate has attracted filmmakers from around the world, making it a prime location for major movies and TV series. Beyond its cinematic appeal, the city is a cultural treasure, home to traditional kasbahs, Berber villages, and breathtaking desert scenery.

Visitor Fee (If Applicable)

Atlas Film Studios: The entrance fee to the studios is around 50-80 MAD, with guided tours costing extra.
Taourirt Kasbah: Admission is around 20 MAD for the general public, and a small fee may be required for guided tours.

Transportation

By Car: Ouarzazate is about a 3.5-4 hour drive from Marrakech (200 km) via the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass. Renting a car is a good option for those exploring the region independently.
By Bus: CTM and Supratours offer regular buses from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, with fares ranging from 100-200 MAD depending on the bus service.
Guided Tours: Many visitors choose organized multi-day tours from Marrakech or other cities, which include transportation, accommodation, and guided visits to major attractions.

Things to Do

Atlas Film Studios: Ouarzazate’s most famous attraction, Atlas Studios, is the largest film studio in the world by land area. Films such as Gladiator, The Mummy, Kingdom of Heaven, and TV shows like Game of Thrones were shot here. Visitors can take guided tours of the studio sets, props, and behind-the-scenes areas.
Taourirt Kasbah: One of Morocco’s most beautiful kasbahs, Taourirt was built in the 19th century and once served as the residence of the Glaoui family, a powerful ruling clan. Explore its maze of rooms and courtyards, and marvel at the intricately decorated walls and ceilings.
Cinema Museum: Across from Taourirt Kasbah, the Cinema Museum showcases costumes, props, and sets used in films shot in the region. It offers a fascinating insight into the local film industry.
Fint Oasis: Just a short drive from Ouarzazate, Fint Oasis is a verdant haven in the middle of the desert. You can visit the palm groves, traditional Berber villages, and enjoy a peaceful break from the arid surroundings.
Kasbah Tifoultoute: Located 8 km from Ouarzazate, this 17th-century kasbah offers panoramic views of the Ouarzazate River and the surrounding desert. It was also used as a filming location.
Quad Biking and 4x4 Desert Excursions: Adventure enthusiasts can embark on guided quad biking or 4x4 tours to explore the rugged desert terrain, nearby oases, and remote Berber villages.
Explore Local Markets: Visit the local souks to purchase traditional Berber crafts, rugs, jewelry, and spices. Ouarzazate is also known for its artisan workshops where you can observe pottery and rug-making.

Ouarzazate, Morocco: Gateway to the Sahara, known for its film studios and proximity to desert landscapes

Why People Enjoy Visiting Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate attracts a wide range of visitors due to its mix of adventure, history, and film-making charm. The city’s unique position as both a cultural hub and film studio gives travelers the opportunity to step into the world of cinema while exploring Morocco’s rich history and natural beauty. The surrounding desert landscapes, with their stunning vistas, are ideal for outdoor adventures, while the city’s kasbahs and cultural sites offer a glimpse into Morocco’s traditional way of life. It’s a popular gateway for those seeking to explore the Sahara, as well as for movie buffs and history enthusiasts.

How Old is Ouarzazate?

The city itself was established in the 1920s by the French during Morocco’s colonial period, making it relatively young compared to other Moroccan cities. However, the region’s kasbahs, like Taourirt and Tifoultoute, date back several centuries, with roots in ancient Berber civilization.

List of Activities

Atlas Film Studios Tour: Walk through iconic film sets and discover props and locations from blockbuster movies.
Visit Taourirt Kasbah: Explore the labyrinthine interior of this historic kasbah, once the residence of powerful Berber rulers.
Explore the Cinema Museum: Learn about the history of filmmaking in Ouarzazate, with displays of costumes, cameras, and sets from famous productions.
Quad Biking and 4x4 Tours: Go on thrilling desert rides through the surrounding landscapes.
Day Trip to Fint Oasis: Visit this lush oasis, a refreshing contrast to the desert, and meet locals in traditional Berber villages.
Hike or Bike Through the Desert: Discover the beauty of the desert on foot or by bicycle, with guided options available for all skill levels.
Shop at Local Souks: Pick up handmade crafts, rugs, jewelry, and pottery from the region’s talented artisans.

Additional Nearby Attractions

Aït Ben Haddou: Just 30 km from Ouarzazate, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most famous ksars (fortified villages) in Morocco and a popular filming location.
Skoura Oasis: Located about 40 km from Ouarzazate, Skoura is known for its palm groves and ancient kasbahs, including the well-preserved Kasbah Amridil.
Dades Valley: Often included in tours to the Sahara, the Dades Valley offers stunning gorges, picturesque villages, and terraced fields.
Todra Gorge: A dramatic canyon with towering limestone cliffs, ideal for hiking and rock climbing.

Ouarzazate serves as a perfect base for exploring southern Morocco’s most iconic landscapes and cultural treasures. Whether you’re drawn by its cinematic history or its stunning natural beauty, Ouarzazate is a city where adventure and culture intersect in the heart of the desert.