The 'door of the desert' — Morocco's film capital, ringed by kasbahs and oases.
Known as the 'door of the desert', Ouarzazate sits just south of the High Atlas where the roads to the Sahara, the Draa Valley and the Dades gorges meet. Its earthen kasbahs, vast skies and cinematic landscapes have made it Morocco's film capital — Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Game of Thrones and many more were shot in and around the town.
For travellers, Ouarzazate is both a destination and a crossroads: a base for the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou and the Atlas film studios, and the gateway through which nearly every Marrakech-to-Sahara tour passes.
Half an hour away, this UNESCO-listed fortified village of stacked kasbahs is one of Morocco's most spectacular sights and a legendary film location.
The grand 19th-century kasbah of the Glaoui clan, in the heart of Ouarzazate, with a warren of richly decorated rooms to explore.
Tour the sets and props of one of the world's largest film studios, where Hollywood and beyond have recreated ancient Rome, Egypt and Tibet.
South of town, the longest river in Morocco threads a 200 km ribbon of palm groves and kasbahs toward the dunes of Zagora.
A hidden green oasis just outside Ouarzazate, a tranquil contrast to the surrounding desert and a favourite of photographers.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are best, with warm days and cool nights. Summers are very hot; winters are mild by day but cold after dark.
Ouarzazate has a small airport and is about 4 hours from Marrakech over the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Almost every Marrakech–Sahara tour passes through, and we run tours that begin or end here.
Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Game of Thrones, The Mummy and many more — the studios and nearby Aït Ben Haddou are world-famous locations.
About 4 hours by road over the scenic Tizi n'Tichka pass through the High Atlas — a highlight of the journey in itself.
Yes — it's the gateway to Aït Ben Haddou, the Draa Valley and the Dades and Todra gorges on the way to the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Bestseller
Cross the High Atlas, walk through Aït Ben Haddou's kasbah, descend the Dades Valley and sleep two nights under the stars at Erg Chebbi.
Popular
All the icons of the 3-day tour plus the Valley of Roses and a slower rhythm — ideal if three days feels rushed.
