Ouarzazate: Morocco's desert gateway and film capital
Between the Atlas and the Sahara, Ouarzazate brings together Aït Ben Haddou, film studios and the Kasbah trail. The essential stop for any crossing of deep Morocco.
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Location
Why visit
Between the Atlas and the Sahara, Ouarzazate brings together Aït Ben Haddou, film studios and the Kasbah trail. The essential stop for any crossing of deep Morocco.
- Cinema and kasbah lovers
- Transition towards the desert
- Arid landscape photography
- Berber earthen architecture
Practical info
Good to know
3h–3h30 from Marrakech via Tizi n'Tichka
Pass at 2,260 m — closed in heavy snow
Aït Ben Haddou: arrive before 9am or after 4pm
Ideal: 2 nights
Quick read
Before you go
Useful cues
3h–3h30 from Marrakech via Tizi n'Tichka
Pass at 2,260 m — closed in heavy snow
Aït Ben Haddou: arrive before 9am or after 4pm
Destination guide
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate earns its visit. The road crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass from Marrakech is one of Morocco's most spectacular.
Ouarzazate earns its visit. The road crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass from Marrakech is one of Morocco's most spectacular — switchbacks on the mountain face, Berber villages clinging to rock.
After 3 hours, the arid plateau opens and Morocco's 'Hollywood' appears.
Ouarzazate at a glance
3h–3h30 from Marrakech via Tizi n'Tichka
Pass at 2,260 m — closed in heavy snow
Ideal: 2 nights
Also known as Morocco's 'Hollywood'
Destination guide
Why is Aït Ben Haddou the symbol of the region?
Aït Ben Haddou, UNESCO-listed, served as a set for Game of Thrones, Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.
Aït Ben Haddou, UNESCO-listed, served as a set for Game of Thrones, Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. To enjoy it without crowds, arrive at dawn or late afternoon.
Aït Ben Haddou — practical
Earthen ksar listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
30 km from Ouarzazate
Film set for Game of Thrones, Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia
Best light: at dawn or late afternoon
Destination guide
Why do the Atlas Studios attract productions from around the world?
The Atlas Studios explain why Ouarzazate attracts productions from around the world.
The Atlas Studios explain why Ouarzazate attracts productions from around the world: constant light, spectacular natural backdrops, skilled local workforce.
Best for
Cinema and kasbah lovers
Transition towards the desert
Arid landscape photography
Berber earthen architecture
Frequently asked questions
Everything about Ouarzazate: Morocco's desert gateway and film capital
200 km (3 hours by road) crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m). The road is spectacular and is part of the experience.
Experiences to prioritize
The strongest options for this destination
Ouarzazate & Aît Ben Haddou depuis Marrakech
La porte du désert, kasbahs millénaires et studios de cinéma.
Destination guide
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Once the destination is clear, the next useful step is to choose the pace, comfort level and experiences that truly fit the trip you want.
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