Ouarzazate
The gateway to the desert
Program and price
1 to 2 people: 1 000,00 Dhs / person
3 to 4 people: 650.00 Dhs / person
5 to 7 people: 390.00 Dhs / person
Daytime
Easy walking
Available all year round
8:00 a.m.: Departure from the Riad in a private vehicle
with driver, crossing varied landscapes: arid plains and argan forests.
Arrival in Ouarzazate. Lunch in the city center (not included).
Visite des studios (billets non inclus)
Return to Marrakech at the end of the afternoon
A Bit of History
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Ouarzazate – Between the Atlas Mountains and the Desert
Located south of the majestic High Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate marks the transition between the lush valleys of the north and the vast Saharan plains of the south. Known as the Gateway to the Desert, this peaceful city captivates visitors with its golden light, architectural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes, blending mountains, oases, and arid plateaus.
Founded in the 1920s under the French Protectorate, Ouarzazate developed around an ancient caravan crossroads linking Marrakech to the Sahara and the great southern oases. Once a major stop on the trade routes for gold, spices, and salt, the city has preserved its Berber soul while becoming one of the most famous film-making destinations in the world.
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Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of the Desert”
Thanks to its exceptional light, clear skies, and the beauty of its natural landscapes, Ouarzazate has earned the nickname “Hollywood of Africa.” Its dramatic scenery has served as a backdrop for countless iconic films and series, including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones.
Visitors can explore the Atlas Studios and CLA Studios, two open-air film museums that showcase monumental sets used in world cinema. From ancient temples to desert fortresses, every corner reveals the grandeur of Morocco’s landscapes and its cinematic legacy.
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Kasbahs and Historical Heritage
The city is home to the magnificent Kasbah of Taourirt, the former residence of the powerful Pasha Glaoui. Classified as a historic monument, it stands as one of Morocco’s finest examples of earthen architecture. Its crenellated towers, maze-like alleys, and ochre walls transport visitors into a world of timeless beauty and oriental charm.
Just a few kilometers away lies the legendary Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortified village, built from mudbrick, overlooks the Ounila Valley and remains one of the most striking examples of traditional southern Moroccan architecture — a living symbol of the country’s cultural richness.
