Ouarzazate City: Hollywood of Africa and Gateway to the Desert

Nicknamed the “Hollywood of Africa,” the sun-drenched city of Ouarzazate is a major crossroads of history, culture, and cinema in southern Morocco. Situated just south of the High Atlas Mountains, its name in the Berber language means “without noise,” a testament to its once tranquil nature before Hollywood cameras arrived.

Ouarzazate serves as the definitive Gateway to the Sahara and is the starting point for incredible journeys into the Draa and Dades Valleys, making it an essential stop on any grand Moroccan tour.

The Cinematic Landscape: Ouarzazate Film Studios

The light, the vast, empty plateaus, and the stunning earthen architecture have made Ouarzazate the top choice for filmmakers seeking biblical epics, historical dramas, and fantasy worlds.

• Atlas Film Studios: Located just outside the city, these are arguably the largest film studios in the world by area. You can take a guided tour to walk through massive, preserved sets used in blockbusters like Gladiator, The Mummy, and even parts of Game of Thrones (as the city of Yunkai).

   

• CLA Studios: A smaller, but equally active studio. Touring the studios offers a fascinating look behind the curtain of movie magic, where ancient Rome sits next to a desert oasis.

• Cinema Museum: Located directly across from the Kasbah Taourirt, this museum houses an interesting collection of props, costumes, and old equipment from decades of Moroccan film production.

Jewels of Earthen Architecture: The Kasbahs

Ouarzazate is steeped in the history of the powerful Glaoui family, whose influence shaped the region and left behind colossal mud-brick fortresses (Kasbahs).

1. Ksar of Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Just a short drive from Ouarzazate, this stunning fortified village (ksar) is a quintessential piece of Moroccan history. Its towering clay buildings, reinforced by walls of dark red pisé, once protected the vital trans-Saharan trade route.

• Iconic Backdrop: Ait Benhaddou is perhaps the most famous filming location in all of Morocco, instantly recognizable from films like Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and many scenes from Game of Thrones.

• Explore & Climb: You can walk across the river and climb through the maze-like alleys to the top of the fortification for an unparalleled view of the valley and the surrounding landscape.

2. Kasbah Taourirt

This magnificent, sprawling citadel sits right in the heart of Ouarzazate City. Once the official residence of the infamous Pasha Thami El Glaoui, it features a complex labyrinth of passages, halls, and courtyards. A partially restored section is open to visitors, allowing you to appreciate the scale and traditional architecture of this important historic monument.

Beyond the City: Essential Day Trips

Ouarzazate is the perfect base for exploring the diverse landscapes of southern Morocco:

• Fint Oasis: A beautiful, peaceful palm grove nestled in a river valley about an hour from the city. It offers a refreshing escape and a chance to see authentic Berber village life.

• Kasbah Amridil: Located in the nearby Skoura Palm Grove, this 17th-century kasbah is one of the most well-preserved in the region and provides a genuine insight into traditional tighremt (fortified house) life.