Located in the south of Morocco, Ouarzazate is an essential stopover for travelers on their way to the Sahara Desert. But it also has a lot to offer those who are only staying here for a day or two.
The Atlas Film Studios and the Kasbah Taourirt are among the most famous attractions in this city. But there are many others to be discovered!
Kasbah Taourirt
Kasbah Taourirt is a beautiful and interesting place to visit in the heart of Ouarzazate. It is a symbol of the city and a great place to learn about the local culture.
The kasbah is designed with large towers and windows that are carved into the rocks. It is a wonderful place to explore and see how the architecture was constructed hundreds of years ago.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area of Ouarzazate. You will be able to admire the ancient sandstone colored towers and walls that once guarded this caravan route from the Sahara to Marrakech.
Another popular attraction to check out in this region is Ait Benhaddou. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular film location where many famous movies have been shot.
Ait Benhaddou
Located 190 km southwest of Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou is an Unesco-protected red mudbrick ksar (fortified village) that has been restored under UNESCO auspices. It’s a picturesque destination whose crenellated towers and adobe-and-stone buildings have been the setting for Lawrence of Arabia, Kundun, The Mummy, Jewel of the Nile and Gladiator.
It’s also a great starting point for trips to Dades and the Draa Valley, though don’t forget to plan ahead to make the most of your time in this scenic spot!
Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco’s most popular destinations, thanks in large part to its stunning kasbah. The kasbah has been featured in numerous movies, and you can visit it yourself for an affordable fee.
Fint Oasis
Located less than a half-hour drive from Ouarzazate, the Fint Oasis is a lush green oasis with a small village inside. It's a laid-back place where you can hang out with Berber locals and take in the scenic desert landscape.
The oasis consists of four traditional villages that blend Sub-Saharan, Moroccan and Berber culture. They have a reputation for hospitality, and it's worth asking around to see if any local families offer home-stays at a modest fee, including dinner and breakfast.
The quaint villages are surrounded by a grove of palm trees and orchards. The area irrigates plots of land cultivated by a small, modest peasant population.
Atlas Film Studios
The town of Ouarzazate is a hub for Morocco's film industry, with the region's striking Kasbahs and mud-built towns providing a backdrop to Hollywood blockbusters. Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy and Gladiator have all been filmed here, along with scenes for HBO's hit series Game of Thrones.
- Founded in 1983, Atlas Film Studios remains the largest facility of its kind in the world. Its expansive desert and mountainous terrain has been used to shoot hundreds of films.
- Its sets and props have been used in everything from biblical scenes to ancient Egyptian fables. Its elaborate replicas of Tibetan monasteries, biblical towns and other religious motifs are weirdly interesting to see in person.
- The area surrounding the studios is home to intriguing kasbahs, and it's also a great base for exploring the striking medieval ksar of Ait Benhaddou. You can also spend a night in a Moroccan family's home for a truly authentic experience.
