Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of the Moroccan Desert

Gateway to the desert and the movies

Known worldwide as the Hollywood of Morocco, Ouarzazate is a fascinating town at the gates of the desert, on the route linking Marrakech with the great Sahara. At Esplora il Marocco we often include it in our itineraries, because it uniquely combines the magic of cinema, the history of the kasbahs and a strategic position as the gateway to southern Morocco.

Surrounded by spectacular scenery, between the Atlas Mountains, fertile valleys and the first stretches of desert, Ouarzazate is best known for its large film studios, which have hosted countless international productions. But the town offers much more than the studios: historic monuments, kasbahs and the distinctive atmosphere of the Moroccan south. In this guide we tell you what to see. Our tours from Ouarzazate start right here.

The film studios

The nickname “Hollywood of the desert” is no accident: Ouarzazate is home to some of the largest film studios in the world, such as Atlas Studios, where countless successful international productions have been shot. The surrounding landscape, with its desert scenery and historic kasbahs, has attracted directors from all over the world for decades.

Some of these studios are open to visitors, letting you see huge sets, original scenery from historical and epic films and many of the secrets of movie-making up close. It is an unusual experience that shows an unexpected, modern side of Morocco. For film lovers, a visit to the studios is a must. Our 9-day Morocco itinerary can include a visit to the studios.

The Kasbah of Taourirt

In the historic heart of Ouarzazate stands the Kasbah of Taourirt, one of the town’s most beautiful and important monuments. This ancient, imposing mud-brick fortress, once the residence of powerful local lords, is a fascinating maze of rooms, courtyards and towers that still tells the story of southern Morocco’s traditional architecture.

Visiting the Kasbah of Taourirt means stepping into another era, among refined decorations, carved wooden ceilings and rooms that show what court life was like. It is one of the region’s most remarkable examples of earthen architecture, well preserved and full of charm.

A strategic location

Ouarzazate is a key stop because of its location: it sits at the crossroads of the routes to the Merzouga and Zagora deserts, the Dades and Todra gorges and nearby Ait Ben Haddou. In practice, it is the ideal starting point for exploring southern Morocco in every direction.

That is why almost every itinerary to the desert passes through Ouarzazate, which acts as a logistics base and gateway to the wonders of the south. From here, each direction leads to a different treasure: golden desert, spectacular gorges and ancient kasbahs, all within a few hours. Our 4-day tour from Fes to Marrakech passes through Ouarzazate on the way back.

Spectacular surroundings

The area around Ouarzazate offers spectacular landscapes and charming places. Very close by is Ait Ben Haddou, the famous UNESCO-listed kasbah, and a little further on lie green oases, lush palm groves and the evocative Draa Valley with its long ribbons of palm trees. The large El Mansour Eddahbi reservoir next to the town adds variety to the landscape.

This mix of desert, mountains, fertile valleys and historic kasbahs makes the Ouarzazate area a concentrate of the best of southern Morocco. Every excursion around the town brings new discoveries and memorable views. Our 3-day tour from Ouarzazate explores the area and goes all the way to the desert.

When and how to visit

Ouarzazate is usually visited on the route from Marrakech to the desert, as a stop on a multi-day tour, often together with nearby Ait Ben Haddou. Its location makes it a natural stop that combines culture, cinema and scenery in one place.

The town can be enjoyed in any season, although spring and autumn are especially pleasant thanks to their mild weather. A few hours or half a day are enough to see the highlights, such as the kasbah and the studios, although the surroundings deserve more time. A well-organised tour with a local guide gets the most out of the visit.

Discover Ouarzazate with Esplora il Marocco

Ouarzazate, the famous Hollywood of the Moroccan desert, is a fascinating town at the gates of the Sahara, known for its large film studios, the historic Kasbah of Taourirt and its strategic position at the crossroads of the routes to the desert, the gorges and Ait Ben Haddou. It combines cinema, history, architecture and spectacular scenery in one stop in southern Morocco.

The Esplora il Marocco team includes Ouarzazate in its desert itineraries, often together with Ait Ben Haddou, so you can discover the cinematic charm of Morocco’s Hollywood. To visit Ouarzazate, contact us using the button below.