Dream
Ouarzazate Sights
Film studios, Kasbah, and desert
Superb scenery between the High Atlas and the desert. A film-maker’s dream at 1,150m above sea level. Ouarzazate, the ‘ochre pearl’, is Morocco’s answer to Hollywood and a picturesque base for excursions across the Draa Valley and into the desert. Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and Gladiator are just some of the blockbusters and series that were filmed here – not just because of the breathtaking kasbahs, such as Aït Benhaddou, but also on account of the scorching sun and a landscape rich in contrasts.
Morocco’s Hollywood: Ouarzazate between the Atlas Mountains and Sahara. Aït Benhaddou, the cinematic kasbah. Film studios. Natural spectacles. Immerse yourself in Berber culture.
Highlights
Onwards to the Top Sights in Ouarzazate!
Kasbah Taourirt
One of the first Berber buildings
A UNESCO World Heritage Site. The setting of The Sheltering Sky, the Golden Globe-nominated film starring John Malkovich, as well as many other blockbusters including Seven Years in Tibet and Babel. Ochre and red rammed mud walls, interweaving and overlapping. Towers fortified with battlements. Like a huge sandcastle: Kasbah Taourirt on the outskirts of Ouarzazate.
One of the first major Berber buildings from the 19th century – and one of the most impressive. The mud castle in the middle of Ouarzazate’s kasbah quarter enchants visitors with almost 300 rooms and fascinating insights into Moroccan and Berber culture. Ouarzazate may have only a few tourist attractions, but this is a must-see!
Make sure to explore the interior of the kasbah too. Carvings, paintings, mosaics and the incredible scale – an educational journey into Berber and Moroccan history!
Atlas Film Studios
Enter the world of Game of Thrones
Ouarzazate: the centre of Morocco’s film industry. Take a fascinating tour of the Atlas Corporation Film Studios and the other studios in ‘Mollywood’, provided they are not closed for filming. Follow in the footsteps of blockbusters, Hollywood films and major series. Wander between the sets of Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Ben Hur, The Mummy, Asterix & Obelix, and many more.
Want a few more examples? Marvel at the Tibetan monastery from Kundun, the F-16 fighter jet from The Jewel of the Nile and the Egyptian temple from Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra. Located around 30km from the Atlas Film Studios, Aït Benhaddou, a ksar (fortified village) and the best-preserved kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, has featured in many films, including Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia.
The perfect day
With the Private Concierge Service
… The early bird catches the worm
In the desert-like climate, it’s better to rise a little earlier and take your time over breakfast …
... Aït Benhaddou
The region’s cinematic highlight dating from the 11th century. Your Private Concierge will take you to what is probably Morocco’s most impressive kasbah.
… Natural surroundings
Here, the journey is the destination. Ouarzazate and the surrounding area enchant visitors with their landscapes: travel through dry lowland, flourishing oases and green valleys.
... Berber lunch
A traditional lunch tastes even better when surrounded by mud castles, little mud-brick houses and Berber villages.
... Teatime!
The teapot is ready and waiting. Time for an authentic ceremony focused on the region’s most popular beverage.
... Atlas Film Studios – tour
Ouarzazate and the surrounding area are highly coveted by film-makers. Why not wander the sets of Star Wars and other Hollywood blockbusters?
... Kasbah Taourirt
The most famous sight in Ouarzazate. See where Seven Years in Tibet and Babel were filmed!
... Magical atmosphere
Stroll Ouarzazate’s kasbah district at sunset – simply spellbinding. Then while away the time in one of the city’s best restaurants …
Practical information from arrival to departure
For exploring nature, culture and the film industry
Location
Ouarzazate is in southern Morocco at around 1,150m above sea level. With the High Atlas to the north, the desert to the south and the huge El Mansour Eddahbi reservoir in the east, Ouarzazate boasts fantastic scenery.
Climate
The weather is desert-like. In summer it is hot and extremely dry with little rain. In winter, daytime temperatures range between 10°C and 20°C and it gets very cold at night.
Ouarzazate – the breathtaking desert city
Average daytime temperatures in Celsius
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 30 | 34 | 38 | 37 | 32 | 27 | 20 | 17 |
Activities and experiences
The best sights in Ouarzazate
A private chauffeur adds extra relaxation to your Moroccan journey, with safety, comfort and in-depth local knowledge!
Your Pur Life Maroc private concierge is your personal guide to Morocco, your contact, adviser and local expert – at your disposal from morning to night. For unforgettable holiday moments.
Lively bathhouse tradition, filled with gossip, laughter and discussions. For the locals, a trip to the hammam is a weekly fixture, and for Morocco fans, it is an absolute highlight.
A private chauffeur adds extra relaxation to your Moroccan journey, with safety, comfort and in-depth local knowledge!
Your Pur Life Maroc private concierge is your personal guide to Morocco, your contact, adviser and local expert – at your disposal from morning to night. For unforgettable holiday moments.
Lively bathhouse tradition, filled with gossip, laughter and discussions. For the locals, a trip to the hammam is a weekly fixture, and for Morocco fans, it is an absolute highlight.
A private chauffeur adds extra relaxation to your Moroccan journey, with safety, comfort and in-depth local knowledge!
Your Pur Life Maroc private concierge is your personal guide to Morocco, your contact, adviser and local expert – at your disposal from morning to night. For unforgettable holiday moments.
Lively bathhouse tradition, filled with gossip, laughter and discussions. For the locals, a trip to the hammam is a weekly fixture, and for Morocco fans, it is an absolute highlight.
Hotels
The best accommodation in and around Ouarzazate
A place where international film stars meet - the Le Berbere Palace Ouarzazate. Oriental luxury & desert in a geographically unique location. Inspired by local architecture, in the style of a Kasbah.
5-star luxury hotel & desert residence in Ouarzazate: unique & individually nestled in the palm grove of Skoura. Simple, village-traditional lifestyle combined with luxury and glamour.
A place where international film stars meet - the Le Berbere Palace Ouarzazate. Oriental luxury & desert in a geographically unique location. Inspired by local architecture, in the style of a Kasbah.
5-star luxury hotel & desert residence in Ouarzazate: unique & individually nestled in the palm grove of Skoura. Simple, village-traditional lifestyle combined with luxury and glamour.
Restaurants
The best restaurants in and around Ouarzazate
A charming restaurant serving excellent Moroccan specialities with a unique view over the rooftops of Ouarzazate. Treat your taste buds as you cast your gaze over the ochre pearl.
Discreet luxury at a boutique hotel with outstanding modern design in the elegant embassy district, includes an Andalusian designer pool and garden. Classy: Royal Golf Dar Essalam.
Follow in the footsteps of the stars and discover the legend of Es Saadi – an oasis of understated elegance.
An elegant courtyard, sand-coloured stone – tranquillity that invites you to linger. And outside: a golf course the size of 170 soccer fields. The Relais & Châteaux Hotel Tikida Golf Palace is your hole-in-one.
From the moment you arrive, you are enveloped in a world of luxury and hospitality, where every need is anticipated and every desire fulfilled.
5-star luxury hotel & desert residence in Ouarzazate: unique & individually nestled in the palm grove of Skoura. Simple, village-traditional lifestyle combined with luxury and glamour.
Stay at the Riad Chebbi in in the Desert of Merzouga in Morocco, for a luxurious taste of desert life.
Luxury by the Atlantic. The lush green of the gardens, the deep blue of the sky and a brilliant dream in white, with cascade stairways, terraces and pool: the sophisticated Hotel Le Mirage in Tangier.
Where Europe and Africa come together. A restaurant in the style of the famous American jazz club that puts a new spin on classic Moroccan cuisine in Morocco’s oldest coastal city.
An authentic Moroccan restaurant in the centre of Rabat’s medina that reflects local history. Authentic architecture, outstanding craftsmanship and traditional recipes.
Step into a realm of opulence and tranquillity at Palais Du Desert Hotel & Spa, on the outskirts of Erfoud, Morocco
