You’ve probably seen Gladiator with Russell Crowe, Babel with Brad Pitt, or the hit series Game of Thrones. Maybe you’ve laughed through the Asterix and Obelix movies too. But did you know that all these productions share a common filming location? Welcome to Ouarzazate in Morocco, country’s very own Hollywood of the desert.
The gateway to the Sahara
Located just south of the Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate in Morocco is often called the “Gateway to the Desert” because beyond its edges begin the endless dunes of the Sahara. The city is the main hub of southern Morocco, a starting point for countless desert tours and a favorite stop for travelers heading into the dunes.
The surrounding landscape – dry valleys, red rocks, and palm oases – creates a cinematic backdrop that has drawn filmmakers from around the world for decades.
A city built from clay and straw, Ouarzazate in Morocco
Ouarzazate’s architecture is instantly recognizable for its warm, earthy tones. The city is dotted with kasbahs – traditional fortress-like buildings made from clay and straw. The most famous of them all is the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, located about 30 kilometers west of Ouarzazate.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 8th century and still houses Berber families who have preserved their ancestral way of life. With its mudbrick walls and ancient alleys, Ait Ben Haddou has become one of the most photographed sites in Morocco.
The largest film studio in Africa
Just 5 kilometers outside Ouarzazate lies Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in Africa, established in 1983. The studio complex features both indoor and outdoor sets, production offices, workshops, stables, and even trained animals used in film scenes.
Visitors can explore the actual sets where famous movies and series were filmed, including The Jewel of the Nile, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Babel, and Game of Thrones. The entrance fee is around 50 Moroccan dirhams (about 5 euros). Next to the studio stands the Oscar Hotel, often used by film crews during shoots.
A backdrop for iconic films
With its surreal desert scenery and red-toned architecture, Ouarzazate in Morocco and nearby Ait Ben Haddou have served as backdrops for countless Hollywood blockbusters. Fans often visit the filming locations to trace the footsteps of their favorite characters—from ancient warriors and pharaohs to fantasy kings.
The region’s landscapes have doubled as ancient Egypt, biblical Jerusalem, and even parts of fictional kingdoms from the Game of Thrones universe. For film buffs, walking through these sets feels like stepping into a living movie scene.
How to visit Ouarzazate in Morocco
Ouarzazate is easily reachable from Marrakech via scenic mountain roads through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of Morocco’s most beautiful drives. The journey takes about four to five hours, and many travel agencies offer organized tours that combine Ouarzazate with Sahara desert excursions.
You can choose between private or group tours lasting from a single day to several days. To truly experience the region’s magic, plan to stay at least two days – just enough to explore the studios, Ait Ben Haddou, and the desert sunset.
And whatever you do, don’t miss the sunrise and sunset – when the red earth glows under golden light, and Ouarzazate reveals why it continues to inspire filmmakers from around the world.
