What to see and do in Ouarzazate, Morocco

Quarzazate is called the "Gateway to the Desert," and serves as a starting point for tours and excursions into the nearby Sahara Desert region of Morocco

Ouarzazate is a city in southeastern Morocco, located in the Atlas Mountains. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and its role as a hub for Morocco's film and television industry. 

On 4/16/2012, we spent the night in Ouarzazate and then visited Atlas Studios the next day. It is one of the largest movie studio in the world.  While we were there, they were filming a National Geographic documentary on camels and a Nokia phone commercial. 

Films such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Man Who Would Be King (1975), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Kundun (1997), Legionnaire (1998), Hanna (2011), The Hills Have Eyes (2006), and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011) were film  in Quarzazate and its surrounding areas, as was part of the TV series Game of Thrones.

Ouarzazate is also a popular tourist destination in its own right, with attractions like the Taourirt Kasbah, which is a former palace and now a museum, and the Kasbah of Telouet, which is a former residence of the Pasha of Marrakesh. The nearby Ait Ben Haddou ksar, a fortified village that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a popular attraction.

In addition to its film and cultural heritage, Quarzazate is also known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Hiking, camping, and trekking are popular activities in the surrounding mountains and desert.

Overall, Quarzazate is a unique and culturally rich destination that offers something for everyone, from film and history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts.

Looking for things to do?  Viator offers numerous tours in the Ouazazate area.  Click here for details.