Ouarzazate – The Gateway to the Desert
Ouarzazate is a city in southern Morocco, located at the crossroads between the High Atlas and the vast Saharan expanses. It is approximately 200 km southeast of Marrakech, and is often called the gateway to the desert due to its strategic position on the routes leading to the Sahara.
A centre of international cinema
Ouarzazate is known throughout the world for being a top place in the cinema. Thanks to its desert landscapes and spectacular natural light and its stable climate, many productions and international tours.
- 🏭 Atlas Studios : one of the most major film studios in the world.
- 🎥 Movies and tv shows filmed in Ouarzazate :
- Gladiator
- Lawrence of Arabia
Preview
✈️ Description of Trip : Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Desert
📍 Destination : Ouarzazate, Morocco
🕒 Duration : 3 days / 2 nights
🌄 Type of stay : Culture, nature, cinema, adventure in the wilderness
🗓️ Day 1 : Arrival in Ouarzazate
-
Arrival to Ouarzazate (by air or transfer from Marrakech).
-
Welcome and installation in a riad or a traditional hotel.
-
Visit the Kasbah of Taourirt, one of the jewels of Berber heritage.
-
Free time to stroll around the city.
-
Dinner traditional moroccan in a local restaurant.
🗓️ Day 2 : Ait Ben Haddou & Film Studios
-
Breakfast at the accommodation.
-
Excursion to the famous Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-
Guided tour of this iconic fortified village used in numerous films (Gladiator, Game of Thrones, etc.).
-
-
Breakfast overlooking the valley.
-
In the afternoon, visit the Atlas Studios, the largest film studios in Africa.
-
Discovery of the scenes of filming and behind the scenes of the international cinema.
-
-
Return to Ouarzazate and free time (possibility of hammam or shopping artisanal).
🗓️ Day 3 : Oasis of Fint & Departure
-
Breakfast.
-
Departure for an excursion to the Oasis of Fint, a green haven of peace nestled in the heart of the rocky desert.
-
Walk in the oasis, discovery of local life and natural landscapes.
-
-
Return to Ouarzazate for lunch.
-
Transfer to the airport or continue to another destination (such as Zagora or Merzouga to explore the Sahara).
✅ What is included :
-
Accommodation (2 nights)
-
Breakfasts + some meals
-
Transport and local transfers
-
Guided tours (Aït Ben Haddou, studios, oasis)
-
Entrance fees to the monuments
Highlights
- The Colosseum : An amphitheater iconic where took place the famous gladiator fights.
- The Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica : A religious site staple home to the Sistine chapel and the basilica of majestic.
- The Trevi Fountain : A fountain is iconic where you throw a coin to ensure his return to Rome.
- The Pantheon : An ancient temple with a dome, impressive and a central oculus remarkable.
