Feature
Destination guide
Ouarzazate
Hollywood of Africa
Ouarzazate is Morocco's cinematic capital, nicknamed 'Hollywood of Africa' for hosting productions including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia and Kingdom of Heaven. Sitting at 1,160 metres at the edge of the Sahara, its famous CLA Studios are open to visitors, and the kasbah of Taourirt is a stunning example of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture.
Quick facts
Route role
Desert gateway between Atlas and valleys
Visited
Day 1 on the road south
Known for
Film studios, kasbahs, pre-Sahara landscapes
Quick facts
Route role
Desert gateway between Atlas and valleys
Best time to visit
Mar-May and Sep-Nov
Known for
Film studios, kasbahs, pre-Sahara landscapes
Best for
Culture, scenery, route planning
Why visit
What makes Ouarzazate worth the stop
Use this page to understand the place, where it fits in the route, and which tour takes you there.
Ouarzazate is Morocco's cinematic capital, nicknamed 'Hollywood of Africa' for hosting productions including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia and Kingdom of Heaven. Sitting at 1,160 metres at the edge of the Sahara, its famous CLA Studios are open to visitors, and the kasbah of Taourirt is a stunning example of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture.
- CLA Film Studios (Gladiator, GOT)
- Kasbah Taourirt
- Gateway to the Sahara
- Atlas Studios — world's largest
- Museum of Cinema
Feature
Kasbah Taourirt
Feature
Gateway to the Sahara
Feature
Atlas Studios — world's largest
Feature
Museum of Cinema
Feature
1,160m desert city
Practical guide
What to know before visiting Ouarzazate
Compact travel details help you decide how much time to give this stop and what to expect on the route.
Best time to visit
Mar-May and Sep-Nov are usually most comfortable.
How long to stay
Plan the stop around your route timing and driving distance.
Walking difficulty
Ask before departure if you need an easier pace or shorter walk.
Photo tips
Early and late light usually gives the best contrast and softer heat.
Family suitability
Most route stops work for families when timing, heat, and walking pace are planned.
Route context
How this stop fits into the journey
Destination pages are most useful when they explain the trip sequence, not only the scenery.
Approx. distance
195 km
Marrakech
Ouarzazate
1
Before
Aït Benhaddou
2
Here
Ouarzazate photo and route stop
3
After
Rose Valley and Boumalne Dades
Related tours
Tours that include Ouarzazate
Move from research to a bookable route without losing the destination context.
Travel questions
Planning this stop
Is Ouarzazate included in the Merzouga tour?
Ouarzazate is handled as desert gateway between atlas and valleys. The exact stop depends on the selected departure and route conditions.
When do travelers usually visit Ouarzazate?
Most travelers visit around day 1 on the road south. We confirm timing before departure so the route stays realistic.
Can I customize time in Ouarzazate?
Yes. Private tours can usually adjust photo stops, walking time, and pickup details when the driving schedule allows it.
Next step
Turn Ouarzazate into a booked adventure
Choose a trusted itinerary and we will handle the details. Small groups, local experts, and a route planned around the places that matter.