ToursOuarzazate — The Door of the Desert
A guide to Ouarzazate, Morocco: the Atlas film studios, Taourirt Kasbah, nearby Ait Ben Haddou, and how it fits into a Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour.
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Ouarzazate, nicknamed 'the door of the desert', is the gateway between the High Atlas and the Sahara — and the centre of Morocco's film industry, where parts of Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones were shot.
Top things to do
- Tour the Atlas Film Studios
- Visit the restored Taourirt Kasbah
- Stop at nearby Ait Ben Haddou (30 min away)
On the desert route
Every Marrakech desert tour passes through Ouarzazate on the way to Merzouga, usually on the first day after crossing the Atlas Mountains. It's the natural lunch and photo stop between the mountains and the gorges.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ouarzazate worth a stop?
Yes — for film fans and kasbah architecture, and it's a convenient gateway to Ait Ben Haddou and the desert.
How far is Ouarzazate from Marrakech?
About 4 hours by road over the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
Do your tours stop in Ouarzazate?
Yes, all our Marrakech-to-Merzouga tours pass through it.
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