morocco tour advnetures

Contact | FAQS | About
+212 625 28 67 75

Ouarzazate & Ait Benhaddou Experience

4.9 (210 verified reviews)
Ouarzazate, Morocco
1 Day
All Year Round
Ait Benhaddou Kasbah panoramic view - UNESCO World Heritage site
Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate - Hollywood of Africa
Ancient clay kasbah architecture in Ait Benhaddou
Film set props at Atlas Studios Ouarzazate
Scenic drive through Draa Valley to Ouarzazate
+ View More

Hollywood of Africa & Ancient Kasbahs

Journey from Marrakech to the gateway of the Sahara for an unforgettable day exploring Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Africa," and the legendary Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This tour combines cinematic magic with ancient Berber history in one spectacular day trip.

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m) through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains. Descend into the dramatic pre-Saharan landscapes where you'll first visit the iconic Ait Benhaddou, an 11th-century fortified village that has starred in films like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia.

After exploring this ancient wonder, continue to Ouarzazate to discover the Atlas Film Studios, the largest film studio in the world. Walk through actual movie sets, see props from blockbuster films, and learn about Morocco's thriving film industry. This tour perfectly blends cultural heritage with cinematic history.

Cinema Studios Atlas Film Studios
UNESCO Site Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
Mountain Views High Atlas Pass
Full Day 12-14 Hours

Your Day Journey to the Desert Gateway

Morning: High Atlas Crossing & Ait Benhaddou

7:00 - 7:30 AM: Pickup from your Marrakech accommodation. Depart for Ouarzazate.

7:30 - 10:30 AM: Spectacular drive over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m). Enjoy panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains with multiple photo stops.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Arrive at Ait Benhaddou. Cross the river on foot and explore the UNESCO World Heritage kasbah with your guide. Learn about its 11th-century history and see locations used in famous films. Visit traditional Berber homes and artisan workshops.

Midday: Ouarzazate & Film Studios

12:30 - 1:30 PM: Short drive to Ouarzazate. Lunch at a local restaurant with views of the Taourirt Kasbah (lunch cost not included).

1:30 - 3:30 PM: Visit the Atlas Film Studios, the largest film studio in the world. Explore massive outdoor sets from movies like Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones. See props, costumes, and learn about Morocco's film industry. Optional visit to the Cinema Museum.

3:30 - 4:00 PM: Photo stop at the impressive Taourirt Kasbah, once one of the largest kasbahs in Morocco.

Afternoon: Return Journey & Scenic Stops

4:00 PM: Begin return journey to Marrakech via a different scenic route.

4:30 PM: Optional stop at a women's argan oil cooperative to see traditional production methods (time permitting).

5:00 - 8:00 PM: Relax during the return drive through the stunning landscapes. Arrive back in Marrakech around 8:00 PM with drop-off at your accommodation.

Driving Distance: 400km round trip Elevation: 2,260m at Tizi n'Tichka Film History: 60+ Major Productions

Famous Films Shot at These Locations

Discover the blockbuster movies and TV series that have used Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate's Atlas Studios as their filming locations:

🎬

Gladiator (2000)

Location: Ait Benhaddou & Atlas Studios

Scenes: Roman city of Zucchabar, battle sequences, and marketplace scenes were filmed here.

👑

Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Location: Ait Benhaddou & Surrounding Areas

Scenes: Slaver cities of Yunkai and Pentos in Season 3. The kasbah's architecture perfectly represented the Free Cities.

🏜️

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Location: Surrounding Desert Areas

Scenes: Some of the most iconic desert scenes in cinematic history were filmed in this region.

⚔️

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

Location: Atlas Film Studios

Scenes: Massive Jerusalem sets were constructed at the studios, including city walls and interiors.

🧞

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

Location: Atlas Film Studios

Scenes: Elaborate Persian palace sets and marketplace scenes were built and filmed here.

Plus many more: The Mummy (1999), Babel (2006), Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), and over 50 other major productions.

Traveler Reviews

Film Buff Group USA • April 2025

"As movie lovers, this was a dream come true. Walking through the actual Gladiator sets and seeing Ait Benhaddou in person was surreal. The drive through the mountains was worth it alone!"

Verified Booking • Film Enthusiasts
History Teacher UK • March 2025

"Ait Benhaddou is breathtaking. The preservation of this 11th-century kasbah is remarkable. The film studios were a fun bonus. Long day but absolutely worth it for the cultural and historical insights."

Verified Booking • Solo Traveler

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a very long day trip?

Yes, it's a full day adventure of approximately 12-14 hours door-to-door. The driving time is about 3.5-4 hours each way (400km round trip), but the journey through the High Atlas Mountains is spectacular and includes multiple photo stops. We use comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, and the amazing destinations make the travel time well worthwhile.

Are the film studios and kasbah entrance fees included?

Transportation and guide services are included. Entrance fees to Atlas Film Studios (approx. €8-10 per person) and optional local guide fees at Ait Benhaddou (€2-3) are not included. This allows flexibility—you can choose to explore Ait Benhaddou independently if preferred. Lunch is also not included, giving you choice at local restaurants.

Is the mountain pass safe? What if I get car sick?

The Tizi n'Tichka Pass is a well-maintained national highway with experienced drivers who know the route intimately. For those prone to motion sickness:

  • • We make regular stops for photos and fresh air
  • • Our vehicles are modern and well-maintained
  • • We recommend taking motion sickness medication if you're sensitive
  • • Sit in the front seat if possible

The stunning mountain views are a highlight for most travelers, and our drivers prioritize safety and comfort.

Request Received!

Your Ouarzazate day trip request has been received. We'll confirm availability shortly.

Starting from
Get Offer / person
Min. 2 people • Max. 8 per vehicle
Estimated Transport --
+ Entrance fees: Studios €8-10, Kasbah €2-3
Certified by MTA • Film Location Expert