Discover the magic of Morocco via our 1-day excursions. During this 1-day excursion in the semi-desert city of Ouarzazate, we will visit ancient kasbahs, learn about the history of Ouarzazate & the history of film industry there as well as explore its stunning semi- desert landscapes. This day trip is a perfect choice for those who want to visit and explore Morocco’s little “Hollywood of Africa”.
Ouarzazate is widely known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,”. It is a fascinating city in the southeastern part of Morocco. In Ouarzazate, Desert landscapes meet ancient kasbahs and cinematic history. It has many popular monuments such as the famous Atlas Film Studios, where many Hollywood movies were filmed, and historical sites like preserved Taourirt Kasbah & the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. With its unique blend of culture, architecture, and unique natural scenery, Ouarzazate offers travelers a peaceful and a genuine experience in southern Morocco.
Our 1-day excursion starts in Ouarzazate and finishes in Ouarzazate. In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel/Riad and start our journey through the city and its surroundings. First, we will visit Taourirt Kasbah explore its beautifully restored 19th-century kasbah that belonged to the powerful Glaoui family in Morocco, Admire its intricate architecture and traditional Berber rooms as well as take pictures of its unique Berber architecture. Second, we will take you to see the popular Atlas Film Studio. We will step into the world of films. Atlas Studio was used in the filming of poplular movies such as Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones. Once there, we will Walk through the ancient temples, pharaoh’s palaces, and desert cities used in international films. At lunch time, we will go to some nice restaurant for a nice traditional Moroccan meal and mint tea. Next, we will drive around 35 KM to the neighboring Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah. This iconic mud-brick Kasbah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also a filming location for The Mummy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. We will enjoy its peaceful vibe, explore its unique alleys and climb to the top for a breathtaking view. At the end of the day , we will return to Ouarzazate and drop you off you off at the Riad/ Hotel or any preferred location. Our 1-day excursion in Ouarzazate concludes here.
Tips for Your Day Trip:
This excursion was perfect for my 15-year-old daughter and me. She was fascinated by the movie sets, and I enjoyed the historical side of the kasbahs. The guide was engaging for both of us, and lunch was delicious. We came back with wonderful memories and great photos
We were a group of five friends and had an amazing time! The film studios were so cool, and we even reenacted some movie scenes for fun. The kasbahs gave us a real feel for Morocco’s history, and the landscapes were stunning. This trip was a great balance of sightseeing, history, and light adventure.
Ouarzazate was a hidden gem for our honeymoon. We felt like we stepped back in time exploring the kasbahs, and it was fun to see the famous film sets. Our guide even took great photos of us together at Aït Ben Haddou, which was so thoughtful. It was a romantic and culturally rich day out.
I joined this tour mainly for photography, and it didn’t disappoint. The textures of the kasbah walls, the light in the narrow alleys were incredible to capture. Aït Ben Haddou was a dream location for golden hour shots. I also enjoyed learning the history behind each place we visited
We were amazed at how much we could see in just one day! Taourirt Kasbah was beautiful, but the real highlight for us was visiting Aït Ben Haddou. Walking through the alleys and then climbing to the top for the panoramic view was unforgettable. The lunch stop served some of the best tagine we had in Morocco. Definitely a must-do if you’re in the area.
