Ouarzazate, the film city

South of the High Atlas, at the gateway to the desert, Ouarzazate has made a name for itself well beyond Morocco: for decades its mineral landscapes and light have drawn many international productions. Today, several studios on the outskirts of town open their sets to visitors. Temples, palaces and ramparts made of plaster rise among the stones: a surprising visit, as fun for families as for friends.

This is tourism, pure and simple: you come to see the sets and discover the region, at the wheel of your own car.

The road from Marrakech

Ouarzazate lies about 200 km from Marrakech. The road crosses the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, one of the highest road passes in the country. The hairpins, villages clinging to the slopes and changing scenery make the drive a destination in itself: allow about four hours without breaks, and take your time.

Leave early, keep the tank full and check the weather in winter, when snow can reach the pass.

Aït Benhaddou, the earthen ksar

About thirty kilometres before Ouarzazate, a detour leads to the ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its earthen houses rise in tiers on a hill above a riverbed; climb to the top in the late afternoon for the light. The site itself has served as a set for many films, making it the natural companion to a studio visit.

What else to see around Ouarzazate

In town, the Taourirt kasbah showcases the region's earthen architecture. With more time, the road continues to the Draa Valley and its palm groves, or to the Dades Valley. With your own car, every stop is decided on the spot.

Which car and where to collect it

We have no pick-up point in Ouarzazate: the simplest option is to collect the car at Marrakech airport and drive the loop. All our cars are automatic with unlimited mileage, ideal for long distances. For the mountains and the access roads to the sites, an SUV is the most comfortable choice:

  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport: from 2000 MAD/day (15 days or more), 3000 MAD/day base rate.
  • Audi Q8: 2100 MAD/day.
  • Maserati Levante: from 1500 MAD/day (30 days or more), 2300 MAD/day base rate.
  • Porsche Macan: from 1400 MAD/day (30 days or more), 2000 MAD/day base rate.

The minimum rental period is 3 days and the deposit is 30000 MAD for these models. Cars are rented without a driver; a driver can be offered on request, subject to availability.

Book

For your road trip to the Ouarzazate studios and Aït Benhaddou, book via WhatsApp on +212 646 618 020 or on loccor.com, from the page of your chosen car.