Perched on the edge of the vast Sahara Desert and with access to 30,000 square meters of natural landscapes, the Atlas Film Studios have made a name for themselves not only as the center of Morocco’s film industry, but as the world’s largest film studio. With a history dating back to the early 1960s, the studios boast an impressive pedigree, having hosted iconic film sets like Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and ‘Star Wars’; popular movies like The Mummy, Jewel of the Nile, and Babel; and even scenes from recent TV hit Game of Thrones.
Today, the legendary film studios are open to visitors outside of filming hours and tours offer the chance to peek into the studios, see the remains of old sets, marvel over film memorabilia and get the inside scoop on the studio’s most famous projects.
Practical Info
The Atlas Film Studios are located around 5km from Ouarzazate and are open for tours, daily from 9am to 6pm (except when filming is in progress).
Address: Km 5, route de Marrakech, Tamassinte, Ouarzazate BP 28, Morocco
Hours: Daily 9am-6pm, except when filming is in progress
Few places in Morocco offer the epic sunrises and beautiful sunsets found amid the towering sand dunes of the tiny village of Merzouga. Located in the unforgiving Sahara Desert near Erg Chebbi, this quiet destination is known for its iconic views, camel safaris and Berber culture.
Intrepid (and fit) travelers can attempt to climb the massive dunes that surround Merzouga, while less the adventurous embark on a 4x4, motorbike or camel trekking tour. While spotting wildlife in the barren desert landscapes can be a challenge, birders will find plenty of opportunities in spring months when a nearby lake fills with water and attracts rare winged wonders.
Practical Info
Travelers arriving from Marrakech can reach Merzouga via the Atlas Mountains towards Ourzazate. The distance requires an overnight stop or two in one of the nearby towns. The dunes are most easily accessible via Rissani.
The town of Zagora is located in Morocco's Draa River Valley, in the southeastern part of the country near Mount Zagora in the Little Atlas Range.
The main attractions in Zagora are the remains of an 11th century Almoravid fortress on Mount Zagora and the sign at one end of town that indicates that it would take 52 days to reach Timbuktu by camel or on foot. You can take camel treks from Zagora, or hike up into the mountains. There is a colorful and bustling market on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Practical Info
It takes about eight hours by bus to reach Zagora from Marrakesh. Near Zagora, the town of Tamegroute is an important Sufi center (there is an ancient library there), and is known for a particular kind of green pottery.
