In addition to its incredible landscapes and exceptional historical monuments, Ouarzazate is also renowned for being the heart of cinema in Africa. Indeed, many legendary films have been shot in the Ouarzazate region, taking advantage of the majestic scenery and, of course, the extraordinary location. In this article, we take a look at the must-see film locations in the Ouarzazate region.
Ksar Ait Ben Haddou: the set for blockbuster films
Situated 30km from Ouarzazate, Ksar Ait Ben Haddou is a kind of village with typical Moroccan architecture. The village is made up of several buildings and houses, some of which are very impressively decorated. The village is also surrounded by a very notable defensive wall. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ait Ben Haddou is also an essential film location for the 7th art. But why is this historic site such a popular location for film-makers?
Ksar Ait Ben Haddou is not only a must-see tourist destination, but also an iconic film location that has left its mark on the history of cinema. The location offers a unique natural setting. The ideal place to record impressive film sequences. Several films have already used this legendary location to shoot cult scenes.
Some of the most famous films shot at Ait Ben Haddou include 1962's Sodom and Gomorrah, 1988's The Last Temptation of Christ, 1999's The Mummy, Ridley Scott's Gladiator, 2010's Prince of Persia and season 3 of the hit series Game of Thrones. These films have all taken advantage of Ait Ben Haddou's impressive sets to provide cult scenes and films that we all love.
The Fint oasis: a sumptuous setting for unforgettable scenes
As well as the Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, the Oasis de Fint is another must-see location that has already been the subject of legendary film locations. Located around 15km from the town of Ouarzazate, it is truly a hidden oasis in the middle of the desert. While the place attracts many tourists, it should be noted that the Oasis de Fint is also a favourite film set for the major film studios.
And yet, the place has a natural charm and, of course, unique and exceptional landscapes. Whether it's the green palm trees surrounded by a mineral world or the breathtaking, ochre-coloured rocky cliffs, the Oasis de Fint offers a backdrop worthy of great films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Alibaba and the 40 Thieves, Cleopatra, etc.
Le Skoura
If you want to go to the famous Dades Gorge and the Toudra Valley, you have to go to Skoura. This is surely the most fascinating place in southern Morocco, with its kabashs surrounded by palm trees. Skoura is best known as an unbeatable tourist destination. However, it is also a popular location for film shoots. It's true that Skoura has some very special landscapes that make for some truly extraordinary scenes.
If you want to reconnect with the 7th art and discover magical film locations, visit southern Morocco now. But to do so, you'll need accommodation worthy of the name to make your stay comfortable and unforgettable. Here's how, Ksar Ighda is your best option. Book your stay at Ksar Ighnda and set off on your adventure in Ouarzazate.
