Atlas Film Studios sits in the desert about 5 km west of Ouarzazate, the town often called the 'Hollywood of Africa,' and was founded in 1983 by entrepreneur Mohamed Belghmi. Reckoned to be the largest film studio in the world by land area, it has hosted blockbusters such as Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, The Mummy and Game of Thrones. As of 2026 it remains a working studio still used for commercial shoots, while many of its film sets are left standing and opened to the public through guided tours. Frame your visit as a walk-through of enormous standing sets, from a Roman arena to Egyptian temples and a Tibetan monastery.
The Roman gladiatorial arena and slave-market sets from Gladiator
The massive Jerusalem fortress walls built for Kingdom of Heaven (often a separate section)
The Tibetan monastery set used for Martin Scorsese's Kundun
Egyptian temples and pharaonic statues used for productions such as Cleopatra
Backstage areas where, if a shoot is underway, you may glimpse set-building, props and costumes
Good to know
SeasonIn summer (July-August) midday temperatures top 40°C with almost no shade. Most of the tour is outdoors, so carry plenty of water and aim for early morning or late afternoon; spring and autumn are the most comfortable.
SafetyThe desert sun is intense, so a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. Ground is dirt and stone, so wear sturdy shoes; reaching the Kingdom of Heaven set involves roughly a 30-minute walk, so pace yourself and ration water.
RulesA guided tour is included with admission and tours typically depart every 20-40 minutes. The large Kingdom of Heaven set is often a separately ticketed area, and if a production is filming, some zones may be closed or the route adjusted.
MannersTipping your guide a small amount (around 10-20 dirhams) at the end of the tour is customary. Many areas of Morocco are conservative, so modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is the safe choice.
CautionWhen taking a grand taxi (shared taxi) from town, always agree the fare before departure. Be wary of people posing as 'official guides' near the entrance and of inflated prices when haggling for souvenirs.
SafetyDoing this as a day trip from Marrakech means a tiring 4-hour drive each way over winding High Atlas mountain roads. Avoid driving after dark and consider a multi-day itinerary for a safer, more relaxed pace.
Practical info
The studios lie about 5 km west of Ouarzazate along the N9 road toward Marrakech, cheaply reached by grand taxi (roughly a 40-minute walk on foot). They open daily from around 8:30 AM to sunset, including holidays, and admission (guided tour included; the Kingdom of Heaven set is separate) is bought on site. Prices and hours can change, so confirm the latest details on the official site before you go.
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