The excursions
Visit the film studios located around Ouarzazate, go to the gates of the desert in 4×4, or survey the valley of Amandiers or the Dades Gorges: come and discover these treasures near SAWADI.
Ouarzazate
Visit several famous movie studios
The valley of the almond trees
During the almond blossom season (early March), it is unforgivable not to visit this valley.
OUARZAZATE: City of Cinema
Since the 1960s, the region of Ouarzazate is very popular with filmmakers. The diversity of landscapes, the ethnic diversity, the exceptional light, the availability of local manpower, all these elements make Ouarzazate one of the most desired places in Morocco by filmmakers.
Three film studios are located around Ouarzazate:
Atlas Studios
The Atlas Corporation was established in 1983, located 3km from the entrance to the city. Surrounded by Pharaohs, it offers a grandiose and majestic spectacle. The Atlas studios can be visited when there is no shooting by paying the sum of 30 DH: its sets are really worth the detour. The visit transports us from the settings of Gladiator, in Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra in particular. There are also objects at the entrance that are symbols of great films shot on location.
Kanzaman Studios
On an area of 60Ha, surrounded by thousands of olive trees and palm trees, it has the shape of three Kasbah. Since 2004, it has been home to the Institut Spécialisé dans les Métiers du Cinéma with a student body of about sixty.
CLA Studios
On a surface of 160Ha, about forty permanent employees are already working there. It is a project that will contribute to the promotion of the image not only of Ouarzazate but also of Morocco and its civilization throughout the world. The promoter of this project is Dino De Lorentis.
List of films shot in Ouarzazate
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
1954
The Nile Diamond
1986
The Mummy
1999
Gladiator
2000
Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra
2002
Kingdom of Heaven
2005
Babel
2006
Indigenous
2006
The hill has eyes
2006
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
2010
The desert at M’HAMID
After passing through Ouarzazate, we descend to Zagora through the beautiful Draa Valley with its kasbahs and sublime villages. Then, we continue towards the South, always in the valley of Draa, to reach Ouled Driss a few kilometers before M’Hamid. Luxuriance of palm groves surrounded by deserts of stone (reg) and sometimes sand (erg).
Depending on the season and the wishes of the participants, a part of the journey will be done by tracks (for these tracks the 4×4 vehicle is imperative). Lunch on the way there and back. Accommodation in nomadic tents in the evening.
In the evening or in the morning (depending on the time of arrival), camel ride to watch the sunset or sunrise on the first dunes of the Sahara.
The prices
For the desert excursion to M’HAMID, you can choose between two options of services and prices:
For 2 persons : 189€.
For 4 persons : 248€.
In these rates are included:
- The 4×4 (fuel included) at disposal from M’hammid (the customers go from Sawadi to M’hamid with their vehicle)
- The bivouac in half-board
- The guide-driver
For 2 persons : 360€.
For 4 persons : 420€.
In these rates are included:
- The 4×4 that picks you up and brings you back to Sawadi (fuel included)
- The bivouac in half-board
- The guide-driver
The valley of the almond trees
One day, 4×4 vehicle required
The Valley of the Almond Trees begins a few kilometers north of Sawadi in the small town of Toundoute where you can reach it by a paved road, or a track if you wish. Then, we take a rather tormented mountain track on about thirty kilometers to go up to the village of Amezri at approximately 2.300 meters of altitude. From this village, we will make a small hike to appreciate the rough beauty of this small paradise with Nepalese scents.
During the flowering of the almond trees, at the end of February and beginning of March, it is unforgivable not to visit this valley. This walk can be done in almost any season, except in case of rain or snow. Lunch in picnic or at the inhabitant.
For 2 to 4 persons : 39€.
For each additional person : 9€.
This price corresponds to the accompaniment of our guide.
(If you wish, we can take care of the reservation of your vehicle).
The valley of the Roses and the Dades gorges
A day in a 4×4 vehicle is recommended but it is possible to use an ordinary vehicle.
The Valley of the Roses begins in Kelaa M’Gouna and extends along the oued Mgoun for several kilometers before the Gorges of Dadès. It is in this valley that roses are harvested, around the beginning of May, to make rose water and other essences. But the rose is far from being the only attraction of this valley.
During this day we discover fantastic landscapes with incomparable colors going from the green of the vegetation of the oasis to the black of the eruptive rocks. Villages dot the route, nestled in the many valleys and breaks in the terrain.
You will see in the high desert at Ait Youl other incredible colors ranging from beige to a garnet sometimes turning to dark purple. It is in this desert that “The Wages of Fear” was shot. You will cross, according to the seasons, nomadic shepherds Aït Atta who lead their herds.
Departure is after breakfast, around 9am, with a return in the late afternoon. The lunch takes place in a restaurant of the gorges of Dadès. Depending on the season and the nature of the vehicle we use more or less tracks.
For 2 to 4 persons : 39€.
For each additional person : 9€.
This price corresponds to the accompaniment of our guide.
(If you wish, we can take care of the reservation of your vehicle).