Game of Thrones in Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate played Yunkai, the Yellow City of Slaver’s Bay, in season 3 of Game of Thrones. The walls of the Taourirt kasbah, the sets of Atlas Studios on the edge of town and the nearby ksar of Ait Ben Haddou all appear on screen, and all three can be visited today. We have already covered Essaouira, which became Astapor; now let’s follow Daenerys Targaryen to Ouarzazate, a stop on most of our desert tours for Game of Thrones fans.
What is Game of Thrones in Ouarzazate?
In Game of Thrones, Ouarzazate represents Yunkai, the Yellow City known for its slave owning practices and situated in the Bay of Slaves. The name’s color reference likely stems from the adobe buildings in Ouarzazate, as this material has been a cornerstone of Berber architecture for centuries. While Ouarzazate itself is not a replica of Yunkai, it serves as a primary inspiration. The city’s unique topography, with its walled structures occupying a hill, distinguishes it and draws parallels to the real life location used to depict Yunkai: Ait Ben Haddou. Together, these captivating Moroccan locations bring the fictional world of Game of Thrones to life.
Where were scenes from Game of Thrones filmed in Ouarzazate?
In fact, as a fan of the Game of Thrones, I like it so much that it’s my fever series, I am well aware of the cutting edge special effects and post production techniques used to bring the fictional world to life. These influences allow modifications to the landscape and architecture, making it not a perfect replica of original sites such as Ouarzazate or Ait Ben Haddou.
However, the resemblance of the Taourirt kasbah walls in Ouarzazate to the city walls of Yunkai is undeniable, particularly in key moments like when Daenerys Targaryen is hailed by the slaves in the series’ third season.
Despite this resemblance, Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in Morocco, played a significant role in portraying Yunkai. Located on the outskirts of Ouarzazate, the studios’ extensive sets were used for various shorter shots, efficiently utilizing the actor’s and production team’s time during the filming process. These collaborations between real locations and studio sets contributed to the authenticity and visual grandeur of Yunkai in Game of Thrones.
What can you visit?
For Game of Thrones fans, the settings of Ouarzazate hold a special allure that can be explored up close today. The Taourirt Kasbah, once the residence of the influential Thami El Glaoui, is now open for visits and offers a glimpse of the series’ iconic locations. At Best Morocco Travel, we include visits to this historical site as part of our desert tours.
Additionally, the Atlas Studios, the largest film studios in Morocco, also welcome visitors, providing an opportunity to see behind the scenes filmmaking, even if some spaces may be in use for other productions. The Game of Thrones legacy in Ouarzazate is very much alive, attracting travelers from around the world who want to immerse themselves in evocative settings and capture memorable photographs.
If you share this interest, Best Morocco Travel can arrange a tailor-made experience that incorporates these iconic Game of Thrones locations, adding a touch of fantasy to your journey through Morocco enchanting landscapes.
How to reach Ouarzazate
To travel from Marrakech to Ouarzazate during the Game of Thrones Morocco grand tour, you’ll cover approximately 200 kilometers one-way. Public transport options are limited, so the most convenient method is booking a private trip, offering flexibility to explore sights along the way. Private trips typically cost around £200 and include visits to iconic places like the High Atlas mountains of Tizin Tichka, Berber villages, and the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Despite the higher cost, visiting Ouarzazate, renowned for its Game of Thrones connections and stunning landscapes, promises an unforgettable experience for fans of the series.
