When fans think of Game of Thrones, Morocco is not always the first destination that comes to mind. Yet some of the saga’s most iconic scenes — from Daenerys liberating ancient cities to royal entourages crossing desert gates — were filmed in Morocco’s historic landscapes.
Unlike Croatia or Northern Ireland, Morocco’s filming locations remain surprisingly under-explored, making them perfect for travelers seeking cinematic immersion without crowds.
In this guide, you’ll discover all Game of Thrones filming locations in Morocco, including Ait Ben Haddou, Essaouira, Ouarzazate, and the rare behind-the-scenes secrets producers never talk about. You’ll also learn how to visit them, best times to go, and what scenes were filmed in each place.
Why Morocco Was Chosen for Game of Thrones
Morocco offered HBO something other countries couldn’t:
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Authentic desert cities resembling ancient civilizations
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Massive UNESCO World Heritage kasbahs
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Affordable large-scale shooting locations
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Experienced film crews (Ouarzazate is known as “Africa’s Hollywood”)
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Flexible climate and lighting conditions
The production didn’t need to build worlds — Morocco already looked like Astapor, Yunkai, and ancient Slaver’s Bay.
All Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Morocco
1. Ait Ben Haddou – The Real “Yunkai” and “Pentos”
Scenes filmed here
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Daenerys arriving at Yunkai
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The liberation of the Yunkai slaves
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Exterior shots of Pentos in Season 1
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Jorah Mormont’s travels with Daenerys
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Caravan views overlooking the kasbah
Why Ait Ben Haddou was chosen
This massive clay ksar is:
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site
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One of the most intact ancient earthen fortresses in the world
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A natural film set requiring minimal editing
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Home to past productions (Gladiator, The Mummy, Kingdom of Heaven)
Hidden filming fact
HBO digitally expanded the towers and walls — but the iconic gate Daenerys walks through actually exists.
Tips for travelers
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Visit at sunset to get the exact golden glow seen in the show.
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Walk the narrow alleys used for the slave scenes.
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Guides can show specific filming angles for photos.
2. Essaouira – Home of the Unsullied in “Astapor”
Scenes filmed here
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Daenerys meeting the Unsullied Army
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The streets and ramparts of Astapor
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Slave market scenes
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Walks between Daenerys and Ser Barristan Selmy
Why Essaouira?
Its:
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Portuguese fortress architecture
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Blue-and-white medina colors
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High stone walls facing the Atlantic
…made it perfect for a coastal slave city vibe.
Hidden filming fact
The Skala de la Ville (the long row of stone cannons) appears untouched in the show — HBO only added digital flames during battle scenes.
Tips for travelers
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Walk the Skala ramparts in the early morning to avoid wind.
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The square where Daenerys meets Kraznys’ translator is still used by locals — ask a guide to point it out.
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Essaouira is ideal year-round but less windy from May to October.
3. Ouarzazate – The Gateway to All GoT Filming
Scenes filmed here
Although not always shown directly, many desert routes, extras, costumes, and props originated here.
Ouarzazate hosts Atlas Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world.
What was shot at Atlas Studios for GoT?
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Interior desert tents
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Parts of Yunkai gates
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Background props for Slaver’s Bay
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Additional scenes featuring slave masters and soldiers
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Horse training scenes
Why Ouarzazate matters
It is the “backstage” of Morocco’s cinematic world:
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Full-scale temples
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Desert villages
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Ancient city replicas
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A large pool of trained extras
Fun fact:
Dozens of locals were cast as Astapor slaves and soldiers.
4. Ounila Valley – The Secret Filming Route (Rarely Mentioned)
This valley connects Ait Ben Haddou to the High Atlas.
Scenes filmed here
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Caravan movements
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Sweeping desert landscape shots
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Transitional travel scenes with Daenerys
Why you never hear about it
Most travel blogs skip it because scenes are not linked to a single famous landmark — but the excellent aerial shots come from this valley.
Travel tips
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You can visit via 4×4 tours.
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Combine it with a visit to Telouet Kasbah.
How to Visit All Game of Thrones Morocco Filming Locations (Suggested Itinerary)
3-Day Game of Thrones Morocco Route
Day 1: Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate
Explore Yunkai & Pentos filming spots + Atlas Studios.
Day 2: Ouarzazate → Ounila Valley → High Atlas
Close-up landscapes from GoT travel scenes.
Day 3: Marrakech → Essaouira
Walk through the real Astapor streets and ramparts.
Recommended Tours for a GoT Trip in Morocco
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3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
Pass Ait Ben Haddou + Ouarzazate -
2-Day Essaouira Tour from Marrakech
Covers Astapor filming spots -
1-Day Ait Ben Haddou & Ouarzazate Tour
Perfect for GoT fans -
4-Day Ouarzazate + Desert Experience
For deep cinematic exploration
Best Time to Visit Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Morocco
| Location | Best Time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Essaouira | May–October | Less wind, better photos |
| Ait Ben Haddou | March–June / Sept–Nov | Cool temperatures |
| Ouarzazate | All year | Desert climate |
| Ounila Valley | April–June | Green landscapes + clear skies |
Game of Thrones Morocco Filming Locations Map (Description)
Key points:
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Astapor = Essaouira
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Yunkai = Ait Ben Haddou
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Pentos exteriors = Ait Ben Haddou
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Background props/interiors = Ouarzazate / Atlas Studios
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Travel routes = Ounila Valley
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Meereen filmed in Morocco?
No — Meereen was filmed in Croatia and Spain.
Was King’s Landing filmed in Morocco?
Also no — that was mainly Dubrovnik.
How many Game of Thrones locations are in Morocco?
At least four official filming spots.
Is it safe to visit Game of Thrones locations in Morocco?
Yes, all are popular tourist destinations.
Morocco’s Game of Thrones Legacy Lives On
Morocco’s contribution to Game of Thrones is more than just desert scenery — it shaped the entire visual identity of Slaver’s Bay, one of the show’s most powerful storylines.
From the towering gates of Yunkai to the windswept ramparts of Astapor, Morocco offers fans something rare: filming locations that still look almost exactly as they did on screen.
Whether you’re a traveler, a GoT fan, or a photographer seeking dramatic landscapes, the Moroccan filming locations deliver a cinematic journey that feels both ancient and alive.