Colours Of Morocco

Morocco offers both diverse and vibrant photographic opportunities. From the bustling souks to ancient kasbahs and serene desert scenes, here you will find a stunning combination of ancient architecture, varying landscapes and a rich culture.  This ten day photography tour will immerse you in this country, its history and its culture.

Highlights include:

The Western Sahara Desert A highlight of any trip to Morocco, the sweeping vista of the vast Sahara Desert is an unforgettable sight. Here, the undulating golden sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. Staying right on the very edge of the Erg Chigaga dunes in a unique luxury tented camp we couldn’t be in a better place to experience the magical desert scenes found here. Journeying deep into them by camel allows us to capture some truly magical scenes. We will photograph in all directions during the golden hour, watching as the light transforms the landscape in front of us, casting long shadows across the dunes. If conditions permit we will also photograph at night as the sky comes to life once the stars emerge.

Ancient Ben Haddou Located on a former caravan route between Marakesh and the Sahara, is one of the country’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the historic fortified village of Aït Benhaddou.  Used as a filming location for many Hollywood movies including Game of Thrones, Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and The Mummy, it is famous for its earthen architecture and dramatic desert setting. We will travel over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass to explore and photograph Ben Haddou in the warm golden light.

Magical Chefchaouen Travelling north, the long journey is worth it for us to experience the blue city of Chefchaouen, nestled deep in the Rif Mountains. A delight to explore, Chefchaouen isn’t just photogenic – it’s immersive. Every shade of blue, every pattern and angle offers a story. Wander at leisure through the maze of the medina, through the twisting lanes, capturing the colourful architecture and street life. Outside of the medina the Spanish Mosque provides us with a stunning sunset panorama as the golden light bathes the blue city below.

World Heritage Fes Spectacularly photogenic, ancient, labyrinthine Fes is a visual feast. Its layered architecture, bustling souks, and winding alleys offering endless possibilities. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 for its historical, architectural, and cultural value, the medina is home to 9,000 narrow alleys and streets an covers over 540 acres. The absence of cars and presence of traditional life makes Fes particularly rewarding for street photography. Together we will take a fascinating tour to experience the many artisan workshops where everything from metalwork, wood carvings ceramics and textiles are produced.  Another highlight is the tannery where you will witness men at work in centuries-old dye pits.  Shooting from the rooftops of nearby terraces onto the The pools of vibrant reds, blues and ochres affords us some dynamic overhead composition.

Charming Riads Throughout our trip we’ll be staying in a number of unique riads. From the Arabic “riyāḍ” meaning “garden”) a riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior courtyard or garden, often centred around a fountain. These riads provide a cultural experience that reflects the country’s rich architecture, hospitality, and traditional lifestyle.

Proposed Itinerary:

February 5th 2026

Arrival into Marrakech – you will be met at Marrakesh international airport at approximately 12:30pm and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Marrakesh. After check in you will have time at leisure to get some lunch, relax or explore the souks of Marrakesh if you wish. We will meet again in the early evening for introductions and an overview of our workshop itinerary before dinner (not included).

February 6th 2026

This morning we will head in the direction of the High Atlas Mountains and the Tichka Pass (2260m). The journey is very picturesque with one beautiful view after the next.

We will stop at Tizi Air Barka and enjoy the views of the High atlas Mountains before continuing onto the fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Ait-Ben-Haddou Kasbah, used as scenery for many movies. You’ll be able to explore this area on foot and photograph as you wish. There will also be an evening shoot before dinner.

Photographic Highlights: Small Berber villages, High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou

Approximate Drive Time: 3.25 hours (113 miles)

February 7th 2026

On leaving Ait Ben Haddou we will pass through Ouarzazate, known as the Morocccan Hollywood, and drive approximately 70 km to the small village of Tamnougalt. Tamnougalt was the original capital city of the Mezguita region during the 16th century, and the home of various local governors. A tour of the Kasbah is included here with plenty of opportunities to photograph.

Photographic Highlights: Draa Valley, palm groves, Kasbah Tamnougalt ruins, beautiful palm grove gardens at the Riad.

Approximate Drive Time:

February 8th 2026

After breakfast, we will take a route known as the Thousand Kasbahs Road where numerous kasbah ruins dot the land. This road will take us through Skoura Valley, which was discovered in the 12th century, and famous for the more than 300 kasbahs scattered here.

Here we will visit Kasbah Amridil a beautifully protected kasbah where you can really get an idea how people lived during the days of the caravans. The view from the rooftop is beautiful.

Next, we’ll pass through the Kelaa Mgouna Valley, famous for its rose fields that are in full bloom during the month of May. Before sunset, wewill arrive at the top of Dades Gorge where we’ll set up for photographing light trails after the sun goes down.

Photographic Highlights: Small Berber villages, kasbah Amridil ruins, Dades Gorge, light trails

Approximate Drive Time: 2.75 hours (120 miles)

February 9th

After breakfast we will head toward the village of Tinghir. Here, you’ll observe the beautiful palm tree oasis and the spectacular Todgha Gorge, with its sharply-cut rocks. This road will take us through a flat and arid stretch, bordered with the purple reliefs of Djebel Saghro, and scattered palm trees. This area is well known for its delicious dates, as well as fossils. We will stop to shoot photos of a picturesque ksar (fortified tribal village) near Todgha Gorge.

Just north of Tinghir, we’ll stop for photos at the kasbah of  Aït Youl set against a lush backdrop of almond and fig trees.

Later in the day, we will enter the small city of Arfoud, known as the “Gate to the Sahara Desert.” Arfoud is the International Capital of Fossils, as well as a filming site for the movies ‘The Mummy and King of Persia’. After passing through Arfoud, our journey continues off-road to the impressive Erg Chebbi sand dunes of the Sahara Desert and on to our desert camp where w’e’ll stay for the next two nights.

We’ll enjoy a scenic camel ride either this evening or tomorrow evening depending on conditions. There will also be plenty of opportunity for some fabulous photos amongst the dunes before dinner (included)

Photographic highlights: Tinghir, ksar, Todgha Gorge, Ait Youl, Djebel Saghro Mountains

Approximate drive time (154 miles)

February 10th 2026

We’ll enjoy an early morning photo shoot in the dunes before breakfast, after which we’ll leave to experience the Rissani market where locals converge

Following the market we’ll head back out to the desert to visit the Ganawa music group in what’s known as the Black Village. Those who live in the village are descendents of slaves who came from Ghana. Throughout the generations they have kept their culture alive, and they are happy for photographs to be taken.

If timing allows, we’ll make a stop at the Morocco National 4×4 Auto Museum. The museum is a quirky stop that offers a glimpse into the vehicles that have shaped desert travel across the decades. The museum houses a private collection of 4x4s ranging from classic Land Rovers and vintage Jeeps to royal convoy vehicles and off-road rally legends. Each car has its own story, from early overland expeditions to local desert transport. The collection is impressive, especially for those with an interest in cars or history.

Photographic Highlights: Rissani market, dunes, camel caravans, Black Village, car museum

Return to our camp for dinner (included) and evening music

February 11th 2026

Today is a long travel day. After breakfast we will spend a brief time once more on the magnificent dunes before departing Merzouga. We pass through the Ziz Valley, one of the longest valleys in Morocco where it’s common to see the Berber shepherds watching over their flocks. As we make our way up and into the High Atlas Mountains, there is an abrupt change in scenery and, as we travel through the N’Talghemt Pass (1,907 m), there will be ample opportunities for photos.

We will criss-cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and may catch a glimpse of Barbary Macaques, in the shadowy cedar forest. Near the forest will enter the city of Ifrane, home of the world famous Al Akhawayn University. You’ll have the opportunity for a walk here.

Near Ifrane, we may have  time to visit Lake Ifrah or Lake Aaoua if they are not dry. Both are havens for wildlife, especially birds.

Arrive to Fes late afternoon/early evening.

Approximate Drive Time: 7.25 hours (286 miles)

Photographic Highlights: Ziz Valley, shepherds with flocks, Middle Atlas mountains, Ifrane

February 12th 2026

We will explore Fes today with a private guide through the medina. We’ll start the tour from high above the city to get our bearings before exploring the following and more:

Chouara Tannery: Witness the traditional method of tanning leather and see the vibrant dyeing pits that Fes is famous for.

Local Souks and Markets: we  will immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Fes’ markets, where we’ll see a variety of handicrafts being made by skilled craftsmen.

We’ll also visit the Jewish and Andalusian Quarters. These historic areas offer a glimpse into the city’s diverse heritage.

Before dinner, we’ll have an evening shoot of the city from a high viewpoint.

Photo Highlights: medinas, architecture, souks, tannery, sunset

February 13th 2026

The drive from Fes to Chefchaouen takes us north through the rolling hills and olive groves of the Rif region. Along the way, we’ll pass through quiet agricultural towns and scenic countryside that grows more mountainous as we near our destination. As the road winds higher into the Rif Mountains the views open up to dramatic ridge-lines and forested slopes. The journey ends in the charming blue-washed town of Chefchaouen, nestled in a valley with a lovely mountain backdrop.

Afternoon to relax and enjoy the hotel or explore on foot.

Early this evening we will take a walk up to the Spanish Mosque. Located on a hilltop overlooking the city it offers the best panoramic view of Chefchaouen. We will shoot from here as the sun sets and the city slowly lights up.

Photographic Highlights: Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen

Approximate Drive Time: 4 hours (122 miles)

February 14th 2026

Today you can explore at leisure to take in the sights of Chefchaouen. The Chefchaouen medina is packed full of handcrafts and is easily traversed by foot. You’ll also notice that the traditional clothing worn by the Berber women in Chefchaouen is unique to the entire country.

February 15th 2026

After breakfast you’ll be transferred to Tangier International airport for onward flights home.