Sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, golden hour in the blue alleyways of Chefchaouen, and clear views of the Milky Way at night are all dream shots for any photographer. Morocco is the only place in the world where you can capture them all in one trip. As the gateway to North Africa, Morocco promises an unforgettable experience for novice and professional photographers alike.
Morocco photography tours are the one of the best ways to capture these diverse terrains, while getting a deeper appreciation for the local culture and its people. No two trips to Morocco are the same, with every photographer capturing these iconic destinations in their own way.
Below, we’ll explore why Morocco is one of the most popular destinations for photography tours and the unmissable locations to add to your itinerary.
Morocco gives visitors a unique opportunity to experiment with different with photography styles, whether their portfolio focuses on natural landscapes or street photography. The country offers an unforgettable mix of coastal towns, historic cities, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara Desert.
The average Morocco photography trip lasts around eight days, giving travellers enough time to explore the Sahara dunes, ancient medinas, and Atlantic fishing ports. Most tourists choose to base themselves in Marrakech and take day trips or overnight excursions to places like Chefchaouen, the Dades Valley, and Aït Benhaddou.
Beyond the rich colours of the Sahara and the Atlas Mountains, Morocco serves as the perfect backdrop for storytelling. Photographers can use the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites to reframe history through their own lens.
There’s no shortage of photography spots throughout Morocco for both street and landscape photographers. A 14-day itinerary is one of the best ways to explore a diverse range of locations, especially for photographers who want to capture the same scene in different lighting and weather conditions.
If you have a shorter holiday, it’s advisable to focus on two or three regions instead. Morocco is a country that rewards travellers who take things slowly and immerse themselves in the local culture. Here are five regions that frequently appear on Morocco photography tours:
Marrakech is the all-in-one choice for a photographer taking a shorter trip to Morocco. It’s best suited for street and cultural photography with its historical architecture, markets, and rooftop views.
Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech’s historic centre, is best photographed in the early morning, while mid-day is ideal for portraits and atmospheric shots. Known as Morocco’s ‘Red City’, Marrakech is a street photographer’s dream but always ask permission before taking close-up pictures of artisan businesses or people.
Famous for its blue-painted streets, Chefchaouen is ideal for a return visit to Morocco or as part of a wider itinerary. The Kasbah area and medina staircases are some of the most photographed spots in Chefchaouen.
It’s an ideal alternative to Marrakech, and a local tour guide can help you capture quieter parts of the medina. Chefchaouen is best visited during the shoulder seasons to avoid the crowds, but its mountain scenery makes it attractive year-round.
The Sahara is a bucket list destination for most travellers, and it’s a one-of-a-kind experience for photographers. The desert, especially the Erg Chebbi Dunes, is known for its low light pollution and high atmospheric clarity, creating photos with a stunning visual contrast between the sand and the night’s sky. The Sahara offers ideal conditions for astrophotography, even with basic gear.
Photographers can experiment with different minimalist compositions and capture a myriad of images from sunrise to sunset. A day trip to the Sahara gives you the opportunity to see how light changes the look and textures of the desert. The Khamlia Village is also worth visiting for cultural photographers seeking to capture photos of everyday life in Morocco.
Every season in the Atlas Mountains is different. Spring brings lush green scenery with the flowers in bloom, while winter offers a chance to photograph the snow-capped mountains without the tourist crowds. This 2,500km mountain range runs through Morocco and into Algeria and Tunisia, separating the Sahara from the Atlantic coast.
Aït Benhaddou is nestled within the Atlas Mountains and is one of the best examples of Morocco’s earthen clay architecture. It’s appeared in Game of Thrones and Gladiator, making it a must-visit for landscape photographers and those interested in ancient kasbah architecture.
Essaouira is a resort city on Morocco’s Atlantic coastline, protected by 18th-century seafront ramparts, known as the Skala de la Kasbah. The fishing harbour is a popular spot with photographers, and the coastal atmosphere offers a welcome juxtaposition to Marrakech’s bustling markets and narrow streets.
Essaouira proves that Morocco photography tours work best when they combine cultural experiences with stunning viewpoints. This city is one where photographers can relax with a mint tea and experience the best of Moroccan hospitality, while capturing authentic images of the country’s coastline.
Spring and autumn are ideal times for taking a Morocco photography trip as crowds are lower and conditions are more manageable. It’s best to avoid overloading your itinerary, instead giving yourself plenty of time to experience the same location in different conditions.
Due to the country’s size, guided Morocco photography tours are an ideal way to simplify logistics and gain access to remote locations, from the Sahara Desert to mountain villages. Packing the right photography kit can make or break your Morocco photography trip. Weather covers are a non-negotiable, and a coarse brush will help remove sand from your lens without causing scratching.
Morocco isn’t just a photography destination. The Sahara sunrises, Chefchaouen’s blue streets, and the tranquillity of coastal cities like Essaouira offer a chance to experience Morocco’s culture while capturing unforgettable images.
Nowhere else in the world offers the diversity of landscape and warm hospitality of Morocco. It’s a bucket list experience for every hobbyist and professional photographer.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world on her blog "In Africa and Beyond". Although she has been to 53 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
