Morocco Photography Tour: Chefchaouen, Sahara & Marakesh
13 days / 12 nights, easy photography journey in Morocco: a Chefchaouen blue city photography tour from Casablanca, Rabat and Chefchaouen to Fes, Merzouga, Ouarzazate and Marrakech, with overnights in Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, Ouarzazate and Marrakech.
This thirteen-day Morocco photo workshop follows a road journey from Casablanca through Morocco’s cities, the Rif Mountains, the Sahara and the High Atlas, returning to Casablanca. We travel as a small group, with an unhurried, immersive rhythm built for photographers.
From Casablanca we photograph the Hassan II Mosque and old medina before moving to Rabat. Then come two days in Chefchaouen, with its blue-washed medina and a sunset photoshoot at the Spanish Mosque. We continue via Volubilis to Fes for a guided exploration of the ancient medina, then follow the Ziz Valley to the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga. There we spend two days photographing the dunes at sunrise and sunset with camels positioned in frame, and visit Khamlia, a Gnaoua village. Later, we walk the Todra and Dades gorges, stop at Ait Ben Haddou, and cross the Tichka Pass to Marrakech, where a guided walk takes in the Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace and Koutoubia, with night photography in the medina.
Overnights mix four-star hotels, traditional riads in Fes and Marrakech, a boutique hotel on the desert edge, and a desert oasis camp in the dunes. Meals and road transfers are included throughout. This workshop is for travellers who enjoy being outside with a camera at dawn and dusk, yet appreciate comfortable lodgings and a supportive structure.
Why This Morocco Photography Tour
This journey brings several distinct photographic worlds into one route: Casablanca and Rabat, the blue-washed medina of Chefchaouen, the old city of Fes, the Roman remains at Volubilis, the open dunes of Erg Chebbi and the kasbah landscapes on the way to Marrakech.
The itinerary is built around time in streets, historic places and changing landscapes, from Atlantic cities and the Rif Mountains to the Sahara, the Todra and Dades valleys, the Atlas crossing and Marrakech.
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
Seasonality
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 5 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Detailed itinerary
Arrival in Casablanca
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Transfer Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport –> CasablancaDuration (minutes): 50Distance (km): 37
Road transfer on arrival from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport into Casablanca.
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Arrival and Group Dinner
An evening group dinner and itinerary review in Casablanca, a relaxed time for travellers to get to know one another.
Casablanca to Rabat
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Casablanca City Photography
City photography in Casablanca, renowned for modern architecture juxtaposed with historic sites, taking in the Hassan II Mosque, the Corniche waterfront promenade and the old medina.
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Transfer Casablanca –> RabatDuration (minutes): 90Distance (km): 87
Road transfer linking Casablanca with Rabat, Morocco's capital.
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Rabat City Visit
A city visit to Rabat, Morocco's capital: a modern city mixing traditional Moroccan architecture with contemporary development, vibrant street life, bustling markets and charming cafes.
Rabat to Chefchaouen
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Transfer Rabat –> ChefchaouenDuration (minutes): 320Distance (km): 248
Road transfer from the capital Rabat into the Rif Mountains, ending in Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl, famous for its blue-washed buildings and mountainous backdrop.
Chefchaouen
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Chefchaouen Medina Photography
Wandering photography through the winding streets of Chefchaouen's medina, capturing the unique, charming blue hues of its blue-washed buildings, scenes of daily life and quaint shops selling colourful textiles.
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Spanish Mosque Sunset Photoshoot
If the skies look promising, a sunset photoshoot from the vantage point at the Spanish Mosque above Chefchaouen.
Chefchaouen to Fes via Meknes and Volubilis
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Transfer Chefchaouen –> FesDuration (minutes): 320Distance (km): 229
Road transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes through the Ismaili city of Meknes and past the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
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Volubilis Roman Ruins Visit
A scheduled visit to the vast Roman ruins of Volubilis, a major historical-landscape photography opportunity with open views over the site.
Fes
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Fes Medina Guided Tour
Guided exploration of the ancient medina of Fes with local guides, photographing artisans, narrow streets, charming shops, vendors and the small details that make this UNESCO World Heritage Site unique.
Fes to Merzouga via the Ziz Valley
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Transfer Fes –> MerzougaDuration (minutes): 560Distance (km): 489
Road transfer from Fes towards the Merzouga dunes following the Ziz Valley, with dramatic rocky gorges and cliffs carved by the Ziz River over millennia.
Erg Chebbi dunes and desert camp
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Erg Chebbi Dune Photography
Dune photography on the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi at both sunrise and sunset, with camels hired and positioned for optimal sunset photos.
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Transfer Merzouga –> Erg Chebbi Desert CampDuration (minutes): 30Distance (km): 11
A camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes to the desert camp, with camels hired and positioned for optimal sunset photos.
Erg Chebbi dunes and Khamlia
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Erg Chebbi Dune Photography
Dune photography on the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi at both sunrise and sunset, with camels hired and positioned for optimal sunset photos.
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Khamlia Gnaoua Village Visit
A visit to the Gnaoua village of Khamlia to meet the Gnaoua people, known for their unique music in which drums are an essential instrument.
Merzouga to Ouarzazate via Todra and Dades
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Transfer Merzouga –> OuarzazateDuration (minutes): 410Distance (km): 368
Road transfer from Merzouga to Ouarzazate, passing Rissani and Erfoud before reaching the Todra canyons and the Dades gorges.
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Todra Canyons and Dades Gorges Walk
A walk at the Todra limestone river canyons and the Monkey Fingers Gorges of Boumalne Dades, a scenic landscape-photography excursion.
Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou and the Tichka Pass
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Transfer Ouarzazate –> MarrakechDuration (minutes): 260Distance (km): 193
Road transfer from Ouarzazate to Marrakech, through the Valley of Roses at Kelaat M'gouna, past the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and over the Tichka Pass through the Atlas Mountains.
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Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah Visit
A visit to the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a well-known castle that belonged to the Glaoui Pasha.
Marrakech
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Marrakech Guided City Walk
A guided city walk in Marrakech covering the Majorelle Garden, the Palace of Bahia and the Mosque Al Koutoubia.
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Jemaa El Fna Afternoon
An afternoon at the large square of Jemaa El Fna, watching snake charmers and storytellers along with food merchants and other amusing activities.
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Marrakech Medina Night Photography
Night photography in the medina of Marrakech, capturing the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant street life under the evening lights.
Marrakech to Casablanca departure
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Transfer Marrakech –> Casablanca Mohammed V International AirportDuration (minutes): 190Distance (km): 227
Road transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport for departing flights home.
Gallery
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 8.595 USD (661 USD / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 7.495 USD (577 USD / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 5.995 USD (461 USD / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 5.195 USD (400 USD / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
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Hotels mentioned in the program- 4-Star Hotel in Casablanca — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- 4-Star Hotel in Rabat — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- 4-Star Hotel in Chefchaouen — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Riad in the Fes Medina — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Boutique Hotel on the Desert Edge in Merzouga — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Desert Oasis Camp in the Erg Chebbi Dunes — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- 4-Star Hotel in Ouarzazate — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- Riad in the Marrakech Medina — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Meals indicated in the program: 12 breakfasts, 12 lunchs, 12 dinners
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles
- Preparation Meeting (Pre-trip briefing and final Q&A session held via Zoom)
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Lunch on Departure day
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (1.799 USD approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
Services to Expect
Transportation and Route Logistics
The itinerary moves by road between Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Ouarzazate and Marrakech. Transfers are part of the journey, linking city photography with the mountain, valley and desert sections.
At Erg Chebbi, the route continues by camel into a desert camp. Accommodation changes between hotels, riads and the camp, so keep the day’s essentials accessible rather than buried in main luggage.
Meals on the Tour
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are planned throughout the itinerary, with meals appearing alongside the day’s transfers and visits. The route moves between cities, medinas, desert-edge accommodation and mountain valleys, so meal settings will vary.
Please share dietary requirements before departure so they can be discussed while the arrangements are being prepared.
Photography Pace and Field Guidance
The tour is organised around photography rather than simply passing through each stop. Time is set aside for city streets, historic architecture, desert light, kasbahs, valleys and evening scenes in Marrakech.
Expect a mixture of guided visits, walks and photography stops. The best images will often come from slowing down, watching the light and responding to the character of each place.
Practical Information
Long Road Days, Medinas and the Desert
This is a full road-based journey. Several days link different regions of Morocco, and the route combines long vehicle transfers with walking in medinas, open-air photography and a camel transfer into the Erg Chebbi desert camp.
The days in Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes and Marrakech involve uneven streets and time on foot. The desert and mountain sections add a different rhythm, so flexibility and comfortable footwear are important.
Climate, Light and Changing Landscapes
The route crosses a wide range of Moroccan environments, from Atlantic cities and the Rif Mountains to the dry interior, the Sahara, the Todra and Dades valleys, the High Atlas and Marrakech.
Light, temperature and ground conditions can change considerably between these settings. The most useful approach is to prepare for warm daylight, cooler periods and dust or wind without assuming that every day will feel the same.
Respectful Photography in Morocco
Morocco offers rich opportunities for architecture, streets, landscapes and cultural encounters. In medinas and villages, take time to observe the rhythm of a place and ask before making close portraits of people.
Respect local customs, religious spaces and the wishes of anyone who does not want to be photographed. A patient, quiet approach usually produces more natural images and a better connection with the place.
Clothing and Day-Pack Essentials for Morocco
Bring comfortable walking shoes, breathable layers and a light day pack for medinas, city walks and photography stops. Sun protection and a layer for cooler mornings or evenings are useful across the changing route.
For the desert and mountain sections, keep a personal water supply, a protective outer layer and the items you need during the day close at hand. Choose luggage that remains manageable when accommodation changes.
Camera Gear and Dust Protection for Morocco
Use the camera and lenses you can carry comfortably through medinas, on walks and during desert photography. A versatile zoom or a small set of lenses can cover architecture, details, portraits made with permission and wide landscapes.
Carry spare batteries, sufficient memory and a lens cloth. Protect equipment from dust and sand, especially around the Erg Chebbi dunes, and keep a simple cleaning kit accessible.
Detailed Trip Notes, including practical tips, cultural insights, and a complete packing list will be sent to you 60 days before departure.
Booking this tour means you agree to our full Terms and Conditions. Below is a summary of the key points. As life is unpredictable, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.
- Deposit: A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. This deposit is refundable for 7 days (less transaction fees), after which it becomes a non-refundable credit, transferable to a future tour offered by Remote Expeditions within 4 years of the cancellation date, less any non-recoverable costs already paid on your behalf.
- Final Payment: The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour begins.
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: You will receive a full refund of any payments made, except for the 30% deposit. Your deposit will be converted into a travel credit valid for 4 years on a future tour Remote Expeditions.
- Cancellation within 90 days of departure: 100% of the tour price is forfeited. There are no refunds or credits.
* This is a summary only. Please read our complete
Terms and Conditions
for full details before booking.
** We strongly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events.
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.
No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.
Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.
Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.
Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.
