Morocco Photo Workshop
- 13 Days
From $8,495 - Interests
- Culture & People, Landscape
- Activity Level
- Easy
- Group Size
- 7
Explore the rich history, vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and breathtaking landscapes of Morocco.
Morocco was one of the first photography workshops we led at Akari, and one lesson has stayed with us ever since. It pays to give a place time. That’s why we spend three nights near the dunes of Erg Chebbi. You can photograph a camel caravan along a ridge at sunset, then return at first light to see how the shadows have changed the shape of the sand. Over 13 days, you’ll also walk the blue lanes of Chefchaouen, meet artisans in Fes, and photograph Marrakech after dark. With just seven guests, Kevin Lisota has time to look at what you’re seeing, help you work through a tricky exposure, and give you feedback you can put to use the next morning.
Highlights
- Three nights at the edge of the Sahara. Ride a camel to our desert camp, photograph Erg Chebbi at sunrise and sunset, and compose your own frame as a camel caravan we arrange for photography moves along the dunes.
- A full day in Chefchaouen. Follow stairways and blue-washed lanes through the old town, with time to find a composition and wait for the street to come to life. If the sky looks promising, we’ll head up to the Spanish Mosque for sunset over the city.
- The working medina of Fes. Explore with local guides who can introduce you to the people behind the shopfronts. The dye vats at the Chouara Tannery offer a striking wide view. An artisan’s hands at work tell a different part of the story.
- Gnaoua music in Khamlia. Spend time with local musicians near Merzouga. Hearing the rhythm before you raise the camera helps you anticipate a drummer’s gesture and gives the photograph a story you’ll remember.
- Marrakech from afternoon into night. Photograph the food stalls and storytellers of Jemaa el-Fna, then return to the medina after dinner, when the stalls light up and the same streets take on a different character.
What You'll Learn
- Read the light on sand. Use side light to bring out ripples in a dune, then move your shooting position to separate the camels’ silhouettes against the sky.
- Build a street photograph before the moment happens. Choose a doorway or stairway in Chefchaouen, check the edges of your frame, and wait for a gesture or a splash of colour to complete the composition.
- Photograph people with confidence and respect. Work with our local guides to approach an artisan, ask permission, and decide whether a portrait, a pair of hands, or a wider view of the workshop best tells their story.
- Control motion after dark. In Marrakech, practise choosing a shutter speed that keeps a vendor sharp or lets the passing crowd blur while holding detail in the bright stall lights.
- Put image reviews to work in the field. Look through your photographs with Kevin, identify one change that would strengthen an image, and try it at the next session while the lesson is fresh.
Your Guides
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Kevin Lisota
Oct 3–15, 2027Oct 8–20, 2028
Activity Level
Our photography locations are primarily situated along roads and in towns. When we are in cities, we will do plenty of walking. Walking in the medinas can involve uneven, narrow, and crowded cobblestone streets. Staircases are common in Chefchaouen and elsewhere, including restaurants and riads.
We will also take camel rides in the dunes and go on short hikes up to 3 km (1.8 miles) round trip. Walking in the dunes will involve short inclines in the sand.
This tour has an activity level of Easy. Read more about the Activity Levels for our trips.
































Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca
Arrive at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) before 3:00 PM on this day. Air travel delays are possible, so please consider arriving early, possibly the day prior. We don't want you to miss out on trip activities. Airport transfer is included on arrival.
Tonight, we will gather at the hotel for our first group dinner together. We will spend the night getting to know one another and reviewing our tour itinerary.
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Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat
Our tour begins after breakfast. We will explore Casablanca. The city is renowned for its modern architecture, which is juxtaposed with historic sites. Key landmarks include the Hassan II Mosque, one of the world's largest mosques; the Corniche, a scenic waterfront promenade; and the old medina, which offers a glimpse into the city's rich traditional past.
We’ll depart from Casablanca for Rabat. Rabat is a modern city and Morocco's capital, combining traditional Moroccan architecture with contemporary developments. It boasts a vibrant street life, bustling markets, and charming cafes. Rabat boasts several important landmarks, including the Kasbah of the Udayas (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hassan Tower (an unfinished minaret of an ancient mosque), and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V (a royal tomb and a major architectural landmark).
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Day 3: Rabat to Chefchaouen
Depart Rabat for the pearl of Morocco: Chefchaouen. Morocco's "Blue Pearl" is a picturesque town nestled in the Rif Mountains. It's famous for its blue-washed buildings, narrow streets, and stunning mountainous backdrop.
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Day 4: Chefchaouen
Today, we will explore the "Blue Pearl." Chefchaouen's most iconic feature is its beautiful, blue-washed buildings. Together, we will wander through the winding streets of the medina (old town) to capture its unique, charming blue hues. If the skies look promising, we'll climb to a vantage point at the Spanish Mosque for a sunset photoshoot.
We will also explore the bustling medina, a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways. You will capture scenes of daily life, including locals going about their activities and quaint shops selling colorful textiles.
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Day 5: Chefchaouen to Fes
Today, we will travel from Chefchaouen to the Ismaili city of Meknes, where we’ll see and discover the Bab El Mansour gate and the sacred Moulay. After that, a scheduled visit to Volubilis's Roman ruins, which cover a vast expanse, offering stunning views.
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Day 6: Fes
With our local guides, we will explore the city of Fes. We will visit the ancient medina, home to a diverse array of artisans, narrow streets, and charming shops. You will photograph the vendors, focusing on the small details that make this UNESCO World Heritage Site unique.
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Day 7: Fes to Merzouga Dunes
We will depart Fes for a drive towards the Merzouga dunes. Today's highlights include the Ziz Valley and the Merzouga Dunes.
The Ziz Valley has dramatic rocky gorges and cliffs carved by the Ziz River over millennia. Capture the rugged beauty of the canyon walls and the lush vegetation that contrasts with the riverbanks.
Merzouga is a small village located in southeastern Morocco. It is renowned for its nomadic Berber culture, spectacular Sahara Desert landscape, and towering sand dunes.
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Day 8–9: Merzouga and Erg Chebbi
Over the next few days, we will explore the majestic sand dunes of Erg Chebbi at both sunrise and sunset. One night, we'll have a thrilling camel trek through the dunes to our desert camp. On other nights, we'll stay at a comfortable boutique hotel on the edge of the desert.
We'll hire camels and position them for optimal sunset photos.
We will also visit the “Gnaoua” village of Khamlia and meet the Gnaoua people, known for their unique music, in which drums are an essential instrument.
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Day 10: Merzouga to Ouarzazate
We will depart Merzouga, driving past Rissani and Erfoud before we reach the limestone river canyons of the incredible “Todra.”
We’ll grab lunch and continue to the canyons of Boumalne Dades for a walk at the Gorges called “Monkey Fingers.” We will then proceed to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco and the gateway to the desert, due to its strategic location near the Sahara Desert. It's a fascinating destination with a mix of historical sites, stunning landscapes, and a thriving film industry, where films like Gladiator, The Mummy, and many others have been filmed.
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Day 11: Ouarzazate to Marrakesh
We’ll be driving through the Valley of Roses at Kelaat M’gouna, where cosmetic products, such as rosewater, are produced from the roses. Lunch will be at Ait Ben Haddou, a well-known castle that belonged to the Glaoui Pasha. After visiting the Kasbah, we will drive to the Tichka Pass and the Atlas Mountains, then spend the night in a lovely riad in Marrakech.
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Day 12: Marrakech
After breakfast, we'll have a guided city walk. At Marrakesh, you’ll see the Majorelle Garden, the Palace of Bahia, and the Mosque Al Koutoubia. We will spend the afternoon at the large square of Jemaa El Fna, where you’ll watch the snake charmers and storytellers, along with several food merchants and other amusing activities.
After dinner, we will return to the medina. Photographing the medina of Marrakech at night offers a unique opportunity to capture the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant street life under the magical ambiance of evening lights.
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Day 13: Departure Day
After breakfast, we'll head out early for a drive from Marrakech to Casablanca. Our driver will drop us off at the airport for our flights home.
Departure from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN). Book your departing flight no earlier than 3:00 PM on this day. Airport transfer is included on departure.
Accommodations
We choose our accommodations for their proximity to photography locations, comfort, and amenities. During this tour, the accommodations will include luxurious 4-star hotels, a desert oasis camp, and riads (luxurious traditional Moroccan homes).
Staying in luxurious riads is one of the most unique cultural experiences in Morocco. From the outside streets of the medina, the walls of the riads are nondescript. But entering the front door reveals an oasis of Moroccan luxury, style, and serenity, complete with beautifully designed Moroccan architecture.
Why Travel With Us
Our small-group trips are designed for photographers, with guides who know the best locations and offer instruction to help improve your photography. Read more about why you should travel with us.
Testimonials
5 stars for Akari Photo Tours! The Morocco trip was fabulous - huge variety of photo opportunities and a chance to meet the locals. Our guide Kevin made our trip seamless and was great at assisting us with suggestions and tips. Definitely a once in a lifetime adventure!
I have attended several workshops and photo tours. None match my Akari and Morocco experience. My partner was a non-photographing participant, paying the full fee. She felt very satisfied with her experience. Kevin could not have been a better guide. I highly recommend Akari Photo Tours.
Akari is exceptional at creating an amazing travel experience along with a photography experience. Kevin is truly professional along with being kind and fun.
Dates & Prices
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Oct 3–15, 2027$8,495 USD Per PersonDouble Occupancy$1,400 USDSingle SupplementGuides: Kevin LisotaGroup Size: 7Payment Terms: Deposit: $2,000 USD (at booking)Final: $6,495 USD (due Jun 5, 2027)
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Oct 8–20, 2028$8,995 USD Per PersonDouble Occupancy$1,495 USDSingle SupplementGuides: Kevin LisotaGroup Size: 7Payment Terms: Deposit: $2,000 USD (at booking)Final: $6,995 USD (due Jun 10, 2028)
All of our standard Terms & Conditions apply. Be sure to read our Cancellation Policy.
What's Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single lodging is available with payment of a single supplement fee.
- All transportation during the tour.
- Airport transfers at arrival/departure.
- All meals, soft drinks, water, and snacks during the tour.
- English-speaking local guides.
- All permits and entry fees.
- Instruction, guidance, and image reviews from our expert photography guides.
- Personal pre-trip phone consultation.
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from destination, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees, if applicable.
- Travel medical & evacuation insurance (required).
- Trip cancellation insurance (optional but recommended).
- Gratuities for local guides & crew.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Any accommodations or meals before or after the tour dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
Prepare for Your Trip
Please review our photography travel resources, including know your camera and our camera gear list, to help you plan your trip. Before your trip, we’ll contact you with more detailed gear recommendations specific to your trip.