An Exquisite 10 Day Visual Journey

The Berber Trail: Coast To Sahara

Travel through a spectacular landscape of light, colour and ancient culture, from the elemental Atlantic coast, over high passes in the Atlas Mountain to arrive in the peace of the Moroccan Sahara.

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  • Day 1

    Essaouira — Forts, Flavours & Photogenic Streets

    Essaouira is a historic fortified port on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, known for its 18th-century ramparts, blue-and-white medina, and photogenic harbour lined with traditional fishing boats.

    The town’s blend of Portuguese, Berber, and French influences makes it ideal for street and architectural photography. Narrow lanes open onto lively markets, art studios, and seafood cafés, offering rich textures, colour, and atmosphere that attract filmmakers and photographers from around the world.

    A.M. Drive from Marrakesh to Essaouira (4 hours)

    Lunch Option to have lunch at the fish stalls near harbour

    P.M. Visit the historic city

    Golden Hour Photograph harbour life, the old port fortifications and ocean views at sunset

    Evening    Head out to Essaouira’s enchanting souk to savour the delights of French-inspired boutique dining

    Stay    Essaouira

  • Day 2

    Imsouane: Surf, Sea, and Amazigh Heritage

    Imsouane, a picturesque fishing village and “hippy chic” surfing haven, sits where turquoise waves meet golden sands. Its name comes from the Berber (Amazigh) language: Imi (“mouth”) and Isouane (“wet by water”), a poetic nod to its location at a bay or river mouth

    Colorful boats, rolling waves, and relaxed cafes make Imsouane endlessly photogenic—a place where culture, nature, and adventure converge beneath the Atlantic sky

    A.M. Drive Essaouira to Imsouane (2 hours)

    P.M. Sightseeing / Photography / Surfing class

    Golden Hour Photograph the Berber fishing boats returning to port and then sip coffee from a hillside cafe and photograph the warmness of a Moroccan ocean sunset

    Evening    Eat right next to the fishing boats in the Harbourside grills

    Optional Activity    Surfing lesson

    Stay    Imsouane

  • Day 3

    Morocco’s Coastal Canvas

    The rugged Atlantic coastline near Imsouane is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike. Jagged cliffs frame the turquoise waves, while the evening breeze carries sand that swirls over sun-warmed rocks, creating a highly photogenic palette of colors

    Day Trip - Atlantic Drive

    Explore the elemental light and colours around Imsousane - rugged cliffs, sea mist, crashing waves, picturesque Berber coastal towns

    Lunch in a local tagline restaurant on the sea front

    Golden Hour Capture the enchanting Atlantic colours of Morocco - from turquoise waves to the deep browns of sand-filled sunsets

    Evening  Stroll the enchanting streets of Imsouane and dine in a candle-lit food hang-out

    Optional Extra Surfing Lesson

    Stay    Imsouane

  • Day 4

    Aït Benhaddou: Morocco’s Cinematic Kasbah

    Famed as the backdrop of Gladiator, Aït Benhaddou is even more striking in reality. This fortified mud-brick town perches dramatically against the Atlas Mountains, a masterpiece of earthen architecture

    In the afternoon light, its walls seem to glow, shifting from warm ochre to rich terracotta, while the surrounding landscape transforms into a palette of rose, amber, and deep browns.  Here you’ll feel centuries of history, culture, and the timeless allure of the desert

    A.M. Drive from Imsouane to Ouzarzate (6 hours)

    P.M. Tour of the fortress of Aït Benhaddou

    Golden Hour Ay dusk, the fortress walls glow pink against a fading sky - witness the dramatic colours of sunset transform the landscape

    Evening A scenic dinner looking out over the fortress or a candlelit dinner in a traditional Riad

    Stay    Ouzarzate

  • Day 5

    The Amazigh of the Atlas Mountains

    The Amazigh, or “free people,” are North Africa’s original inhabitants—an ancient and proud culture whose roots stretch deep into Morocco’s mountains

    Though most speak Arabic alongside their own lyrical Tamazight language, their identity remains distinctly their own. Amazigh life celebrates community, hospitality, and harmony with nature, a reverence known as baraka—spiritual blessing

    A.M. Drive from Ouzarzate to Tisslit (1 hour)

    P.M. Visit a traditional Atlas Mountain village.

    Golden Hour Witness life life in a typical Atlas Mountain village - as it comes to life at the end of the day as locals return home. A wonderful opportunity for documentary photography

    Evening   Discover age-old Berber hospitality - by taking tea with a local Berber family

    Stay   Nearby hotel (45min drive)

  • Day 6

    Date Plantations of Zagora

    Stretching through Morocco’s lush Draa Valley, Zagora’s date plantations shimmer like an oasis of green

    The Mellah of Amezrou

    Beside Zagora lies Amezrou’s historic Mellah, once home to a thriving Jewish community of artisans who traded with local Berber. These age-old craft traditions still continue today

    A.M. Drive to Zagora (3 hours)

    P.M. A guided walk through Zagora’s date plantations followed by a visit to Amezrou’s Historic Mellah (Jewish Quarter)

    Golden Hour Photograph kasbah architecture, the secret synagogue and metalworking workshops

    Evening  Relax by the hotel pool - under the wafting palms of the oasis

    Stay  Date Plantation Hotel - near Zagora

  • Day 7

    Merzouga — Echoes of the Sahara

    Steeped in legend and alive with desert rhythm, Merzouga stands where ancient caravan routes once crossed the Sahara. Its dramatic Erg Chebbi dunes frame a land rich in Amazigh (Berber) heritage

    In its desert camps and cultural encounters, travelers discover a timeless harmony between history, music, and the endless sands

    A.M. Drive from Zagora to Merzouga (4 hours), then a 4x4 to the Desert Camp

    P.M. Visit a desert Berber tented nomadic camp and sip tea inside a nomadic tent

    Golden Hour Photograph traditional life in a nomadic camp -  camel hair tents, cooking hearths and portraits of the Desert Berber

    Evening Fireside Berber food & live folkloric music

    Stay Desert Camp (luxury tent with bathroom)

  • Day 8

    Erg Chebbi: Saharan Waves of Gold

    Rising like golden waves from the edge of the Sahara, the dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga are among Morocco’s most breathtaking natural wonders

    Towering up to 150 meters, these radiant sands shift with the wind, glowing crimson at sunrise and melting into gold at sunset—a photographer’s dream

    A.M. Start the day with an early morning stroll to the base of the dunes, followed by a hearty breakfast and relax time

    P.M. Prepare your camera gear - with an optional ‘desert photography’ workshop, then travel by 4×4 photo into the dunes

    Golden Hour Photograph the ‘Everests’ of the sand dunes at sunset, then watch the stars appear over the desert . Return after dark to the camp

    Evening Fireside Berber food & music

    Stay Desert Camp (luxury tent with bathroom)

  • Day 9

    Golden Dunes and Nomadic Nights

    Desert Trekking in Merzouga is the ultimate Sahara dream come to life. With your own trusty personal camel behind you - there to carry your bags while you focus on the beauty of the desert - you will be immersed in the towering golden dunes of Erg Chebbi

    As twilight falls, share mint tea and music with nomadic hosts beside a glowing campfire, then dine beneath a canopy of stars so clear the Milky Way feels close enough to touch. At dawn, watch the desert awaken in shimmering light

    A.M. Meet your camel & get prepped-up

    P.M. Walk 3-5 hours through desert then set up desert camp

    Golden Hour Explore the freedom of the dunes and photograph sunset over the desert

    Evening    Sit by the fire under the stars and enjoy food cooked by your Berber guide

    Stay    Basic tent (all camping equipment provided)

  • Day 10

    Desert Crossroads: Markets & History

    At the edge of the Sahara, Rissani glows with the spirit of Morocco’s desert heritage where Berber, Arab, and Jewish traditions intertwine

    The historic market bursts to life with spices and woven textiles, echoing centuries of caravan trade. It’s the perfect place to buy gifts

    A.M. Return trek back to camp

    P.M. After being transferred to your hotel in Merzouga, either relax by the pool or head out to Rissani

    Golden Hour Photograph the thatched roof and labyrinth inside Rissan’s souk - it’s a scene lost in time

    Evening Review photos & celebrate!

    Stay Merzouga

    Day 11 - Onward travel via local flight (1 hr) to Casablanca. Or see other travel options below

  • The Route

    ATLANTIC COAST

    Day 1: Essaouira

    Day 2: Imsouane

    Day 3: Atlantic Coastline

    ATLAS MOUNTAINS

    Day 4: Ouzarzate & Aït Benhaddou

    Day 5: Traditional Atlas Mountain Village

    Day 6: Zagora kasbah & date plantations

    SAHARA DESERT

    Day 7: Merzouga & Desert Nomads

    Day 8: Sahara Dunes

    Day 9: Desert Trek

    Day 10: Desert Market

    Day 11: Onward Travel / Fez ‘bolt on’

  • Comforting Thoughts

    Every stay reflects the Lens Explorers philosophy: keep the experience authentic, but never forget that even the most intrepid travellers deserve a touch of luxury.

  • Locations Matter

    Our journeys combine tasteful, locally inspired riads near the most photogenic landscapes with moments of quiet indulgence in hand-picked boutique retreats.

  • Rustic Charm

    Morocco’s rustic charm is legendary, and so are its interiors — a blend of centuries-old craftsmanship, desert-caravan heritage, and timeless design.

  • Desert Luxury

    Your desert accommodation will be perfectly situated on the edge of the dunes, allowing you to stroll from the comfort of your tent straight onto the sand. Each ‘luxury’ class tent has its own private bathroom.

  • Exquisite Culinary Experiences

    Every trip offers a mix of authentic meals, hands-on culinary experiences, and fine dining — vegan or food intolerances catered for — with comfortable accommodations selected to complement the local environment and discussed with each guest prior to booking.

  • Local Flavors

    On a Lens Explorer journey, food is more than a meal — it’s a window into local culture. From family kitchens to bustling markets, you’ll see how dishes are prepared, discover spices grown for centuries, and experience the full spectrum of regional cuisine.

  • Passing Scenery

    One of the great joys of a Lens explorer journey is the freedom to respond to the unexpected joys of travel. If we pass something that’s simply beautiful - we stop and enjoy it!

  • Coffee Stops - and Quiet Moments

    Along the journey, we pause in unexpected corners — unassuming cafés tucked away in quiet medinas, sun-dappled squares, or roadside havens with views you never knew existed. These spontaneous coffee stops are more than a break; they are little pockets of inspiration. Over a steaming cup of mint tea or rich espresso, you can watch local life unfold, capture a fleeting photograph, or simply let your mind wander. It’s in these unscripted moments that creativity often sparks — when the light is just right, the streets whisper stories, and the world slows down just for you.

  • Through Ancient Streets

    Along the journey, you’ll have time to wander and observe at your own pace. Strolling through historic medinas, ancient kasbahs, and quiet villages, each step reveals layers of Morocco’s rich past. These moments of discovery — from cobbled streets to sunlit courtyards — offer subtle insights into history, architecture, and everyday life, inviting you to capture the stories the land itself tells. The Experiences section provides more detail, but these strolls are designed for curiosity and creativity, letting history unfold naturally around you.

  • Experiences To Remember

    These immersive experiences range from enchanting history walks through local neighbourhoods with local guides, to tea with Berber families, visits to metalworking workshops that have remained unchanged for centuries, or tagine cooking classes. For the more sporty, there will be a range of desert options too — from sand surfing to quad bikes and camel treks.

  • Desert Tranquility

    During your overnight desert trek, you’ll experience the Sahara’s tranquility: the wind shaping the sand, the silent stretches of open desert, and the gentle rhythm of life in this remote landscape. Moments like watching a camel herder pass or simply sitting under the stars create a rare sense of calm and perspective.

  • Authentic Encounters

    Authenticity is at the heart of each trip. Groups are limited in number and carefully planned to create extraordinary experiences that will be treasured for a lifetime. The human experience remains at the center of every guided adventure.

  • Off The Beaten Track

    Step off the beaten path and meet Berber (Amazigh) families, welcoming you into the heart of their daily lives. You’ll see the houses where generations have lived for hundreds of years, witness traditional routines, and gain insight into customs rarely seen by visitors. This is travel that goes far beyond a typical tour — a chance to connect with real people, hear their stories, and experience the rhythms of life that have shaped these communities for centuries.

  • Hidden Markets - Living History

    Discover the hidden markets of Morocco, where colors, scents, and sounds create a world apart from the usual tourist routes. On this journey, you’ll visit authentic local souks, still thriving with the rhythms of daily life, far from the crowded “photo-op” stalls. Here, spices tell the story of centuries — golden turmeric, deep red paprika, earthy cumin, and the precious threads of saffron once traded along the ancient caravan routes. Watch merchants at work, see how locals choose and blend ingredients, and breathe in the intoxicating aromas that have inspired storytellers, chefs, and travellers for generations. These markets are more than shopping — they are living history, a sensory tapestry where each alleyway and stall reveals the beating heart of Moroccan culture.

  • Route: Through Three Worlds”

    Over 10 days, you’ll travel through three extraordinary landscapes: three days along Morocco’s wild and windswept coast, three days exploring the rugged Atlas Mountains, and four days discovering the endless space and golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. Each environment offers its own light, textures, and stories — a journey that is as visually diverse as it is memorable.

  • This journey has been curated to make travel as seamless as possible for international guests.

    We begin our adventures on Mondays, allowing travellers to arrive in Casablanca or Marrakech over the weekend — perfect for exploring the cities and starting the expedition refreshed.

    The primary start point is Marrakech. You’ll be collected from your hotel after breakfast and driven to Essaouira.

    If you’d prefer collection from Casablanca, that’s no problem — we simply need to plan the five-hour journey accordingly. A small surcharge applies, as it requires an additional driver.

    Alternatively, you can make your way by flight or vehicle to Agadir, where we’ll meet you as we pass through.

  • The official end point of the journey is Merzouga, deep in the desert.

    On the morning of Day 11, guests are offered complimentary early transport to Errachidia Airport, where Royal Air Maroc operates direct flights to Casablanca (not Marrakech).

    ✈️ Example flight: Departs 07:15 Errachidia (ERH) / Arrives 08:30 Casablanca Mohamed V (CMN).

    Flights must be booked independently, as Lens Explorers does not provide flight booking services.

    Guests may request to return to Marrakech by tour vehicle. Please note this requires an additional overnight stay and carries a small surcharge.

  • For guests wishing to extend their adventure, Lens Explorers offers a two-day Fez extension.

    This includes a six-hour drive to Fez on Day 11, followed by a full Day 12 of sightseeing and photography in the city’s atmospheric medina.

    On Day 13, you may choose to return to either Marrakech or Casablanca. Just let us know your preference — we’re here to help.

  • Accommodation
    • 7 nights in hand-picked hotels and guesthouses
    • 3 nights in a luxury desert camp
    (Boutique hotels are selected for private guided tours in major hubs.)

    Meals
    • Breakfasts – all included
    • Lunches – included during the desert leg
    • Dinners – included in the desert camp only

    Experiences
    • 2 x Guided History Walks
    • Visit to an Atlas Mountain Family
    • Visit to a Nomadic Berber Camp


    • All transport from Marrakech to Merzouga
    • Day 11 transfer to Errachidia Airport

    Optional Extras (surcharges apply)
    • Return loop to Marrakesh (overnight stay)
    • Return to Marrakech by vehicle
    • Fez Extension (2 days)

    Single Occupancy
    We celebrate your nomadic spirit — no single-occupancy fees apply. Travelling solo never carries a surcharge, so you can enjoy the journey in your own space without paying extra.

  • Not Included
    • International flights
    • Local flights

    Desert Activities:
    Everyone has their own preferences - chill in the desert or go on an excursions. Therefore Lens Explorers will help you choose which one you opt for - but you will pay the excursions supplier directly. An estimate of prices beforehand will be provided - these are relatively inexpensive.

    These include:

    • Camel rides
    • Overnight camel trek
    • Dune surfing
    • Additional visits to nomadic village

    Other Extras Available (surcharges apply)
    • Collection from Casablanca or elsewhere (we will help)
    • Return to Marrakech by vehicle
    • Fez extension (2 days)
    • Additional excursions

  • 🌤️ Clothing
    • Light layers (cotton or linen shirts, T-shirts, breathable trousers)
    • Warm layers (fleece, jumper, or light down jacket)
    • Windbreaker or light waterproof jacket
    • Scarf or shawl – sun protection and warmth
    • Comfortable walking shoes – for medinas and towns
    • Desert boots optional – sturdy trainers are fine
    • Sandals or slip-ons – for relaxing or coastal days
    • Hat and sunglasses – essential year-round
    • Quick-dry socks and undergarments

    🏕️ For the Desert Camp
    • Warm sleeping clothes – nights can drop below 10°C (50°F)
    • Thermal base layers (optional but comfortable)
    • Headlamp or flashlight
    • Power bank – limited charging points
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Biodegradable wipes
    • Small daypack

    🧴 Toiletries & Health
    • Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and SPF lip balm
    • Moisturizer – for dry desert air
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Small first-aid kit (plasters, painkillers, rehydration salts, antiseptic cream)
    • Prescription medication (in original packaging)
    • Insect repellent

    📸 Other Essentials
    • Extra cables / USB chargers
    • Travel adapter (Type C or E)
    • Travel insurance & passport copies
    • Local currency in small denominations (note: Merzouga ATMs can be unreliable)
    • Notebook or journal

  • We want you to feel fully prepared and protected when shooting in the desert.

    Please include:
    • A lightweight shoulder or hip bag for short photo hikes
    • A cleaning kit and large dust blower
    • ND filters – protect and control light
    • A lightweight tripod – ideal for landscapes

  • Our trips are suitable for all fitness levels.
    If you decide to book yourself a desert trek then please be aware this is y moderately strenuous (4 hours gentle walking max). If you have health concerns or limited mobility, please avoid. The trek is taken at your own risk.

    The goal is to enjoy, not endure - there are always options for all fitness levels.

  • February and March are the ideal months to journey from Morocco’s sunlit coast to its golden desert heart.
    Expect mild coastal days (18–22°C / 64–72°F), cool mountain air (10–15°C / 50–59°F), and warm desert sunshine (22–28°C / 72–82°F).

    Evenings are clear and cool — perfect for fireside stargazing.

    This gentle seasonal rhythm makes late winter and early spring a magical time to experience Morocco’s coast, peaks, and dunes.

  • For clients wanting to do an overnight desert trek, please be aware that equipment provided by desert guides is basic.
    Sleeping arrangements are usually clean  sheets and heavy wool blankets — the classic Moroccan trekking setup.

    Most guests love the authenticity (especially knowing a boutique hotel awaits the next night!).

    However, If you’d prefer us to supply a cotton liner or brand new sleeping bag, please let us know plenty of time in advance and we can purchase this for you and bring it along. A surcharge will be needed to cover costs of this.

  • These journeys are perfect for anyone drawn to visual storytelling and exploration.

    Whether you’re a curious beginner, an experienced photographer, or simply someone who loves beautiful places, you’ll fit right in.

    The focus is on seeing differently — learning to notice light, colour, and detail — and leaving with not just great images, but unforgettable memories.

  • This isn’t mass tourism. It’s personal, creative travel — designed for people who value authenticity, comfort, and meaning.

    We travel in small groups, often fewer than eight guests, ensuring every experience feels intimate and flexible.

    Whether you’re an artist, adventurer, or curious observer, you’ll have the space and support to connect deeply — with the landscape, the culture, and your own creativity.

  • At Lens Explorers, we believe in travel that gives back.
    We partner with local guides, family-run riads, and community projects to ensure your presence has a positive impact.

    Our focus is on low-impact, high-connection journeys — valuing people and place as much as photography.

    Every trip supports the preservation of Morocco’s unique cultural and environmental heritage.

  • Please find a link to our current T&C’s here:

    https://www.lensexplorersacademy.com/tcs

  • We require guests to hold comprehensive travel insurance.

    If travelling with high-value camera gear, consider additional equipment insurance for peace of mind.

Your Guide —
Matt Currington

Award-winning Filmmaker & Photographer

For over thirty years, Matt Currington has travelled the world as a filmmaker, photographer, and storyteller, capturing some of the planet’s most remote peoples and wildest landscapes.

Matt has created more than one hundred hours of acclaimed documentary film for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, BBC, Red Bull, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Apple TV, NBC, France 2, and Amazon Prime, exploring themes of anthropology, natural history, adventure travel, and climate science.

His feature documentary Shooting With Mursi earned UNESCO’s ‘Best Documentary’ Award and National Geographic’s All Roads Film Festival Award for cinematography. Other notable works include Zo’é: Nomads of the Rainforest, Tribal Rites, Secrets of the Incas, Egypt from Above, Gangs of Baboon Falls, World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys, The Natural History Museum, Mission Amazon (for the Red Bull Explorers Series), Ocean Giants: Bowhead Whales, and Polar Bear in My House.

As a published and exhibited photographer, Matt’s work has appeared in The Independent, Huffington Post, Conde Nast, Time Out, the Daily Mail, and Geographical Magazine, with exhibitions held in galleries worldwide. His long-term projects often focus on cultural and environmental narratives, bringing global attention to under-reported stories.

A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Matt has lectured at the British Museum, the Peruvian Embassy, and the London Wetlands Centre, sharing his insights on exploration, environmental stewardship, and documentary storytelling.

When he is not out filming or exploring, Matt leads Lens Explorers — a series of exclusive travel and photography experiences for a small number of guests each year — offering the rare chance to experience the world through the eyes of a National Geographic Pro.