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

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

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

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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

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