Marrakech
We began our adventure in Marrakech where we welcomed our participants with an unforgettable dinner at La Mamounia. From the stunning gardens to the intricate Moroccan design details, it was the perfect introduction to the elegance and atmosphere that Morocco is known for. During our stay in Marrakech, our group also enjoyed the incredible hospitality and luxury of The Oberoi Marrakech and Royal Mansour hotels. Both peaceful retreats surrounded by beautiful gardens, reflective pools, and stunning Moroccan architecture.
Throughout the journey, we also shared incredible meals and moments together as a group. Another memorable evening was our tasting menu dinner at the stunning Royal Mansour Marrakech where the architecture and attention to detail perfectly reflected the beauty of Moroccan craftsmanship.
One of the highlights in Marrakech was floating above the desert landscape during sunrise in a hot air balloon. Watching the soft morning light illuminate the desert and villages below while photographing from the sky was a magical experience and a favorite moment for many in the group.
Morocco quickly proved itself to be a paradise for street photography. Every corner had a story to tell, from artisans carefully crafting handmade goods to the beautiful textures and colors found inside the souks. We spent our day wandering through ancient medinas, photographing local life, intricate doorways, patterned tiles, and the stunning architecture that makes Morocco so unique. The people, the sounds, and the atmosphere created endless inspiration for both photography and storytelling.
Ait Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou was another unforgettable highlight of our Morocco journey. Exploring this ancient fortified village felt like stepping back in time. Located along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, Aït Benhaddou is famous for its beautiful earthen clay architecture, narrow alleyways, and historic kasbahs that rise dramatically above the desert landscape.
Known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” Ait Benhaddou has served as the filming location for countless iconic movies and television shows over the years. Walking through the ancient walled city, it was surreal to recognize scenes from productions such as Game of Thrones, Gladiator, The Mummy, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, and Kingdom of Heaven. The cinematic atmosphere of the location made it a dream destination for both photography and storytelling.
Our group spent time exploring the winding pathways, photographing the incredible textures and layers of the mud-brick structures, and enjoying panoramic views overlooking the surrounding desert landscape. During golden hour, the warm light transformed the entire village into glowing shades of orange and gold, creating some of our favorite images from the trip.
Sahara Desert
Of course, one of the most special parts of the tour was our time in the Sahara Desert. Flying drones in Morocco is extremely difficult since drones are strictly forbidden from being brought into or out of the country without special authorization. Because of this, very few photographers ever get the opportunity to legally fly drones there.
Through months of planning and by working closely with a professional local film crew, we were able to obtain the proper permits and approvals that allowed our participants to safely and legally fly drones in the Sahara. This was an incredibly rare privilege and something we feel very grateful for.
Seeing the endless dunes from above was simply breathtaking. The aerial perspective revealed mesmerizing textures, leading lines, and natural patterns shaped by the wind. During sunrise and sunset, the desert transformed into a sea of warm tones and long shadows that looked almost surreal from the air. It was one of those moments where photography, adventure, and gratitude all came together perfectly.
We also enjoyed the camel rides (although scary!) Through the desert dunes well as the hospitality of our local guide Hosin and his family at the desert White Camp.
Fes
Fes was another major highlight of the journey. We stepped back in time with its maze of narrow streets and historic buildings. Photographing the famous leather tannery was an unforgettable experience. Watching the workers hand dye leather using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations was both visually stunning and culturally fascinating. From above, the tannery created incredible abstract patterns filled with rich earth tones and vibrant colors that made for some truly unique images.
Chefchaouen
One of the most visually striking locations on the tour was the famous blue city of Chefchaouen. Walking through the narrow blue-painted alleyways felt almost dreamlike. Every street corner offered beautiful layers, textures, and color combinations that made it a dream location for both photography and simply slowing down to appreciate the atmosphere of the city.
Casablanca
To close out the adventure, we gathered for a special farewell dinner at Rick’s Café in Casablanca, a beautiful and iconic setting that felt like the perfect ending to such an unforgettable experience.
Beyond the photography itself, what made this experience so memorable was sharing it with an incredible group of passionate creatives. From sunrise shoots in the desert to evenings spent enjoying Moroccan cuisine and conversations together, the trip reminded us why we love leading photography tours around the world.
Morocco challenged us creatively, inspired us artistically, and gave us experiences we will never forget. We are already looking forward to returning and continuing to explore this beautiful country from both the ground and the sky.