Meandering Morocco
Discover the enchanting and magical kingdom of Morocco - a colourful adventure through a country still brimming with romance and mysticism
Summary
Morocco is one of those locations that simply fires the imagination. Mornings begin with the iconic call-to-prayer as the quiet of night is broken by the cries of dozens of Mullahs announcing their prayers over the tinny loudhailers atop every minaret. Bazaars and narrow walk-ways with stall-holders shouting wares. Scooters bustling past pedestrians with bales of cloth, or baskets of steaming bread. Activity is everywhere and it always has this sense of timelessness mixed with the modern overhanging it all.
This is the Morocco we explore through the photographic workshop; Meandering Morocco. The workshop concentrates on the eastern side of the Atlas mountains, visiting the most quintessential Moroccan cities. Crucially we spend actual time in the cities where most other photography tours have single night stop-overs with the bulk of the trip being spent in a bus.
Meandering Morocco is a travel photographer’s delight, with landscapes, street scenes, architecture and people (with permission) to photograph. We take photographers to location where we know they will come away with portfolio worthy material. Mixed into this is a strong workshop component in the sense that there teaching by the instructors with dedicated editing and critique sessions as well discussions on the various genres of photography during the course of the workshop.
This is the Morocco we explore through the photographic workshop; Meandering Morocco. The workshop concentrates on the eastern side of the Atlas mountains, visiting the most quintessential Moroccan cities. Crucially we spend actual time in the cities where most other photography tours have single night stop-overs with the bulk of the trip being spent in a bus.
Meandering Morocco is a travel photographer’s delight, with landscapes, street scenes, architecture and people (with permission) to photograph. We take photographers to location where we know they will come away with portfolio worthy material. Mixed into this is a strong workshop component in the sense that there teaching by the instructors with dedicated editing and critique sessions as well discussions on the various genres of photography during the course of the workshop.
WHEN |
10 - 20 February 2025 |
PRICE |
€7200 per person sharing (2025) |
FOCUS |
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY, LANDSCAPE, PEOPLE, ANIMALS |
GROUP SIZE |
3 MINIMUM, 6 MAX |
INSTRUCTOR GUEST RATIO |
1:4 for four guests 1:3 for five or six guests |
DURATION |
11 DAYS |
ACCOMMODATION TYPE |
VARIOUS |
NUMBER OF DESTINATIONS |
5 |
In Detail
Meandering Morocco
Imagine having only one afternoon and one morning at an iconic location such as Marrakesh or Fes? Having one chance only, and no time for scouting for the best spot and angle, you’ll feel lost and stressed from the moment you arrive! And what if something goes wrong? Wrong camera setting, accidentally bumping your tripod during a long exposure, someone walks into your frame? If this is your once in a lifetime trip to Morocco, and your photos don’t come out the way you wanted, that would be devastating! Unlike other tours, we spend multiple days in most locations, allowing time for scouting, experimenting with different techniques and angles, asking for advice beforehand, so by the time the golden light has arrived you are there where you want to be to create the shot you envisaged! Even if something goes wrong, we can usually try again the following day! And if you have, after the comment and critique session with your instructors and fellow participants of your photos from day one, learned something new or gotten a new creative idea, you can try it out on day two, potentially at the same location.
Morocco is vast, so long travel days are a requirement. We use either four wheel drive vehicles or a small minibus with dedicated diver and translator. We keep our numbers small which allows for true versatility and flexibility.
Morocco is a walking destination so having a bus makes sense in getting from location to location. Once in the cities we spend time on foot wandering the streets and seeing the sites. Despite the long distances, we are not rushed to travel every day, we have plenty of time to include lots of tuition, comment & critique sessions etc.
Our workshops are usually Landscape photography focused only, although this workshop is an exception/ Tuition and photo shoots on this tour focus on street and city photography however move into travel and landscape photography (with a touch of wildlife), making this a truly diverse photographic workshop.
With a maximum of 6 guests and 2 instructors we offer one of the best instructor-participant ratios available on the market, as others typically take 5 to 8 participants per instructor. This allows teaching simultaneously at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, as participants can choose what they would like to learn about, from which tutor and at what level. This ensures the steepest possible learning curve for you, regardless of your level of experience!
Our Meandering Morocco workshop is timed to coincide with the start of autumn. This is a unique time of year when the possibility of capturing snow on the Atlas Mountains is very good (not guaranteed but highly likely). There are also fewer tourists as the peak season of spring and summer is still around the corner. Importantly, the workshop is also timed to avoid Ramadan where travel can become a lot more difficult.
Unlike other workshops in Morocco, our tour is inclusive of all road transport and three meals a day. It excludes drinks (whether alcoholic or not) and any snacks you may require between meals. It also includes entrance fees into the various specialty locations and some instances we have arranged for additional photographic access.
Morocco is vast, so long travel days are a requirement. We use either four wheel drive vehicles or a small minibus with dedicated diver and translator. We keep our numbers small which allows for true versatility and flexibility.
Morocco is a walking destination so having a bus makes sense in getting from location to location. Once in the cities we spend time on foot wandering the streets and seeing the sites. Despite the long distances, we are not rushed to travel every day, we have plenty of time to include lots of tuition, comment & critique sessions etc.
Our workshops are usually Landscape photography focused only, although this workshop is an exception/ Tuition and photo shoots on this tour focus on street and city photography however move into travel and landscape photography (with a touch of wildlife), making this a truly diverse photographic workshop.
With a maximum of 6 guests and 2 instructors we offer one of the best instructor-participant ratios available on the market, as others typically take 5 to 8 participants per instructor. This allows teaching simultaneously at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, as participants can choose what they would like to learn about, from which tutor and at what level. This ensures the steepest possible learning curve for you, regardless of your level of experience!
Our Meandering Morocco workshop is timed to coincide with the start of autumn. This is a unique time of year when the possibility of capturing snow on the Atlas Mountains is very good (not guaranteed but highly likely). There are also fewer tourists as the peak season of spring and summer is still around the corner. Importantly, the workshop is also timed to avoid Ramadan where travel can become a lot more difficult.
Unlike other workshops in Morocco, our tour is inclusive of all road transport and three meals a day. It excludes drinks (whether alcoholic or not) and any snacks you may require between meals. It also includes entrance fees into the various specialty locations and some instances we have arranged for additional photographic access.
Key highlights
Photograph:
Learn about:
- Photographing the Hasan II Mosque in twilight
- Create images of incredible architecture dating back hundreds of years
- Experience and image the bustle of Moroccan life through labyrinthine pedestrian streets
- Photograph the old cities of Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat, and Marrakesh
- Probably the world’s best instructor to participant ratio, maximizing your learning
- Small photographic groups (max 6 photographers with 2 instructors)
- Having highly experienced tutors watching over your shoulders and helping you on the spot as you craft your image of Morocco’s most iconic destinations
- The phenomenal cuisine of Morocco as we dine on delicious traditional Moroccan Tagines and more.
Learn about:
- Creative Composition: The basics and beyond, such as The Element Approach, Balancing Composition etc.
- Basics to advanced techniques in digital landscape photography. There are two instructors (on groups of 5-6 participants) meaning that virtually all levels of photographer can be catered for.
- Workflow & digital asset management.
- How to create panoramic images.
- How to create time lapses (optional).
- Advanced composition for landscape imagery.
- Post-production using Lightroom and Photo Shop.
FAQs
- Do I have to do anything? Not Really. Help with little chores like unpacking and setting out coffee after a shoot is always appreciated though. We have organised catering pretty much everywhere, so apart from snacks on the road and after a shoot, there is little catering to be done. In our experience, running the logistics of a workshop as a team effort is fun and keeps the spirits high!
- Can I have a room to myself? Sometimes. This tour and its price is based upon sharing accommodation with other participants of the same sex. At some locations there are simply no other rooms/chalets available as we have booked out the entire camp or riad, so there you will have to share if every other particpant is also in single room (usually not the case). However at most locations you could potentially have a private room, if available. The costs for the single supplement is, once again, subject to availability.
- Can you cater for special dietary requirements? For the most part, yes. Please do let us know of any dietary requirement you have and we can see what we can do. Please note that in the the Morocco culture meat is an important part of the meal, so if you are vegetarian we can cater for you, but meals might be rather ‘plain’ or repetitive. Moreover, where we eat in restaurants, menu choice is often limited. That said the cuisine in Morocco is superb and vegerations on previous workshops were thrilled with their meals.
- Is Morocco safe? Morocco is one of the most stable and safe countries on the African continent. Although crime exists, it is comparable to any first world country in Europe or North America. We have traveled throughout Morocco and have yet to experience any issues. Still, a basic awareness of your valuables is still required, particularly when walking through the streets of the major cities.
- Do the tour leaders take photos themselves? Yes they do. However, the emphasis is on teaching and guiding you throughout the workshop. Our experience has taught us that most participants enjoy teaching sessions interspersed with ‘try-out-alone’ time, where they put the taught techniques into practice. Moreover, landscape photography is all about seeing the beauty in the land, which for each individual is different, and then to be creative with it. To have a teacher talking you through every step along the way in the field will hinder the development of your creativity, as you are not ‘pushed’ to try things for yourself. Hence, our teachers will be there when you need them in the field, give tips and directions, regularly checking on each individual participant to see if they need advise, but don’t be surprised if you see them taking photos themselves in between helping other participants - Also, there are two dedicated instructors on the workshop and a maximum of six participants, so you are guaranteed to get assistance with your photography when you need it!
- How fit do I have to be? Relatively fit. Physical difficulty for this tour is rated as intermediate. There is a fair amount of walking through the old cities. There is also some walking through the forest at Ifran. Obviously, it is up to you to decide when you want a rest, need some help with carrying your photography gear, or opt to miss a particular shoot altogether.
- Should I be concerned about the water or any other health issues? The water is potable almost everywhere in Morocco. Where it isn’t we will provide bottled water for consumption. Morocco is also well-versed in catering to tourists, and bottled water is available everywhere we travel. In terms of health concerns, if you are concerned please consult with your GP or travel doctor. Morocco is largely disease free and is also malaria free. T. It is still advisable to bring your own personal medications. Antihistamine, pain-killers, insect repellent, sun-tan lotion (NB!), antiseptic cream and plasters are always a good idea.
- Is there Internet Access? All of our destinations have WIFI access, but the connections can be slow at times. It is also possible to purchase a SIM card (Morocco has excellent good 4G and 3G networks through most of the country) for your cellphone which will allow internet access for email and Whatsapp/Facebook/etc. It is unlikely that you will be able to upload full-resolution backups to the internet, but you can certainly maintain email and social media contact.
Dates
10-20th February 2025
Price
Available on enquiry
Minimum 2 participants, maximum 6 participants.
(If 1-4 participants, one photographic leader will conduct the tour)
(If 5-6 participants, two photographic leaders will conduct the tour)
Single Supplement: €750 - subject to availability
Guided Tour Includes:
Guided Tour Excludes:
Extensions: Please talk to us for possible extensions.
Please note: Accommodation can potentially differ from the establishments mentioned in this itinerary (if fully booked). In such cases we will look for suitable and similar accommodation, without charging an extra admin fee. Any changes will be discussed with you.
The Nature's Light Terms and Conditions apply to your booking with us. For more information see:
Nature's Light Terms and Condition
Minimum 2 participants, maximum 6 participants.
(If 1-4 participants, one photographic leader will conduct the tour)
(If 5-6 participants, two photographic leaders will conduct the tour)
Single Supplement: €750 - subject to availability
Guided Tour Includes:
- All food
- All lodging
- All transport within Madagascar (STARTING IN CASABLANCA AND ENDING IN MARRAKESH)
- Tuition and workshop fees
- Park entrance fees
- Bottled water
Guided Tour Excludes:
- Airfares to and from Madagascar
- Drinks and additional to already provided non-meal time snacks
- Tips, souvenirs, and items of a personal nature
- Possible extra excursions/activities and/or additional days
- Travel insurances (mandatory!)
- Photographic gear rental (if required)
Extensions: Please talk to us for possible extensions.
Please note: Accommodation can potentially differ from the establishments mentioned in this itinerary (if fully booked). In such cases we will look for suitable and similar accommodation, without charging an extra admin fee. Any changes will be discussed with you.
The Nature's Light Terms and Conditions apply to your booking with us. For more information see:
Nature's Light Terms and Condition
Itinerary
Day 1 - All guests arrivE IN CASABLANCA
Guests arrive and are transferred to the hotel where there is time to spend the rest of the day relaxing, meeting the other participants and potentially wandering around the streets of Casablanca to get to know it a little bit.
One of the photography leaders will be there to meet the guests and can familiarize everyone with the plan for the exciting two journey ahead!
One of the photography leaders will be there to meet the guests and can familiarize everyone with the plan for the exciting two journey ahead!
Day 2 - CASABLANCA AND THE HASAN II MOSQUE
Casablanca is a really wonderful city to familiarize yourself with the bustle and activity that is ever-present in Morocco. The streets are easy to walk and offer a range of street-photography opportunities. The people who live there are more cosmopolitan in their outlook, making a it a gentle start to Morocco and its culture.
One of the highlights of the city is the enormously impressive Hassan II Mosque. We photograph this incredible piece of Islamic architecture both in the evening when the external light are switched on and the morning when access is granted to the interior and we can wander through the halls and cloisters.
During the middle of the day participants are encouraged to wander through the streets looking for compositions and just generally getting to know the city. We dine out in one of the quintessential Moroccan restaurants close to the sea before spending the evening photographing the Mosque.
One of the highlights of the city is the enormously impressive Hassan II Mosque. We photograph this incredible piece of Islamic architecture both in the evening when the external light are switched on and the morning when access is granted to the interior and we can wander through the halls and cloisters.
During the middle of the day participants are encouraged to wander through the streets looking for compositions and just generally getting to know the city. We dine out in one of the quintessential Moroccan restaurants close to the sea before spending the evening photographing the Mosque.
day 3 - travel to Fes
We have an early departure for the city of Fes. Travel is slow in the country so most of the day is spent on the road to the iconic ancient walled city. Fes is a destination worth spending time in, so we have opted for three nights within the walled media in a wonderful and quaint Riad that is several hundred year’s old. The Riad overlooks the old city.
day 4 - Exploring Fes
The old city of Fes is a labyrinth of narrow streets, tunnels and buildings abutted against each other. The markets are a frenetic, noisy and filled with a kaleidoscope of smells, colour and sound. Some of the narrow footpaths are so busy that you have to flow with the other pedestrians through the alleys until you can find a point to step away.
The day starts though with a photo-shoot of the walled city from an overlook where we can see the clusters of streets and buildings atop each other. From there we are guided first to the old Jewish cemetary and past the King’s Palace before we enter the Medina.
For this we hire a specialized guide to take us through the city to some of the most photographic sites. In particular we visit the famous tannery where we are able to capture images looking down into the courtyard where the leather’s are died. We also spend time at the old ceramic school.
Fes is exhausting, so we make sure that there is some downtime in the afternoon in order to go through images and potentially put together some work for our first crit session to be held before dinner.
The day starts though with a photo-shoot of the walled city from an overlook where we can see the clusters of streets and buildings atop each other. From there we are guided first to the old Jewish cemetary and past the King’s Palace before we enter the Medina.
For this we hire a specialized guide to take us through the city to some of the most photographic sites. In particular we visit the famous tannery where we are able to capture images looking down into the courtyard where the leather’s are died. We also spend time at the old ceramic school.
Fes is exhausting, so we make sure that there is some downtime in the afternoon in order to go through images and potentially put together some work for our first crit session to be held before dinner.
day 5 - Excursion to Ifran
Ifran lies an hour and half drive from Fes and is the gateway to the western side of the Atlas Mountains. It’s nicknamed the Swiss-Alps of Morocco and once there it is easy to see why. Ski-slopes and tall mountains look over Swiss style chalets and beautifully wooded forests.
We visit these forests particularly in search of the famous Barbary apes, and to wander through the deep conifer forests. Being February, there is a very good chance that the forests will be draped in snow, with the tall mountains behind similarly capped in white.
We visit these forests particularly in search of the famous Barbary apes, and to wander through the deep conifer forests. Being February, there is a very good chance that the forests will be draped in snow, with the tall mountains behind similarly capped in white.
day 6 - Travel to Chefchaouen with Volubilis
An early breakfast and we make our way from Fes towards our next destination, the incredibly photogenic Chefchaouen, also known as the Blue City. On the way we first make a detour and spend some time wandering through the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis. These are fascinating and surprisingly well-preserved ruins.
By the afternoon we will be the Blue City and will be able to spend time photographing it as the last light of day disappears and the city lights paint the blue streets in a neon glow.
By the afternoon we will be the Blue City and will be able to spend time photographing it as the last light of day disappears and the city lights paint the blue streets in a neon glow.
day 7 - Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is worth exploring slowly! We have specifically booked on the immediate outskirts of the old city in order to be able to wander freely through the cobblestoned walkways that climb the hill where the city was founded. Although originally a military base, it grew rapidly with Jewish and Muslim refugees when Spain conquered Granada in the late 15th Century.
The well-preserved Medina and walled city date back to this period and are still lived in and used to this day. It is these streets that we wander through, photographing the old architecture.
As the day warms up stalls are brought out and the principle artisanal economy of the town flows onto the streets. This is very much a tourist destination so once the stalls come out the town becomes very busy with travelers. This is the reason we set out early before stalls are erected, which coincidentally is the best time of day for photography.
As the stalls getting busier we make out way to one of the rooftop restaurants that overlook the Medina for lunch. From there we can either continue strolling the streets, or make our way back to the accommodation for a crit session. The evening is spent either in the city again, or overlooking the hillside from the Spanish church with it’s commanding view of Chefchaouen.
The well-preserved Medina and walled city date back to this period and are still lived in and used to this day. It is these streets that we wander through, photographing the old architecture.
As the day warms up stalls are brought out and the principle artisanal economy of the town flows onto the streets. This is very much a tourist destination so once the stalls come out the town becomes very busy with travelers. This is the reason we set out early before stalls are erected, which coincidentally is the best time of day for photography.
As the stalls getting busier we make out way to one of the rooftop restaurants that overlook the Medina for lunch. From there we can either continue strolling the streets, or make our way back to the accommodation for a crit session. The evening is spent either in the city again, or overlooking the hillside from the Spanish church with it’s commanding view of Chefchaouen.
day 8 - Travel to Rabat
Rabat is the current Capital of Morocco and the seventh largest of the country’s cities. It is rapidly modernizing and it can be really interesting to see the juxtaposition of the old harbour town against the new glass and steel high-rises that are slowly going up.
Rabat is also home to the 12 Century Hasan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed. We arrive in the early afternoon for lunch before exploring the old city overlooking the enormous old cemetary. We also spend some time at Hasan Tower and potentially a late afternoon city shoot of the new Mohammed VI Tower which is the tallest building in Africa.
Rabat is also home to the 12 Century Hasan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed. We arrive in the early afternoon for lunch before exploring the old city overlooking the enormous old cemetary. We also spend some time at Hasan Tower and potentially a late afternoon city shoot of the new Mohammed VI Tower which is the tallest building in Africa.
Day 9 & 10 - Travel to MArrakesh
Marrakesh is one of the highlights of the workshop with its quintessential gates into the walled city. The colourful and vibrant Souk as well as the oldest existing university in the world are guaranteed to keep photographers busy. Unlike Fes, Marrakesh is also easier to navigate independently, meaning photographers can feel more confident about finding their way through the warren of old streets.
On our first morning in Marrakesh we rise relatively early in order to photograph the Medina in the early morning light as people make their way to work. Electric lights still on make for fascinating colourful scenes as locals enter mosques and walk through alleyways. We also plan to get to the Ben Youssef Madrasa (the Islamic College built in the 12th Century) while it is still quiet and there are fewer tourists around.
We’ll visit the various gates as well as explore the Medina Walls and the famous Souk (market) with its myriad alleys and paths.
Our final afternoon is spent overlooking the Jemaa el-Fnaa open air market square, which is an explosion of colour as hawkers continue their trade into the night.
On our first morning in Marrakesh we rise relatively early in order to photograph the Medina in the early morning light as people make their way to work. Electric lights still on make for fascinating colourful scenes as locals enter mosques and walk through alleyways. We also plan to get to the Ben Youssef Madrasa (the Islamic College built in the 12th Century) while it is still quiet and there are fewer tourists around.
We’ll visit the various gates as well as explore the Medina Walls and the famous Souk (market) with its myriad alleys and paths.
Our final afternoon is spent overlooking the Jemaa el-Fnaa open air market square, which is an explosion of colour as hawkers continue their trade into the night.
Day 10 - Departure
The last morning is entirely dependent on exit times to the airport, but for some there is the opportunity to once more head out for one final photo-shoot before departure from this extraordinary country.
For those continuing on the extension to the desert, we leave after a leisurely breakfast for to the road to the west.
For those continuing on the extension to the desert, we leave after a leisurely breakfast for to the road to the west.
Photography from previous participants on the Meandering Morocco Workshop
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