Photography Guide · MMXXVI
Morocco Photography Guide
The best photography locations, timing secrets, and insider tips — blue streets of Chefchaouen to golden dunes of the Sahara.
50+
Photo Locations
6
Regions Covered
20
Instagram Spots
4
Photo Tours
Best Locations
Photography Spots by City
Detailed location guides with coordinates, best times, and insider tips for each spot.
Marrakech
6 photography spots
Jemaa el-Fnaa
EasySquare
Sunset to blue hour
Shoot from Cafe de France rooftop for iconic aerial views. 20 MAD tea gets you terrace access.
31.6258, -7.9891
Bahia Palace
EasyPalace
Morning (8-10am)
Arrive at opening for empty courtyards. Best light in the main courtyard.
31.6217, -7.9843
Majorelle Garden
EasyGarden
Opening time (8am)
Cobalt blue walls contrast beautifully with green cacti. Pre-book tickets online.
31.6416, -8.0032
Ben Youssef Madrasa
EasyHistoric
Mid-morning
Intricate tilework and carved stucco. Use a wide-angle lens for the courtyard.
31.6316, -7.9870
El Badi Palace
EasyRuins
Golden hour
Storks nest on the ruins. Great for atmospheric shots with Atlas backdrop.
31.6180, -7.9871
Souk Alleys
MediumStreet
Morning light
Look for shafts of light through roof slats. Ask before photographing vendors.
31.6285, -7.9892
Fes
5 photography spots
Chouara Tannery
EasyArtisan
Late morning (10-11am)
Visit leather shops overlooking tanneries. Small tip expected (20-50 MAD). Mint helps with smell.
34.0649, -4.9727
Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)
EasyArchitecture
Blue hour
Blue tiles face outside, green inside. Shoot both sides at different times.
34.0631, -4.9833
Medina Alleys
MediumStreet
Morning
Narrow passages with donkeys and artisans. Get lost intentionally for authentic shots.
34.0617, -4.9764
Merenid Tombs Viewpoint
EasyViewpoint
Sunset
Panoramic view of entire medina. Drive up or take a taxi.
34.0693, -4.9817
Al-Attarine Madrasa
EasyHistoric
Midday
Stunning zellige tilework and carved cedar. Natural light fills the courtyard.
34.0630, -4.9736
Chefchaouen
5 photography spots
Blue Medina Streets
EasyStreet
Early morning (6-8am)
Before shops open for people-free shots. Every corner is photogenic.
35.1686, -5.2636
Spanish Mosque
MediumViewpoint
Sunset
20-min uphill walk. Panoramic views of blue city against Rif Mountains.
35.1743, -5.2551
Plaza Uta el-Hammam
EasySquare
Blue hour
Main square with Kasbah. Cafe terraces offer elevated views.
35.1684, -5.2648
Ras el-Maa Waterfall
EasyNature
Morning
Where locals wash clothes. Peaceful area at edge of medina.
35.1709, -5.2597
Stairs with Flower Pots
EasyDetail
Afternoon
Look for blue stairs decorated with colorful pots. Classic Instagram shot.
35.1690, -5.2630
Sahara Desert
5 photography spots
Erg Chebbi Dunes
MediumDesert
Sunrise
Wake at 5am for the hike up. Pristine dunes with ripple patterns.
31.1481, -4.0125
Camel Caravan
EasyActivity
Sunset
Silhouettes against orange sky. Position yourself ahead of the group.
31.1500, -4.0100
Desert Camp
HardNight
After midnight
Milky Way visible. Use sturdy tripod, 20-30 sec exposures, ISO 3200+.
31.1490, -4.0080
Merzouga Village
EasyTown
Golden hour
Mud-brick buildings against dune backdrop. Local life shots.
31.0801, -4.0129
Fossil Beds
EasyNature
Morning
Ancient sea fossils in the desert. Unique macro opportunities.
31.0900, -4.0200
Atlas Mountains
5 photography spots
Ait Benhaddou
EasyKsar
Sunrise
UNESCO site, Game of Thrones filming location. Cross the river for the classic view.
31.0472, -7.1319
Todra Gorge
EasyCanyon
Midday
Sun reaches canyon floor only at noon. 300m high walls.
31.5889, -5.5761
Dades Valley
EasyLandscape
Golden hour
Famous hairpin bends viewpoint. Rose fields bloom in May.
31.4456, -5.9600
Imlil Village
MediumVillage
Morning
Traditional Berber village. Toubkal backdrop. Great for portraits with permission.
31.1372, -7.9178
Tizi n'Tichka Pass
EasyMountain
Any
Highest road pass in Morocco (2,260m). Stop at viewpoints along the way.
31.2794, -7.3867
Essaouira
5 photography spots
Blue Fishing Boats
EasyHarbor
Early morning
Wooden boats being painted. Fishermen sorting catch at dawn.
31.5099, -9.7700
Skala de la Ville
EasyRamparts
Sunset
Cannons facing the sea. Game of Thrones Astapor location.
31.5100, -9.7711
Medina Alleys
EasyStreet
Afternoon
White and blue buildings. Less crowded than Marrakech for street photography.
31.5089, -9.7660
Beach & Kitesurfers
EasyBeach
Afternoon
Wind city - colorful kites against blue sky. Action photography opportunities.
31.5000, -9.7700
Sqala du Port
EasyFort
Golden hour
Seagulls and fishing boats. Harbor life with fortress backdrop.
31.5110, -9.7720
Perfect Timing
Golden Hour by Season
Plan your shoots around the best light. Morocco's latitude provides excellent golden hour year-round.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Sunrise
7:30-8:00am
Morning Golden
8:00-9:00am
Evening Golden
4:30-5:30pm
Sunset
5:30-6:00pm
Blue Hour
6:00-6:30pm
Best light quality, shorter days. Desert temperatures perfect.
Spring (Mar-May)
Sunrise
6:30-7:00am
Morning Golden
7:00-8:00am
Evening Golden
6:00-7:00pm
Sunset
7:00-7:30pm
Blue Hour
7:30-8:00pm
Ideal conditions. Wildflowers bloom, clear skies.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Sunrise
5:30-6:00am
Morning Golden
6:00-7:30am
Evening Golden
7:00-8:00pm
Sunset
8:00-8:30pm
Blue Hour
8:30-9:00pm
Harsh midday light. Shoot early/late. Heat haze possible.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Sunrise
6:30-7:00am
Morning Golden
7:00-8:00am
Evening Golden
5:30-6:30pm
Sunset
6:30-7:00pm
Blue Hour
7:00-7:30pm
Excellent light. Date harvest adds color to oasis shots.
Night Photography in the Sahara
Best Conditions
- New moon = darkest skies
- October-March = best Milky Way visibility
- 2-3am = core Milky Way rises
- Zero light pollution in deep desert
Camera Settings
- Manual focus to infinity
- ISO 3200-6400
- 20-30 second exposure (500 rule)
- Widest aperture (f/2.8 or faster)
Respect & Ethics
Photography Etiquette
How to photograph respectfully in Morocco while still getting great shots.
Do
Ask permission before photographing people
A smile and gesture to your camera usually works. "Sawwar?" means "Photo?"
Offer to show people their photo
Creates connection and often leads to better poses
Tip street performers if you photograph them
Snake charmers, water sellers expect 10-20 MAD per photo
Respect "no photo" requests gracefully
Some locals have religious or personal objections
Photograph architecture and landscapes freely
Public buildings, streets, and nature are fair game
Be patient and respectful
Sometimes waiting creates trust and better opportunities
Don't
Never photograph military/police/government buildings
Illegal and can result in confiscation or detention
Avoid photographing women without explicit permission
Especially in conservative areas or rural villages
Do not photograph inside mosques
Non-Muslims generally cannot enter (Hassan II Mosque is an exception)
Never photograph beggars or people in distress
Exploitative and disrespectful
Avoid sneaky candid shots
If someone looks uncomfortable, stop immediately
Do not photograph children without parent permission
Find a parent first and ask politely
Photo Tipping Guide
Snake Charmers: 20-50 MAD
Water Sellers: 10-20 MAD
Henna Artists: 10-20 MAD
Market Vendors: Usually free if you buy
Locals in Costume: 20-30 MAD
Tannery Guides: 20-50 MAD
Equipment
Gear Recommendations
What to pack for Morocco photography, from camera bodies to desert protection.
Camera Bodies
Full-frame mirrorless
Best overall quality, low light performance
Sony A7IV, Canon R6, Nikon Z6
Crop sensor mirrorless
Lighter, great for travel
Fujifilm X-T5, Sony A6700
Smartphone
Quick shots, social media
iPhone 15 Pro, Samsung S24 Ultra
Lenses
Wide-angle (16-35mm)
Architecture, interiors, landscapes
Sony 16-35 f/2.8, Tamron 17-28
Standard zoom (24-70mm)
Versatile everyday lens
Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM
Telephoto (70-200mm)
Details, portraits, wildlife
Sony 70-200 f/4, Tamron 70-180
Prime (35mm or 50mm)
Street photography, low light
Sony 35mm f/1.4, Sigma 50mm Art
Accessories
Travel tripod
Night photography, long exposures
Peak Design Travel, Gitzo Traveler
Circular polarizer
Cut reflections, deepen sky
B+W, Hoya Pro1
ND filters
Long exposures in daylight
NiSi Variable ND
Extra batteries
Desert cold nights drain batteries
Bring 3-4 batteries
Desert Protection
Dust-proof camera bag
Keep sand out
Peak Design Everyday, Lowepro
Rain cover / plastic bags
Protect during sandstorms
Ziploc bags work great
Lens cleaning kit
Remove sand particles carefully
Rocket blower, microfiber cloth
Silica gel packs
Absorb moisture in desert nights
Rechargeable silica gel
Minimalist Packing Tip
For most Morocco trips, a 24-70mm zoom and 16-35mm wide-angle cover 90% of shots. Add a 35mm f/1.8 prime for low light. Skip the heavy telephoto unless doing wildlife in the Atlas Mountains.
Guided Experiences
Photography Tours
Join expert photographers for guided tours to the best locations at the perfect times.
Marrakech Photography Walk
4 hours
- Medina alleys
- Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Hidden riads
- Local portraits
Best for: Street photographyFrom $75
View TourSahara Desert Photo Expedition
3 days
- Sunrise/sunset dunes
- Star photography
- Camel caravans
- Berber camps
Best for: Landscape & astrophotographyFrom $450
View TourBlue City Photography Tour
2 days
- Chefchaouen medina
- Spanish Mosque sunset
- Hidden blue corners
- Mountain views
Best for: Architecture & colorFrom $275
View TourImperial Cities Photo Journey
7 days
- Fes tanneries
- Marrakech palaces
- Meknes gates
- Rabat kasbah
Best for: Cultural photographyFrom $1,200
View TourSocial Media
Top 20 Instagram Spots
The most photogenic locations in Morocco for your social media feed.
1
Chefchaouen Blue Streets
Chefchaouen
Arrive before 7am for empty streets
#bluecity35.1686, -5.2636
2
Erg Chebbi Sunrise
Sahara
Climb highest dune for panoramic views
#saharadesert31.1481, -4.0125
3
Majorelle Garden
Marrakech
Iconic blue walls with cacti
#majorellegarden31.6416, -8.0032
4
Ait Benhaddou Ksar
Ouarzazate
Game of Thrones filming location
#aitbenhaddou31.0472, -7.1319
5
Fes Tanneries
Fes
Colorful dye vats, best in morning
#festanneries34.0649, -4.9727
6
Jemaa el-Fnaa Rooftop
Marrakech
Sunset views over the square
#jemaaelfnaa31.6258, -7.9891
7
Spanish Mosque Viewpoint
Chefchaouen
Best sunset view of blue city
#chefchaouen35.1743, -5.2551
8
Bahia Palace Courtyard
Marrakech
Intricate zellige tilework
#bahiapalace31.6217, -7.9843
9
Essaouira Blue Boats
Essaouira
Colorful fishing boats at harbor
#essaouira31.5099, -9.7700
10
Todra Gorge
Tinghir
300m canyon walls, midday light
#todragorge31.5889, -5.5761
11
Desert Camel Caravan
Merzouga
Silhouettes at sunset
#moroccodesert31.1500, -4.0100
12
Bab Boujloud Blue Gate
Fes
Blue outside, green inside
#fesmedina34.0631, -4.9833
13
Ben Youssef Madrasa
Marrakech
Historic Islamic school
#benyoussefmadrasa31.6316, -7.9870
14
Dades Valley Hairpin Bends
Dades
Famous winding road viewpoint
#dadesvalley31.4456, -5.9600
15
Sahara Night Sky
Merzouga
Milky Way over dunes
#saharastars31.1490, -4.0080
16
Marrakech Souks
Marrakech
Light shafts through roof slats
#marrakechsouks31.6285, -7.9892
17
Imlil Berber Village
Atlas Mountains
Traditional village with Toubkal view
#atlasmountains31.1372, -7.9178
18
Merenid Tombs
Fes
Panoramic medina view at sunset
#fesmorocco34.0693, -4.9817
19
Essaouira Ramparts
Essaouira
Cannons facing Atlantic
#essaouiraramparts31.5100, -9.7711
20
El Badi Palace Ruins
Marrakech
Storks nesting on ruins
#elbadi31.6180, -7.9871
Instagram Pro Tips
Best Hashtags
#visitmorocco #moroccotravel #chefchaouen #marrakech #saharadesert
Posting Time
Post at 7-9am or 7-9pm in your audience's timezone for best engagement
Content Mix
Balance landscapes, details, people (with permission), and food shots
Story Ideas
Behind-the-scenes, time-lapses, sunrise wake-ups, local interactions
Expert Advice
Pro Photography Tips
Arrive Early, Stay Late
The best light and fewest tourists are in the first and last hour of daylight.
Scout First, Shoot Second
Walk locations without your camera first to find the best angles.
Embrace the Chaos
Morocco's busy markets and streets make for dynamic, authentic images.
Connect Before Clicking
A genuine smile and greeting gets you better portraits than sneaky shots.
Photo Expeditions
Ready to Capture Morocco?
Join our photography-focused tours led by local experts who know the best spots, perfect timing, and can help with cultural connections.