Best Photography Destinations in Morocco: Top 10 Locations

Omar Benali · 12 min · Photography

Morocco's top 10 photography destinations — the Sahara, Chefchaouen, Aït Ben Haddou, the souks and the Atlas.

Morocco is a photographer's dream — a country of saturated colour, dramatic light and layered texture, from the blue lanes of Chefchaouen to the golden dunes of the Sahara. Here are the 10 best photography destinations in Morocco, with what to shoot, when to go, and how to make the most of the light.

1. Chefchaouen — The Blue Medina

Morocco's most photogenic town — shades of cobalt and sky blue on every wall. Shoot early morning for empty lanes and glowing blue; look for repeating doorways, cats on stairwells, and potted plants against painted walls. The Spanish Mosque at sunset offers the classic panorama.

2. Erg Chebbi, Merzouga — The Sahara Dunes

Morocco's signature landscape — 150-metre dunes that shift colour through the day. Shoot sunrise and sunset for deep orange and pink; arrive early for untouched sand. A Milky Way shot on a moonless night is a highlight. Our Sahara Photography Expedition is built for this.

3. Aït Ben Haddou — The Living Ksar

The UNESCO mud-brick ksar glows warm gold in late-afternoon light, especially shot from across the riverbed looking up at the full silhouette. Climb to the summit granary for the classic panorama. It has starred in Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

4. The Marrakech Souks

Lanterns hanging in arches, dyers' yarns drying overhead, spices in conical piles, and copper being hammered in real time. Shoot the detail and the chaos; ask permission before photographing vendors. Our Marrakech Photography Tour covers the best spots.

5. The Fez Tannery

The Chouara Tannery — a grid of stone dye vats viewed from surrounding rooftops — is one of Morocco's most striking sights. Morning light gives the freshest colours; a sprig of mint helps with the smell. Shoot wide for the grid, tight for the workers.

6. Essaouira Harbour & Ramparts

Blue wooden boats, nets on the quayside, cannon-lined ramparts over the Atlantic — Essaouira is a coastal photographer's dream. Golden hour on the ramparts and the working harbour at dawn are the highlights.

7. The High Atlas & Berber Villages

Dramatic mountain light, terraced villages and mule trails — the Atlas around Imlil offers rich landscape and cultural photography. A Berber guide takes you to the best viewpoints and villages. Our Photography Tour: Landscapes & Culture covers it.

8. The Dades & Todra Gorges

Red-rock canyon walls, kasbah-dotted valleys and the famous Dades switchbacks — the gorges offer dramatic landscape photography, especially at sunrise and sunset when the rock glows.

9. The Ouzoud Waterfalls

A 110-metre cascade with resident Barbary macaques and rainbow mist — a rewarding day-trip shoot from Marrakech, especially in spring when the water is full.

10. The Agafay Desert

A stone desert close to Marrakech, offering sunset camel silhouettes, Atlas backdrops and luxury camp scenes — a convenient desert shoot without the long Sahara drive.

Plan Your Photography Trip

Morocco's photography destinations reward early starts and a guide who knows the light. Tell us your dates and interests via the plan-my-trip form, and we will build a photography itinerary with a photographer guide and the best locations timed to the light.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the best photography destinations in Morocco?

The Sahara dunes at Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), the blue medina of Chefchaouen, the UNESCO ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, the Marrakech and Fez souks, the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira's harbour and ramparts, and the Dades and Todra gorges are the top photography destinations.

When is the best light for photographing the Sahara?

Sunrise and sunset, when the dunes shift from pale gold to deep orange to pink. Arrive early to catch untouched sand and soft light before footprints and other visitors appear. A night shot of the Milky Way on a moonless night is a bonus.

When is the best time to photograph Chefchaouen?

Early morning, before 9am, when the lanes are quiet and the blue paint glows in soft light. Avoid midday harsh light and the mid-morning day-tripper crowds. The Spanish Mosque at sunset offers the classic panorama.

Is it OK to photograph people in Morocco?

Always ask permission before photographing people — a smile and a gesture toward your camera is usually enough. Some residents and vendors are weary of cameras; respect a polite no. A small purchase or conversation often opens the door to a better portrait.

Can I take a photography-focused tour in Morocco?

Yes. Our Sahara Photography Expedition, Marrakech Photography Tour and Photography Tour: Landscapes & Culture are built for photographers, with a photographer guide who knows the best light and locations. Tell us your dates via the plan-my-trip form.

Related Morocco tours

Ready to experience this for yourself? These handpicked tours match the guide above — each runs with experienced local guides and private transport.

Plan a private Morocco trip

Tell us your dates, group and interests, and our Marrakech-based team will design a private itinerary around you — free, with no obligation. An enquiry is not a confirmed booking; availability and final pricing are confirmed before anything is booked or charged.

Plan a private Morocco trip · Morocco itineraries by length · Browse all Morocco tours · Call or WhatsApp +212 667 212 912 · mtbinmoroccotrips@gmail.com