Morocco Photography Guide
The best photography locations, timing secrets, and insider tips — blue streets of Chefchaouen to golden dunes of the Sahara.
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
Shoot from Cafe de France rooftop for iconic aerial views. 20 MAD tea gets you terrace access.
Bahia Palace
EasyPalace
Arrive at opening for empty courtyards. Best light in the main courtyard.
Majorelle Garden
EasyGarden
Cobalt blue walls contrast beautifully with green cacti. Pre-book tickets online.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
EasyHistoric
Intricate tilework and carved stucco. Use a wide-angle lens for the courtyard.
El Badi Palace
EasyRuins
Storks nest on the ruins. Great for atmospheric shots with Atlas backdrop.
Souk Alleys
MediumStreet
Look for shafts of light through roof slats. Ask before photographing vendors.
Fes
5 photography spots
Chouara Tannery
EasyArtisan
Visit leather shops overlooking tanneries. Small tip expected (20-50 MAD). Mint helps with smell.
Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)
EasyArchitecture
Blue tiles face outside, green inside. Shoot both sides at different times.
Medina Alleys
MediumStreet
Narrow passages with donkeys and artisans. Get lost intentionally for authentic shots.
Merenid Tombs Viewpoint
EasyViewpoint
Panoramic view of entire medina. Drive up or take a taxi.
Al-Attarine Madrasa
EasyHistoric
Stunning zellige tilework and carved cedar. Natural light fills the courtyard.
Chefchaouen
5 photography spots
Blue Medina Streets
EasyStreet
Before shops open for people-free shots. Every corner is photogenic.
Spanish Mosque
MediumViewpoint
20-min uphill walk. Panoramic views of blue city against Rif Mountains.
Plaza Uta el-Hammam
EasySquare
Main square with Kasbah. Cafe terraces offer elevated views.
Ras el-Maa Waterfall
EasyNature
Where locals wash clothes. Peaceful area at edge of medina.
Stairs with Flower Pots
EasyDetail
Look for blue stairs decorated with colorful pots. Classic Instagram shot.
Sahara Desert
5 photography spots
Erg Chebbi Dunes
MediumDesert
Wake at 5am for the hike up. Pristine dunes with ripple patterns.
Camel Caravan
EasyActivity
Silhouettes against orange sky. Position yourself ahead of the group.
Desert Camp
HardNight
Milky Way visible. Use sturdy tripod, 20-30 sec exposures, ISO 3200+.
Merzouga Village
EasyTown
Mud-brick buildings against dune backdrop. Local life shots.
Fossil Beds
EasyNature
Ancient sea fossils in the desert. Unique macro opportunities.
Atlas Mountains
5 photography spots
Ait Benhaddou
EasyKsar
UNESCO site, Game of Thrones filming location. Cross the river for the classic view.
Todra Gorge
EasyCanyon
Sun reaches canyon floor only at noon. 300m high walls.
Dades Valley
EasyLandscape
Famous hairpin bends viewpoint. Rose fields bloom in May.
Imlil Village
MediumVillage
Traditional Berber village. Toubkal backdrop. Great for portraits with permission.
Tizi n'Tichka Pass
EasyMountain
Highest road pass in Morocco (2,260m). Stop at viewpoints along the way.
Essaouira
5 photography spots
Blue Fishing Boats
EasyHarbor
Wooden boats being painted. Fishermen sorting catch at dawn.
Skala de la Ville
EasyRamparts
Cannons facing the sea. Game of Thrones Astapor location.
Medina Alleys
EasyStreet
White and blue buildings. Less crowded than Marrakech for street photography.
Beach & Kitesurfers
EasyBeach
Wind city - colorful kites against blue sky. Action photography opportunities.
Sqala du Port
EasyFort
Seagulls and fishing boats. Harbor life with fortress backdrop.
Golden Hour by Season
Plan your shoots around the best light. Morocco's latitude provides excellent golden hour year-round.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Best light quality, shorter days. Desert temperatures perfect.
Spring (Mar-May)
Ideal conditions. Wildflowers bloom, clear skies.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Harsh midday light. Shoot early/late. Heat haze possible.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
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)
Photography Etiquette
How to photograph respectfully in Morocco while still getting great shots.
Do
A smile and gesture to your camera usually works. "Sawwar?" means "Photo?"
Creates connection and often leads to better poses
Snake charmers, water sellers expect 10-20 MAD per photo
Some locals have religious or personal objections
Public buildings, streets, and nature are fair game
Sometimes waiting creates trust and better opportunities
Don't
Illegal and can result in confiscation or detention
Especially in conservative areas or rural villages
Non-Muslims generally cannot enter (Hassan II Mosque is an exception)
Exploitative and disrespectful
If someone looks uncomfortable, stop immediately
Find a parent first and ask politely
Photo Tipping Guide
Gear Recommendations
What to pack for Morocco photography, from camera bodies to desert protection.
Camera Bodies
Lenses
Accessories
Desert Protection
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.
Photography Tours
Join expert photographers for guided tours to the best locations at the perfect times.
Marrakech Photography Walk
- Medina alleys
- Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Hidden riads
- Local portraits
Sahara Desert Photo Expedition
- Sunrise/sunset dunes
- Star photography
- Camel caravans
- Berber camps
Blue City Photography Tour
- Chefchaouen medina
- Spanish Mosque sunset
- Hidden blue corners
- Mountain views
Imperial Cities Photo Journey
- Fes tanneries
- Marrakech palaces
- Meknes gates
- Rabat kasbah
Top 20 Instagram Spots
The most photogenic locations in Morocco for your social media feed.
Chefchaouen Blue Streets
Arrive before 7am for empty streets
Erg Chebbi Sunrise
Climb highest dune for panoramic views
Majorelle Garden
Iconic blue walls with cacti
Ait Benhaddou Ksar
Game of Thrones filming location
Fes Tanneries
Colorful dye vats, best in morning
Jemaa el-Fnaa Rooftop
Sunset views over the square
Spanish Mosque Viewpoint
Best sunset view of blue city
Bahia Palace Courtyard
Intricate zellige tilework
Essaouira Blue Boats
Colorful fishing boats at harbor
Todra Gorge
300m canyon walls, midday light
Desert Camel Caravan
Silhouettes at sunset
Bab Boujloud Blue Gate
Blue outside, green inside
Ben Youssef Madrasa
Historic Islamic school
Dades Valley Hairpin Bends
Famous winding road viewpoint
Sahara Night Sky
Milky Way over dunes
Marrakech Souks
Light shafts through roof slats
Imlil Berber Village
Traditional village with Toubkal view
Merenid Tombs
Panoramic medina view at sunset
Essaouira Ramparts
Cannons facing Atlantic
El Badi Palace Ruins
Storks nesting on ruins
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
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.
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.