Explore, LEARN and capture THE MAGIC OF one of the most visually CAPTIVATING SPOTS on Earth.

This eight day adventure will take you on a guided photographic tour of Morocco, highlighting everything from the bustling souks of Marrakech to ancient kasbahs and the majestic Sahara desert with a focus on getting you and your camera to the perfect spot at the perfect time.

Pro photographer Jeff Genova will provide instruction & guidance while Rogue Expeditions will utilize years of in-country experience to handle all logistics.
 
All that you have to do is pack your gear and a sense of adventure - we handle the rest!

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Arrive in Marrakech, where we will pick you up at the airport and take you to our beautiful riad (traditional courtyard house). That evening you will get your first taste of Moroccan tagine as we dine on the rooftop and get acquainted with each other and the week ahead.

Those who manage to hold off the jet lag can experience the Djemaa El-fna and the surrounding souks: sample local treats, bargain for scarves, charm a cobra, jump into a drum circle or simply wander around and take it all in!

DAY 2

After breakfast we will walk through the souks (markets) capturing the beginning of the daily hustle and bustle in the city before departing by minibus towards the High Atlas mountains. City life quickly gives way to farming valleys and small Berber villages as we head over a dramatic mountain pass and on to a fresh picnic prepared by our chef. Later, we drive through the lush green gardens of the Ounila Valley before ultimately arriving at Ait Ben Haddou, a 17th century UNESCO-preserved ksar (fortified village) that has served as the set for The Mummy and Gladiator, among many other films.

The photo opportunities are infinite and we'll take full advantage of the area's magical evening light before wrapping up the day with a big dinner and time for review and editing at our guesthouse.

DAY 3

Early risers will head out for a sunrise session before breakfast, then we'll pack up and head towards Ouarzazate (the "Hollywood" of Morocco) and through the Rose Valley.

Along the way we will stop for a private tour of a beautifully restored kasbah that the king loves so much it is the face of the 50 dirham note; this a great chance to learn about the architecture and social structure of kasbah life. Our final destination of the day is the Dades Valley, where our boutique guesthouse is perched high on a cliff with sweeping views. Spend the evening strolling the gardens, checking out a secret waterfall or simply enjoying some drinks and photo discussion on the terrace.

DAY 4

After breakfast we will drive further into the Dades Gorge with chances to photograph some of the more unusual rock formations. We then head towards the largest palm oases in Africa, the Draa Valley, famous for its many kasbahs and for the many varieties of dates (bonus: this is harvest season!). We will enjoy a light picnic en route by our chef, and will connect with local farmers in the oases to learn more about the crops they grow. 

We'll spend the night in Zagora at a beautiful guesthouse hidden in magical gardens, and will allot time for editing and discussion - tomorrow we go off-grid!

DAY 5

Today we head over the Anti-Atlas mountains to the village of M'Hamid, where the pavement ends and the Sahara begins! Along the way we'll stop at a pottery co-op where we will get a first-hand look at the productions methods behind these beautiful works of art. We soon leave the pavement behind and make our way across the desert, eventually arriving at our private camp set among towering dunes. Spend the evening immersed in an instructional sunset shoot in the golden sand dunes.

Later on, enjoy a huge feast, traditional music around the campfire and more stars than you've ever seen before! Depending upon conditions we will set up a night photography session and capture the milky way as it passes over the camp. Sleep comfortably in traditional nomad tents, complete with queen beds and solar lights - this is where "glamping" began! The camp is complete with western toilets and basic hot showers.

DAY 6

Today begins with two classic Saharan activities: watching (and documenting) the sunrise, then taking a camel ride through the dunes! We'll depart the camp mid-morning and take a short drive to Lake Iriki, a massive dry lake bed with mind-bending mirages. We will set up a picnic lunch with a family of nomads that we have come to know, giving you an incredibly unique opportunity to capture the fascinating world of Berber nomads. From here we will continue back to civilization with a night in Foum Z'guide, a town located on the edge of the desert. Enjoy the pool and a nice shower before kicking back in the bar for drinks and photo review!

DAY 7

Today we'll embark on the long (but very scenic) journey back to Marrakech after breakfast with plenty of breaks along the way. We will stop and visit a carpet weaving co-op where you will have an opportunity to photograph the traditional weaving activities and even try your hand at the craft. You will arrive to Marrakech with plenty of time to explore, pick up some souvenirs and even pay a visit to a local hammam for those interested in a traditional scrub-down.

Cap off the day with a wonderful farewell dinner on the rooftop!

DAY 8

This is it! Enjoy a final breakfast and then we will get you to the airport in plenty of time to catch your flight.

DATES
Sunday, November 5 - Sunday, November 12, 2017

COST
A $500 deposit secures your spot, and the total cost depends upon signup date:

Standard Pricing (through July 5): $2995
Late Pricing (after July 5): $3150
Private Room Upgrade: $400 - gives you your own room every night

Balance due by July 5, 2017. Please refer to the FAQs for our cancellation & refund policy.

COST INCLUDES
Pre-trip guidance + communication
Transfers to/from Marrakech airport
Transportation: well-maintained 4×4 vehicles, fuel and drivers
Six nights in comfortable, unique three and four-star hotels or riads (double occupancy)
One night in our private Sahara camp (fully equipped with traditional tents, comfortable beds and a bathhouse)
Photography instruction, guidance and feedback from Jeff Genova
Experienced Moroccan team + Rogue Expeditions trip leader
All meals + snacks
All water + coffee/tea/juice with breakfast

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
Flight
Alcohol or beverages other than water (though coffee, tea and juice are included with breakfasts)
Travel Insurance (optional but recommended)
Personal purchases/souvenirs or extra activities
Tips

GROUP SIZE
There will be a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 runners. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so early deposits are recommended!

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Participants will need a passport with at least 6 months of validity left. No visas or vaccinations are required for US citizens in Morocco, though you may want to consider some standard vaccinations if you are a first-time traveler. Please keep in mind that Morocco is a developing country – though you will be comfortable and very well taken care of, an adventurous and flexible attitude is a must!

FAQS
You can find those here.

CONTACT
Gabe Steger at gabe@roguexpeditions.com