Golden Hour Morocco

Group tours arrive at the most beautiful places at midday, in the harshest light, with fifty other people. This route does the opposite. Every day is planned backwards from sunrise and sunset, so you're in the right place when the light turns gold, whether you're a serious photographer, a couple or simply someone who loves a view.

Day by day

1. Day1

   Stone desert sunset

   Marrakesh → Agafay Desert~1 h driving

   A slow start, then out to the Agafay Desert for sunset over the rolling stone hills, with the Atlas behind. Night in a desert camp.

2. Day2

   Earthen towers at dusk

   Agafay → Tizi n'Tichka → Aït Benhaddou~4.5 h driving

   Cross the Atlas in the clear morning light and arrive at Aït Benhaddou for sunset across the river.

3. Day3

   Morning ksar, evening gorge

   Aït Benhaddou → Skoura → Dades Gorges~4 h driving

   Photograph the ksar at sunrise before the crowds, then the kasbahs of Skoura, and finish with evening light on the Dades rock formations.

4. Day4

   To the dunes

   Todra Gorge → Merzouga~5 h driving

   Morning light in the Todra Gorge, then the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset from the ridges. Night in a desert camp.

5. Day5

   The southern back road

   Merzouga → Alnif → Nkob → Draa Valley~5.5 h driving

   Sunrise on the dunes, then the quiet southern road through Alnif and Nkob to the palm groves of the Draa Valley.

6. Day6

   Palm groves and passes

   Draa Valley → Ouarzazate → Tizi n'Tichka → Marrakesh~5.5 h driving

   Early light in the palms, then back over the High Atlas to Marrakesh.

Make it yours

This route is a starting point, not a package. Every day can change. Here are a few ideas:

• Night photographyAdd a moonless night in the desert for star photography.
• Add ChefchaouenExtend north for the blue town's soft morning light.
• Photo walk in the medinaA licensed local guide for an early-morning Marrakesh photo walk.
• More time to shootAdd a second night at any stop you love.

What we can arrange for you

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver for the whole route
• Riads, kasbahs and hotels to match your style and budget
• Desert camps, from simple to luxury
• Licensed local guides for medinas and monuments
• Activities: camel rides, cooking classes, hammams, hikes
• Airport pick-up and drop-off

Prefer to book your own accommodation? No problem. We'll simply drive the route around your bookings.