An analog travel photography guide to Morocco

Since a young age, I’ve found joy in capturing moments through photography, and especially grown to love the art of shooting on grainy analog film. I'm immensely proud of my Highlights of Morocco trip photography and eager to share my perspective as inspiration for your own travels.

Travelling solo for the first time can be a little daunting, but joining a small group tour (and yes, I’m admittedly biased as a Specialist Global Connection Officer at G Adventures) made it a whole lot easier. I know when I first stepped off the plane by myself I was nervous, but there was a driver waiting (a worthwhile add-on to any trip) to bring me to my starting point in Casablanca. The drive was long and I stared out the window marvelling at the beautiful city stretching out in front of me thinking of what to snap first.

That evening, I met my fellow travellers and Chief Experience Officer (CEO) for the next 15 days in Morocco. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, making me feel at home in a country I had never visited before. The charm of small group travel lies in the immediate opportunity to make new friends upon arrival.

With my trusty Minolta X-700 and a few rolls of film at the ready, I spent the next two weeks exploring Morocco with this cheerful group of people and an expert guide. As we moved from places like the blue city of Chefchaouen to the salty air of Essaouira, my goal was to highlight the remarkable beauty of a country rich in artistic expression.

Our first stop was in Tangier, a beautiful port city and trade centre, connecting North Africa and Europe for centuries.

Next up and known as the Blue City, Chefchaouen offered photo opportunities around every corner. There are different beliefs on why the city was painted blue to start. Some say the blue hues deter bugs, some say it represents the sky and brings people closer to God.

The ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis were calling to us next and our local guide was incredible! He was eager to share his wealth of knowledge on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We just slowly walked around and explored a place renowned for its mosaics that remain in good condition.

Onward to Fes! The medina was a maze of narrow winding tunnels, occasionally opening up to expansive sections. This vibrant market is filled with numerous vendors and bustling trade. Our guide was fantastic and shared his extensive knowledge of his home.

For lunch, we stopped at the magnificent Ryad Nejjarine where we dined like royalty on delicious tagine. As I glanced up, I saw sunlight streaming through the roof of this exquisitely crafted and impeccably preserved building, dating back to the 13th century.

I was amazed by the pristine condition of the plaster and woodwork. The staff graciously permitted us to explore the upper level so I could capture the scene catching my eye.

Filled up with the wonders of Fes, we were off on a 10 hour road trip to Merzouga, right in the Sahara Desert. I know it sounds like a really long drive but the scenery was so gorgeous along the way that it flew by. We also made several stops including one to see some cheeky Barbary macaques (Berber Monkeys)!

Reaching Merzouga just after sunset, I was unable to resist the allure of the sand dunes and ran around like a child filled with wonder.

Our guide mentioned that it is often said that one regains a childlike spirit upon reaching the desert, and I can attest to its truth—I couldn't hold back the urge to frolic and play in the sand. My fellow travellers were just as rapt and happy to take in the endless mounds of sand at twilight.

The following day, we embarked on a sunset camel ride into the dunes. It was undoubtedly the highlight of our tour and made for endless Moroccan photographic memories.

After our desert adventure, we journeyed to Todra Gorge, an utterly breathtaking region of Morocco. The air was crisp and invigorating, and nothing compared to starting our day with a refreshing morning walk through the local landscape.

Back on the road again! We headed to the famed earthen clay architecture of Aït Ben Haddou for a night before heading off again to the High Atlas Mountains. Impressive scenes abound, but it’s also good to keep your camera ready for those simpler moments like stopping to grab a roadside coffee on the way.

Next, we were off to the High Atlas Mountains to spend a night in a mountain Gite. The dinner was delicious and we spent the night bunked under the hills, chatting and playing games over tea.

Our last destination before Marrakech, we hit the coastal town of Essaouira and it was simply stunning! I felt completely at ease here, free to shop, stroll, and explore at my own pace on solo excursions. The picturesque views of the ocean and the laid-back atmosphere lend this charming little town an irresistible allure.

As our adventure drew to a close, we made our way to Marrakech for our final days together. It was our chance to delve into the vibrant energy of this bustling city before returning home.

By the time we arrived in Marrakech, I felt completely at home in Morocco as a group or on my own. I strolled through the market, sharing treats I had purchased from a local vendor whose family had owned the store for years.

My journey in Morocco came to an end, leaving me with cherished memories to last a lifetime. Throughout the experience, I felt a sense of belonging and comfort. I would return without hesitation and wholeheartedly encourage you to do the same. Don’t forget to pack your favourite camera, a keen eye, and a heart open to adventure!

Ready to make your own memories, photographic or otherwise, in Morocco? Here are some of our popular tours including the one featured in this post:

Highlights of Morocco
Morocco: Markets & Mountains
Morocco North and South: Mountain Villages and Ancient Kasbahs
Journeys: Morocco in Depth