Ismailtours is organizing, in cooperation with photographer and teacher Sabine Joosten, amazing photo journeys and courses for beginners and advanced photographers through the Sahara Desert in Morocco, as well as other stunning locations in the country.
10-Day Photo Expedition in Colorful and Majestic Morocco
Date: Flexible – tailored to your schedule!
This is a unique opportunity to travel with Ismailtours on a well-organized trip through photogenic Morocco. Over 10 days, you’ll travel from Marrakech through Ouarzazate to the Cheguaga Desert (Sahara). The adventure includes a 6-day trek accompanied by a professional guide, with dromedaries carrying your luggage. You’ll travel at a leisurely pace, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings, immerse yourself in the culture, and, of course, take beautiful photos. If you prefer to travel without a camera, that’s also possible.
Want to explore another part of Morocco? Gather a group of at least six people, and Ismailtours will organize a custom trip just for you.
Photo Program
Through a structured course, you’ll receive extensive photography training. Starting with the basics, you’ll explore a range of topics tailored to your preferences and the group’s needs. Ample time is provided to develop your unique visual style. Sabine Joosten, a professional photographer with vast teaching and practical experience, will guide you throughout.
Sharing ideas and insights about photography with fellow travelers and an expert is inspiring. Each day, you’ll apply your new skills, receive answers to your questions, and analyze photographs—both yours and others’. The goal is to develop your eye, sharpen your critique skills, and refine your photography process.
You’ll also learn about workflow: how to select, organize, and label your photos digitally, making them easy to find later. A camera is an extension of your thoughts, feelings, and perspective on the world. Through this course, you’ll gain confidence, think creatively, and learn to see with an open mind.
This combination of learning and exploration in a beautiful country alongside like-minded individuals is a truly unique experience.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – Transfer to your Riad.
Day 2: Marrakech – Ouarzazate (or Tamdagte) – Stay in a hotel or Riad.
Day 3: Ouarzazate – Dadel Valley – Ras Nkal. First hike and camping.
Day 4: Ras Nkal – Sidi Naji – Hiking and camping.
Day 5: Dunes of Zaher – Hiking and camping.
Day 6: Dunes of Smarr – Hiking and camping.
Day 7: Hamada – Sedratte – Hiking and camping.
Day 8: Sedratte – Cheguaga – Final hike and camping.
Day 9: Cheguaga – Transfer to Marrakech – Stay in a Riad.
Day 10: Marrakech – Transfer to the airport – Return flight.
Trip in Detail
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport, we will be greeted by our guide, Ismail Zegzaou, and photographer Sabine Joosten. Together, we’ll travel by minibus to our accommodation, a charming Riad located in the heart of the old Medina of Marrakech. After settling into our rooms, we’ll have time to get to know one another. Later, we’ll head to the city’s central square, Jemaa el Fna, a vibrant and lively place that’s a photographer’s dream. Dinner will be enjoyed together, either at the Riad or a nearby restaurant.
Overnight: Riad (bed and breakfast).
Day 2: Transfer from Marrakech to Ouarzazate (or a small village, Tamdagte)
After breakfast, we leave the bustling city behind and head south in a minibus or 4×4 to Ouarzazate, a quaint provincial town. The journey takes us over the Tizi ’n Tichka Pass, reaching a height of 2260 meters. As we traverse the High Atlas Mountains, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of valleys and peaks. En route, we’ll visit the Kasbah of Talouet and stop in several villages for short breaks and photography. Lunch will be at a local home or restaurant. After crossing the pass, we’ll visit the stunning Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll explore its alleyways and climb to the Agadir (fortified granary) for panoramic views. Later, we continue to our hotel in Ouarzazate or our Riad in Tamdagte for dinner and accommodation.
Overnight: Riad or hotel (dinner, bed, and breakfast).
Day 3: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Ras Nkal – Start of the Trek
After breakfast, we continue our journey southward through the beautiful Draa Valley, which is lined with lush date palms and dotted with picturesque kasbahs. We’ll pass through Agdz, Zagora, Tagounit, and Oulad Driss, covering about 265 km, with stops along the way for photography. We’ll reach Mhamid, where we’ll meet our Moroccan chef, camel handlers, and the camels that will carry our luggage. After loading the camels, we’ll take a short walk, crossing the dry riverbed of the Draa to reach the edge of a palm grove, Ras Nkhel, where we’ll set up our first camp. The campsite includes a communal tent for dining, individual tents for sleeping, and comfortable mattresses. Dinner will be freshly prepared by our chef.
Walking time: ~1 hour.
Overnight: Full-board tented camp.
Day 4: Ras Nkal – Sidi Naji
After breakfast, we leave the fertile area and its irrigation systems, walking through a tamarind forest along the small Elmaleh River. The changing landscapes and rhythm of the camels provide a unique photography experience. Whether you explore with your camera or enjoy the scenery, the choice is yours. We cross the Sidi Naji plateau and camp near the shrine of Sidi Naji, a revered figure in the region.
Walking time: ~4 hours.
Overnight: Full-board tented camp.
Day 5: Dunes of Zaher
Following breakfast, we set out, leaving the tamarind forest and entering the vast desert plain. We head west, deeper into the desert, where tamarind trees give way to towering dunes. After about five hours, we reach the Erg Zaher dunes, our camping spot for the night. We’ll enjoy a breathtaking sunset and a delicious meal.
Walking time: ~5 hours.
Overnight: Full-board tented camp.
Day 6: Zaher Dunes – Smarr Dunes
After breakfast, we head north before turning west, crossing the dry Draa riverbed. Along the way, we’ll encounter a deserted village, El Bloc, with remnants of an old irrigation system and ruins where nomads occasionally stay. We’ll take time to photograph the site before setting up camp near Erg Smarr.
Walking time: ~3 hours.
Overnight: Full-board tented camp.
Day 7: Sedratte Dunes and Cheguaga
Now deep in the Sahara, we’re surrounded by endless dunes and sand plains. The Draa Hamada (rocky plateau) and Jbel Bani mountains define the horizon. The vibrant colors of the desert are astonishing. In the late afternoon, we’ll climb the highest dune, Abidlia, for a magical sunset view.
Walking time: ~3 hours.
Overnight: Full-board tented camp.
Day 8: Sedratte – Cheguaga
Walking at a steady pace alongside the camels, we leave the Sedratte dunes and cross a dry lakebed, the Daya de Cheguage, to reach our final camp in the dunes. We’ll have another chance to enjoy the sunset from the highest dune in the area.
Walking time: ~5 hours.
End of Trek – Transfer to Marrakech
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the camels, handlers, and chef and begin our journey back to Marrakech. We’ll stop along the way to capture more stunning landscapes. Once in Marrakech, we’ll return to our Riad. In the evening, we’ll review our photos and enjoy free time to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Overnight: Riad (bed and breakfast).
Day 9: Marrakech
This day is dedicated to street photography. We may visit the photography museum or explore off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods for unique photo opportunities, depending on group preferences.
Day 10: Marrakech – Return to Amsterdam
Our guide, Ismail, will escort you to the airport for your return flight. We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary country and leave with beautiful images, newfound knowledge, and unforgettable memories.
Included
- 3 nights in a hotel or Riad (B&B basis).
- Dinner in Ouarzazate (or Tamdagte).
- Full board during the trek.
- Guidance from Ismail throughout the trip.
- Photography instruction with Sabine Joosten.
- A post-trip meeting in the Netherlands to review your work.
- Dromedaries and their handlers for luggage transport.
- Encampment equipment (tents, mattresses, etc.).
- A dedicated Moroccan cook during the trek.
- Mineral water during the trek.
Not Included
- Personal drinks.
- Meals in Marrakech (other than breakfast).
- Sleeping bag.
- Entry fees to sights.
- Tips.
- Flights (Amsterdam-Marrakech, approx. €250).
- Personal travel insurance.
Pricing and Group Size
Prices available upon request. Trips proceed with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 participants.
For more information and to discuss your requirements:
Ismail Zegzaou +212 671085675
Email directe info@ismailtours.com
For photography questions:
Email: Sabine Joosten at info@sabinejoosten.nl
Phone: +31 (0)6 2805 7272Ismailtours is organizing, in cooperation with photographer and teacher Sabine Joosten, amazing photo journeys and courses for beginners and advanced photographers through the Sahara Desert in Morocco, as well as other stunning locations in the country.
10-Day Photo Expedition in Colorful and Majestic Morocco
Date: Flexible – tailored to your schedule!This is a unique opportunity to travel with Ismailtours on a well-organized trip through photogenic Morocco. Over 10 days, you’ll journey from Marrakech through Ouarzazate to the Cheguaga Desert (Sahara). The adventure includes a 6-day trek accompanied by a professional guide, with dromedaries carrying your luggage. You’ll travel at a leisurely pace, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings, immerse yourself in the culture, and, of course, take beautiful photos. If you prefer to travel without a camera, that’s also possible.
Want to explore another part of Morocco? Gather a group of at least six people, and Ismailtours will organize a custom trip just for you.
Photo Program
Through a structured course, you’ll receive extensive photography training. Starting with the basics, you’ll explore a range of topics tailored to your preferences and the group’s needs. Ample time is provided to develop your unique visual style. Sabine Joosten, a professional photographer with vast teaching and practical experience, will guide you throughout.
Sharing ideas and insights about photography with fellow travelers and an expert is inspiring. Each day, you’ll apply your new skills, receive answers to your questions, and analyze photographs—both yours and others’. The goal is to develop your eye, sharpen your critique skills, and refine your photography process.
You’ll also learn about workflow: how to select, organize, and label your photos digitally, making them easy to find later. A camera is an extension of your thoughts, feelings, and perspective on the world. Through this course, you’ll gain confidence, think creatively, and learn to see with an open mind.
This combination of learning and exploration in a beautiful country alongside like-minded individuals is a truly unique experience.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – Transfer to your Riad.
Day 2: Marrakech – Ouarzazate (or Tamdagte) – Stay in a hotel or Riad.
Day 3: Ouarzazate – Dadel Valley – Ras Nkal. First hike and camping.
Day 4: Ras Nkal – Sidi Naji – Hiking and camping.
Day 5: Dunes of Zaher – Hiking and camping.
Day 6: Dunes of Smarr – Hiking and camping.
Day 7: Hamada – Sedratte – Hiking and camping.
Day 8: Sedratte – Cheguaga – Final hike and camping.
Day 9: Cheguaga – Transfer to Marrakech – Stay in a Riad.
Day 10: Marrakech – Transfer to the airport – Return flight.
Trip in Detail
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport, we will be greeted by our guide, Ismail Zegzaou, and photographer Sabine Joosten. Together, we’ll travel by minibus to our accommodation, a charming Riad located in the heart of the old Medina of Marrakech. Each room features a private bathroom with a toilet and shower and is decorated in a traditional, colorful style. After settling into our rooms, we’ll have time to get to know one another. Later, we’ll head to the city’s central square, Jemaa el Fna, a vibrant and lively place that’s a photographer’s dream. Dinner will be enjoyed together, either at the Riad or a nearby restaurant.
Overnight: Riad (bed and breakfast).
Day 2: Transfer from Marrakech to Ouarzazate (or a small village, Tamdagte)
After breakfast, we leave the bustling city behind and head south in a minibus or 4×4 to Ouarzazate, a quaint provincial town. The journey takes us over the Tizi ’n Tichka Pass, reaching a height of 2260 meters. As we traverse the High Atlas Mountains, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of valleys and peaks. En route, we’ll visit the Kasbah of Talouet and stop in several villages for short breaks and photography. Lunch will be at a local home or restaurant. After crossing the pass, we’ll visit the stunning Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll explore its alleyways and climb to the Agadir (fortified granary) for panoramic views. Later, we continue to our hotel in Ouarzazate or our Riad in Tamdagte for dinner and accommodation.
Overnight: Riad or hotel (dinner, bed, and breakfast).
Day 3: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Ras Nkal – Start of the Trek
After breakfast, we continue our journey southward through the beautiful Draa Valley, which is lined with lush date palms and dotted with picturesque kasbahs. We’ll pass through Agdz, Zagora, Tagounit, and Oulad Driss, covering about 265 km, with stops along the way for photography. We’ll reach Mhamid, where we’ll meet our Moroccan chef, camel handlers, and the camels that will carry our luggage. After loading the camels, we’ll take a short walk, crossing the dry riverbed of the Draa to reach the edge of a palm grove, Ras Nkhel, where we’ll set up our first camp. The campsite includes a communal tent for dining, individual tents for sleeping, and comfortable mattresses. Dinner will be freshly prepared by our chef.
Walking time: ~1 hour.
Overnight: Full-board tented camp.
Day 4: Ras Nkal – Sidi Naji
After breakfast, we leave the fertile area and its irrigation systems, walking through a tamarind forest along the small Elmaleh River. The changing landscapes and rhythm of the camels provide a unique photography experience. Whether you explore with your camera or enjoy the scenery, the choice is yours. We cross the Sidi Naji plateau and camp near the shrine of Sidi Naji, a revered figure in the region.
Walking time: ~4 hours.
Overnight: Full-board tented camp.
Day 5: Dunes of Zaher
Following breakfast, we set out, leaving the tamarind forest and entering the vast desert plain. We head west, deeper into the desert, where tamarind trees give way to towering dunes. After about five hours, we reach the Erg Zaher dunes, our camping spot for the night. We’ll enjoy a breathtaking sunset and a delicious meal.
Walking time: ~5 hours.
Overnight: Full-board tented camp.
Day 6: Zaher Dunes – Smarr Dunes
After breakfast, we head north before turning west, crossing the dry Draa riverbed. Along the way, we’ll encounter a deserted village, El Bloc, with remnants of an old irrigation system and ruins where nomads occasionally stay. We’ll take time to photograph the site before setting up camp near Erg Smarr.
Walking time: ~3 hours.
Overnight: Full-board tented camp.
Day 7: Sedratte Dunes and Cheguaga
Now deep in the Sahara, we’re surrounded by endless dunes and sand plains. The Draa Hamada (rocky plateau) and Jbel Bani mountains define the horizon. The vibrant colors of the desert are astonishing. In the late afternoon, we’ll climb the highest dune, Abidlia, for a magical sunset view.
Walking time: ~3 hours.
Overnight: Full-board tented camp.
Day 8: Sedratte – Cheguaga
Walking at a steady pace alongside the camels, we leave the Sedratte dunes and cross a dry lakebed, the Daya de Cheguage, to reach our final camp in the dunes. We’ll have another chance to enjoy the sunset from the highest dune in the area.
Walking time: ~5 hours.
End of Trek – Transfer to Marrakech
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the camels, handlers, and chef and begin our journey back to Marrakech. We’ll stop along the way to capture more stunning landscapes. Once in Marrakech, we’ll return to our Riad. In the evening, we’ll review our photos and enjoy free time to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Overnight: Riad (bed and breakfast).
Day 9: Marrakech
This day is dedicated to street photography. We may visit the photography museum or explore off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods for unique photo opportunities, depending on group preferences.
Day 10: Marrakech – Return to Amsterdam
Our guide, Ismail, will escort you to the airport for your return flight. We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary country and leave with beautiful images, newfound knowledge, and unforgettable memories.
Included
- 3 nights in a hotel or Riad (B&B basis).
- Dinner in Ouarzazate (or Tamdagte).
- Full board during the trek.
- Guidance from Ismail throughout the trip.
- Photography instruction with Sabine Joosten.
- A post-trip meeting in the Netherlands to review your work.
- Dromedaries and their handlers for luggage transport.
- Encampment equipment (tents, mattresses, etc.).
- A dedicated Moroccan cook during the trek.
- Mineral water during the trek.
Not Included
- Personal drinks.
- Meals in Marrakech (other than breakfast).
- Sleeping bag.
- Entry fees to sights.
- Tips.
- Flights (Amsterdam-Marrakech, approx. €250).
- Personal travel insurance.
Pricing and Group Size
Prices available upon request. Trips proceed with a minimum of 4 participants.
For more information and to discuss your requirements:
Ismail Zegzaou +212 671085675
Email directe info@ismailtours.com
For photography questions:
Email: Sabine Joosten at info@sabinejoosten.nl
Phone: +31 (0)6 2805 7272