April 20-25, 2025
October 5-10, 2025
April 19-24, 2026
Architecture Photography
• 6 Days
• Only 4-8 Guests
• Photographer | Guide
• 4 or 5-Star Hotels
• Luxury Tent Camp
• Breakfasts
• 2 Dinners
• Local Transportation
• Private Driver & Guide
MOROCCO | SAHARA DESERT
Marrakech, Merzouga, Boumalne Dades, Ouarzazate
MOROCCO
SAHARA
PORTUGAL
ANDALUSIA
BARCELONA
PROVENCE
Our 6-Day Sahara Photo Adventure takes in so much more than just the Sahara Desert. Whether you are continuing on from our amazing 9-day Morocco Adventure or coming just for the Desert Photo Adventure, you are sure to enjoy this magical carpet ride. We depart Marrakech and cross the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. Here everything changes and a very different Morocco emerges. From the barren desert to the stunning red rock mountains outlined by lush green river beds, the contrast is spectacular and all that is needed for breathtaking landscapes. We’ll explore casbahs and stunning villages along the way before we arrive at our luxury tent camp. Here you will experience the authentic remote lifestyles of the indigenous Berber tribespeople. Be prepared for many amazing photo opportunities.
This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.
In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. We cannot think of a better location to express your creativity than the exotic nature of the Sahara Desert.
This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light, but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.
In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas and great fun. We cannot think of a better location to express your creativity than the exotic nature of the Sahara Desert.
Group Size
4-8 Guests
Experience | Difficulty
- Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
- DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
- Moderate schedule
- Travel by car or minibus
- Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking
- (non-photographers also welcome)
Weather | Sun
April – Temps 74/53 F 23/11 C Sunrise 7:14 | Sunset 5:28 (17:28)
October – Temps 77/55 F 24/11 C Sunrise 7:31 | Sunset 7:03 (19:03)
Includes
- 6 Days
- Travel, landscape, architecture, and people photography
- Professional photographer | guide
- Photo walks & discussions
- Small group size (4–8 guests)
- 4 or 5-star hotels and riads
- Desert accommodations (luxury tent camp)
- Breakfasts
- 2 Dinners
- Local transportation
- Private driver and guide
Travel Information
Arrival and Departure Airport: Marrakesh Menara (RAK) – Transfer time 15 min.
Our adventure begins at 11 AM on the first day and ends at noon on the last day.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality. Go to Visa Map to find out.
Accommodations
Boumalne Dades – Auberge Chez Pierre, Dar Jnan Tiouira Dades or similar
Merzouga – Desert Luxury Tent Camp
Marrakech – Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa or similar
Helpful Links
> Do Goats Grow on Trees? – by Michael Chinnici
> Hotel Sahrai – by Michael Chinnici
> Riad Fes – by Michael Chinnici
> Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl of Morocco – By Laurie Cohen
Sahara Desert Prices & Dates
| Adventure | Price | REGISTER |
|---|---|---|
From: $4,495 | ||
From: $4,495 | ||
From: $4,495 |
Photographer Leader
Merve Sertoglu Balaban
April 20-25, 2025
October 5-10, 2025
April 19-24, 2026
*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.
ITINERARY
SAHARA DESERT 6 DAYS
Day 1 | Marrakech
We meet after lunch and begin exploring the far side of the Marrakech’s Medina and working our way back to our Riad. In the evening we venture outside the Medina into the new city for a completely different side of Marrakech. (B)
Day 2 | Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Boumalne Dades
Today we depart Marrakech and head southeast crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the amazing Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Once crossed, everything changes. From the barren desert to the stunning red rock mountains outlined by lush green river beds, the contrast is spectacular and all that is needed for breathtaking landscapes. It takes a good two days with photographic stops to arrive at our luxury tent camp outside Merzouga. Here you will also experience the authentic remote lifestyles of the indigenous Berber tribes people. Be prepared for many amazing photo opportunities. Our amazing day will take us through Aït Benhaddou including many wonderful casbahs and lush valleys. We will visit the Ksar and explore Berber architecture. We will explore the cities of Ouarzazate, Skoura, Roses Valley and Dades Valley before arriving at our hotel in Boumalne Dades. (B)
Day 3 | Boumalne Dades – Merzouga - Sahara Desert
After breakfast we leave Boumalne Dades for our drive to Merzouga. Our trek will take us to Tinghir. Here we will visit Todgha Gorges. After exploring we will continue on passing through Tinjdad, Jorf and Erfoud. Here you will begin to feel the beginning of the Saharan oasis of Tafilalet, and then finally on to Merzouga. In Merzouga we will switch to a 4-wheel drive Land Cruiser and head into the desert to our Luxury Tent Camp, complete with hot and cold running water, king size beds and duvets, shower and toilet.
Once in the camp we will position ourselves high up on a dune to capture the camel caravans passing through. Shooting in the desert at this time is truly an amazing experience, complete with a golden glow and long shadows. Here we will hopefully enjoy a magical sunset. Dinner followed by the beating of Berber drums around a fire pit. Overnight in our Berber Luxury Tent Camp. (B) (D)
Day 4 | Sahara Desert – Boumalne Dades
After a starry night in the desert (where temps can drop to 65º F), we are up early to climb the sand dunes and photograph a splendid sunrise. After breakfast we will ride camels back to our driver / guide in Merzouga. After a brief break we begin our return trip to Boumalne Dades and depending on conditions may take a different route back. Here you will experience a truly remote and extreme Morocco. Vast barren landscapes and very small villages. (B)
Day 5 | Ouarzazate - Dades Valley - Marrakech
After breakfast, we take off for Marrakech passing back through the cities of Ouarzazate, Skoura, Roses Valley and Dades Valley. After we cross the High Atlas Mountains and back to civilization. Once in Marrakech we checkin to our luxury hotel in the new city for a completely different Marrakech experience. In the evening we will prepare for our wonderful “Farewell Dinner”, with great fun and laughter as we discuss all the highlights of the trip. (B) (D)
Day 6 | Marrakech
After breakfast, we review photos and trade contact information and bid you farewell. We urge you to extend your stay in Marrakech and make good use of everything you will learn on our photo adventure. If you are flying out of Casablanca, a taxi can be arranged to take you to the airport (approx. 2.5 hours drive). (B)
(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (E) Excursion
May all who come as guests... leave as friends®
OPTIONS AND BENEFITS
Pricing
All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which offer cultural, historic and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.
Private Guided Adventures
We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.
Travel Insurance
We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry.
The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.
Rewards Program
Start earning points today and SAVE $200 - $900 off future trips!
Simply register for one of our amazing photo adventures and begin earning points today!
How The Program Works
For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Rewards Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.
ORANGE REWARDS
All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately after your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.
GOLD REWARDS
With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD.
Additional Gold Benefits:
- Earn up to double points during promotional events
- Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
VIP REWARDS
With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount).
Additional VIP Benefits:
- Earn up to double points during promotional events
- Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
- Ability to Gift or Transfer points to others
- Receive complimentary airport transfers at the destination location*
Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always log in to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount.
THINK ORANGE Magazine
Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. THINK ORANGE is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our blog is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Welcome to our world. We hope you enjoy. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!
Gift Cards
Give someone you know a Gift Card, good toward any of our Photo Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandize. Our beautifully personalized eGift Cards and Certificates are delivered to you electronically. They are fully transferable and have a 2 year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for anyone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or email for more information.
