They say that within the shadows of the Sahara Desert it’s possible to the hear the sound of the stars as they glimmer with the embroidered melody of the infinite sand. Indeed, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech, and the Sahara are places that live in our imagination with their endless array of immortal stories.
Join world travelers Jennifer Spelman and Derek Baron on a winding journey into the heart of Morocco and through a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and evocative sounds. We venture deep into the markets and side streets of ancient cities, straight across the mesmerizing dunes of the Sahara Desert, over towering mountain ranges, and into isolated villages and valleys home to a traditional way of life that few visitors have the chance to experience.
We begin our 12-day adventure by gathering in Morocco’s economic capital, Casablanca, for an orientation meeting and welcome dinner as we get our cameras in order and find our bearings. The following morning, we then travel in a 15-passenger Mercedes van to the imperial city of Fez, where medieval roots are still visible, and a never-ending maze of lanes and streets waits to be discovered and photographed. Our welcoming home for two nights is a lovely hotel within the city center. So, we can move at a slower pace and make deeper personal connections with the people we meet, we explore Fez in small-guided groups.
Our fourth day takes us on a scenic journey across the magnificent Middle and High Atlas Mountains. We stop for nourishment and to create new images along the beautiful Ziz Valley and in the alpine town of Ifrane. We arrive at the edge of the great Sahara Desert and the remote town of Merzouga. We end our day photographing the sunset over the desert.
The morning of the fifth day we visit local Berber and Gnawa communities—a rare experience enjoyed by few travelers and the afternoon includes time to photograph Merzouga and the sweeping dunes before another evening in the riad.
Day six with the vast Sahara ahead of us, we each make a choice to trek on camelback or ride by Jeep across the brilliant Erg Chebbi sand dunes to reach our desert campsite of luxury yurts. A delicious dinner, traditional music around a campfire and stargazing, concludes a full and exhilarating day.
Day seven begins with a multicolored sunrise over the sweeping Sahara and ends with last light in the palm groves of the lush Dades Valley. This day will include a visit to Erfoud as we transition from desert to valley.
The next morning, we head out from Dades Gorge in 4×4 vehicles and drive across the high desert valleys to the remote town of Bou Tharar. Along the way, we stop to visit nomadic Bedouin cave dwellers, learn about their traditions, and photograph their daily lives. Once in Bou Tharar, we take a guided walk to explore and photograph this beautiful village with its 300-year-old kasbahs and endless fields of flowers.
The next day is a portrait photographer’s delight, and we focus our attention and cameras on the families that live in the small villages in the Dades Valley. In addition to being invited into Berber and Bedouin homes, we make portraits of locals among the spectacular rock formations. A relaxing picnic lunch alongside a nearby stream and an afternoon of hiking Monkey Fingers Gorge or a cooking class hosted in a private residence rounds out this special day.
Next, magic and mystery loom large ahead of us. On the tenth day we depart the Dades Valley and again cross the Atlas Mountains, stopping in the town of Ouarzazate, an impeccable town full of ancient kasbahs and known for its famous movie studios. We’ll also stop in the remote village of Tisseldei for a wonderful lunch overlooking a beautiful mountain valley.
As the light fades, we enter the most beloved city in all of Morocco—Marrakech. Our eleventh day is spent exploring this enchanting metropolis of incredible architecture, bustling markets, centuries-old crafts, constant celebrations, intense colors and aromas, and an infectious positive energy. Marrakech dazzles all the senses and makes for a wonderful final day before we say our goodbyes and depart on the 12th day.
During our adventure, Jennifer shares techniques for street photography, dynamic portraiture, and capturing layered landscapes. Our enduring focus is on creating mindful images, and group review sessions allow space for valuable feedback. Morocco is a safe, stable and extremely welcoming country to visit. Our well-planned daily itineraries—combined with the expertise of our local guides—assure a most rewarding, inspiring, and wonder-filled experience.
Morocco is situated at the very intersection of Europe and Africa, a place of preserved traditions and warm hospitality and the perfect backdrop for capturing memorable photographs. From Bedouin to Berber to Gnawa communities, this promises to be an unforgettable journey.
This program is open to photographers at all levels who are passionate about travel and improving their image making.
Participants should be technically self-sufficient, as this is not a program to learn how to use your gear or editing software. This a photographic tour, not a photography workshop and there isn’t structured classroom time. There are individual and group image review sessions with Jennifer, as well as help with photographic ideas and techniques on-location.
Participants make their own air travel arrangements to Casablanca (CMN) to arrive in time for the opening reception and dinner on Wednesday, October 16 at 6:00 pm. To avoid jet lag, it is advised to consider arriving a day in advance to rest before the tour begins. Once the trip is confirmed, additional information and travel details will be provided. Enrollment is limited to 14 participants.
NOTE: This trip starts in Casablanca and finishes in Marrakech (RAK). However, you can choose to return home from Casablanca; a transfer can be arranged for a fee. The trip takes 3 hours from Marrakech to Casablanca airport.
To get the most from this international experience, participants should be in good physical (mobility, stamina) and mental health. In general, arrive prepared for long days and seasonal weather including variable temperatures. You must be able to carry your own photographic and personal gear at all times. You are responsible for being open and honest about your physical fitness, and we reserve the right to remove you from the workshop if we find your fitness to be less than that which you have described.
While this particular tour itself is not very strenuous, please note that it can involve the following: somewhat long days, a good amount of walking, being in the sun in potentially hot temperatures, long journeys, steep stairs, uneven terrain such as dirt, sand, loose rock, and gravel, early morning wake-ups and other similar scenarios.
View Payment, Refund, Withdrawal, and Transfer Policies for this International Program.
$7,895 includes double accommodations for eleven nights (ideal for couples and friends traveling together; single supplement available for an additional $1,500); all breakfasts, seven lunches, and nine dinners; all transportation in Morocco; airport transfers; and all entrance fees. Airfare to Casablanca as well as required travel insurance, meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary, gratuities, and passport/visa fees are not included. NOTE: This trip starts in Casablanca and finishes in Marrakech. However, you can choose to return home from Casablanca; a transfer can be arranged for a fee. The trip takes 3 hours from Marrakech to Casablanca airport.
Jennifer Spelman is a documentary photographer. She is co-publisher of CubaSeen, a quarterly magazine showcasing photography and writing about Cuba.
Jennifer received her photographic training as an assistant with Santa Fe Workshops, working with some of today’s most preeminent photographers: Jay Maisel, Norman Mauskopf, and Joe McNally.
A sensitive photographer of people, Jennifer strives to create portraits with energy and insight. She is most at home on the streets of Havana and has worked with Santa Fe Workshops across Cuba since 2011. Jennifer is a patient educator who has co-instructed with National Geographic Expeditions and taught workshops in Morocco, India, Turkey, Romania, Mexico, Japan, in addition to Cuba.
A popular workshop instructor, Jennifer is also part of our Mentorship Program »
Website: jenniferspelman.com
Instagram: @jennifer_spelman
