OVERVIEW 

Join renowned photographers Dave Brosha, Joel Robison, and Stephen DesRoches* on a 10-day Moroccan photography adventure like no other and immerse yourself in the captivating blend of history, culture, and incredible natural beauty that this enchanting country offers. We will mix landscape, astronomy, and street photography in this land of wonder.

We will explore vibrant Casablanca, exploring its bustling streets and indulging in Moroccan flavours, discover the mesmerizing blue streets of Chefchaouen, a hidden gem in the Rif mountains, unearth the ancient treasures of Volubilis and delve into the labyrinthine alleys of Fes — a medieval wonder.

Want to get further away from civilization? We will venture into the Sahara Desert to ride camels through towering sand dunes and experience Saharan magic at a Berber camp, explore the dramatic Todra Gorge, visit the iconic Ait Benhaddou, and traverse the stunning Atlas Mountains on our way to world-renowned Marrakech.

Once in Marrakech, we will get lost in its bustling, photogenic markets and the UNESCO-listed Djemaa-el-Fna square.

This journey in Morocco is a sensory feast, a tapestry of colours, flavours, and memories. Join OFFBEAT for an unforgettable Moroccan sojourn!

Location: Casablanca to Marrakech, Morocco

Dates: April 28 - May 7, 2025 

Tour Leaders*: Dave Brosha,  Joel Robison, and Stephen DesRoches

 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Dramatic landscape photography techniques
• Astrophotography in the Sahara Desert
• Street photography techniques
• Long exposure techniques
• Expanded creative vision

 ITINERARY

(Note: subject to change)

Day 1  - April 28, 2025  // Casablanca

Day 2 - April 29, 2025 // Casablanca to Chefchaouen

We will start with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, before moving on Chefchaouen in order to have photowalk through this beautiful town. High up in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen boasts a beautiful blue door and white-walled medina that was originally a Berber post. The main square is the heart of Chefchaouen, with the Kasbah built back in the 18th century, central Mosque and cafes with authentic menus.

Overnight Chefchaouen (Breakfast included).

Day 3 - April 30, 2025 // Chefchaouen to Fes

We enjoy some free time in Chefchaouen this morning - spend your time exploring this beautiful city with your camera or relax at the hotel before we move on to Fes after lunch, via Volubilis. This Roman settlement of Volubilis is the largest ancient attraction in Morocco and is a UNESCO listed site dating back to AD 40. We will explore Volubilis before moving onwards to Fes. Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world, and its medina is a heady mix of aromas, sounds and sights.

We will have the whole day to explore Fes on Day 4.

Overnight Fes (Breakfast included).

Day 4 - May 1, 2025// Fes

Today, we will dive photographically into Fes. Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world. Its Medina, home to 400,000 inhabitants, with only donkeys and bikes as a means of transportation, is a heady mix of aromas, sights and sounds. There are plenty of mosques and palaces to visit but be aware that only Muslims can enter mosques in Morocco.

This day will be a big mix of dye-pits, tanneries, pharmacy, pottery and restaurants.

Overnight in Fes (Breakfast included).

Day 5 - May 2, 2025 // Fes to Erfoud

We will visit Ifran and Errachidia before continuing on to Erfoud, an oasis town in the Saharan desert.
On arrival you'll have time to explore this small town, its beautiful surroundings and souk.
Capture some inspiring photos of the lush scenery with a background of Mountains.

Overnight Erfoud (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included).

Day 6 - May 3, 2025 // Erfoud to Sahara Camp

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Rissani town for a visit to one of its old villages then continue to Merzouga area where we will
visit and learn about the Gnawa people at the village of Lkhamlia, experience their wonderful music and lifestyle. We will have lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch we will drive along the road with the majestic sand dunes on our side amid stunning golden coloured sand dunes
that reach up to 500 feet high, creating an otherworldly landscape. Then, switch modes of transport from minivan and ride like a local,
on camel back, to your tented camp where you will be welcomed with mint tea. As the sun sets over the Saharan dunes,
we'll be busy with our camera. Return to your camp for a traditional meal before a campfire, before heading out for an incredible night of astrophotography.

Overnight Sahara Berber camp (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included).

Day 7 - May 4, 2025 //  Sahara To Todra Gorge

After a wonderful breakfast in the dunes, we leave the desert, making a stop to have Moroccan tea with a local family
and learn a little about their lives in this harsh environment. En-route to Todra, if time allows, we can stop to visit
ancient irrigation wells where you can see how they were created from an intricate network of underground canals
running from the Atlas to the Sahara, more than 300km and dating back to the 14th Century.

Moving on to stunning Todra Gorge for a guided walk through the Todra valley with its 300M high cliffs, exploring the gorge.

Day 8 - May 5, 2025 // Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ait Benhaddou

Straight after breakfast, we head off through the road of The Roses Valley, famous in Morocco for roses. On arrival in Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage
site that boasts great examples of Kasbahs, some of which remain inhabited. This afternoon we have a guided tour of the famous Kasbah
and one of the oldest villages in South Morocco. This is where Lawrence of Arabia was once filmed and also used as a backdrop for movies like Gladiator.

After all these magnificent sites, we take the drive to Marrakech driving over the stunning Tizi n Tichka pass in the Atlas Mountains, which we will, of course, stop to photograph.

Day 9 - May 6, 2025 // Marrakech

This morning we will enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech. Marrakech is set against the snow-capped Atlas Mountains;
its landmark is the Koutoubia Tower, sister to the Tower of Hassan in Rabat and the Giralda Tower in Seville.
It is said that after the third of these was completed, the sultan had the eyes of his architect put out, l
est he should build another more beautiful tower elsewhere.

Day 10 - May 7, 2025 // Depart Morocco

It is time for your return to Marrakech airport, and our team will ensure you arrive at the airport the final morning of this grand adventure.

(Breakfast included)

* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.

 THE FINER DETAILS 

Included:

• Daily instructions/mentorship with Dave Brosha, Joel Robison, and Stephen DesRoches
• 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners included
• Guided tours + entrance fees
• Camel Trek in the Sahara Desert
• All in-country transportation and hotels during workshop dates.
• Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
• Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.

Not Included:

• Flights to or from arrival city of Casablanca or departure city of Marrakech
• Some dinners/lunches.
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel Insurance
• Optional guided tours.
• Tips for guides and drivers.

 PRICE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE 

Cost: CAD $6900* (Based on double occupancy)

Payment options: Full payment or $1500 non-refundable deposit to secure a space with remaining four payments as listed below.

Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $1500

•  Payment #2 $1800 - April 25, 2024
• Payment #3: $1800 - July 25, 2024
• Payment #4: $1800 - October 25, 2024

Single Room Supplement fee:  $650

Note:  if you are interested in bringing your spouse/partner on this, we have a  discounted spousal/partner rate of $4500.

Note: Failure to pay by due dates means forfeiting deposit and spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in cancellation policy below).

If unforeseen circumstances arise, refunds will not be given but participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant. In such case, participants are responsible for handling payment for the transfer.

  PARTICIPANTS 

• 8 minimum

We require a minimum of 8 participants in order to run this workshop. If the minimum numbers are not reached by January 2025 the workshop may be cancelled and deposits will be refunded to participants. See our cancellation policy below for more details.

 ACCOMMODATIONS 

Your time for the duration of the workshop is split between comfortable hotels.

Important note:   please note that accommodations will be shared (two participants of the same sex per room). Accommodations are always made for friends/spouses traveling together to ensure you room together.  A single room may be available for a supplemental fee.

 WHAT TO EXPECT 

The workshop is suitable for participants of all levels of experience in photography. Most locations will be readily accessible with short hikes.

This event focuses 100% on landscape + outdoor + night + street photography, but participants are free to ask questions about and practice portrait photography as well. It is worth noting that the workshop will be quite active in order to maximize field time. Participants are not expected to participate in every aspect of the workshop/tour. It’s up to you to get out as much as you like, though of course it is recommended you give it your all.

 LEAVE NO TRACE 

We preach and live the ethics of "leave no trace" photography, which means that the utmost care is given, while hiking and photographing, to leaving zero impact on the natural environment. Participants are expected to approach this tour with the same ethics at all times.

 INSURANCE

It is not only advised but required that workshop participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage (proof required within 4 months of departure).

Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. 

Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility. By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.

 OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration.

 TRAVEL VISA 

It is the participant's responsibility to ensure they have a valid Travel Visa (if applicable/required) for the duration of the workshop.