Journey in Morocco: In January 2026, I spent twelve unforgettable days in Morocco on a photography trip that took me from the sensory overload of Marrakesh to the windswept Atlantic coast, and onward to the grand cities of Casablanca and Rabat. Arriving in winter proved ideal: softer light, cooler temperatures, and streets alive with daily life rather than crowds.
Arrival in Marrakesh
The journey began with a flight from London to Marrakesh. As soon as we landed, Morocco made its intentions clear—warm colours, busy rhythms, and a sense of history layered over everything. At the airport, our driver was already waiting, and we were soon weaving through the city toward our accommodation.
We stayed in a historic building in the old part of town, recently renovated but still full of character. The house was located near Place Mellah, within easy walking distance of Jewish Square, the Bahia Palace, and the legendary Djemaa El Fna. This location proved perfect—not only for exploring, but for photography, as life unfolded right outside the door from early morning to late at night.
Exploring Marrakesh
The first few days were dedicated entirely to Marrakesh. I wandered through the medina, the souks, and the newer parts of the city, camera always in hand. Every corner offered something visually compelling: artisans at work, narrow alleys pierced by shafts of light, tiled courtyards, and the constant contrast between chaos and calm.
January light in Marrakesh was a gift—soft mornings, dramatic shadows in the afternoon, and golden hues at sunset. I captured some of my favourite images of the trip here, especially around Djemaa El Fna as the square transformed from daytime openness into an evening spectacle of smoke, sound, and movement.
One day, we hired a local guide with a car to take us around Marrakesh and its surroundings. This added depth to the experience, offering access to places and perspectives we might have missed on our own, and allowing me to focus more fully on photographing the city’s textures and people.
Driving to the Atlantic: Essaouira and Sidi Kaouki
After several days in the city, we rented a car and headed west toward the coast. The drive from Marrakesh to Essaouira was a highlight in itself—a fantastic journey through the countryside, with changing landscapes, argan trees, and wide-open skies.
Essaouira felt like a complete contrast to Marrakesh: relaxed, windswept, and washed in blues and whites. The port, the old city walls, and the constant presence of the ocean offered a different photographic rhythm—simpler compositions, strong lines, and dramatic skies.
From there, we continued to Sidi Kaouki, even quieter and more elemental. The beaches stretched endlessly, dotted with surfers, camels, and locals going about their day. It was a place where time slowed down, and photography became more contemplative.
A Long Day North: Casablanca and Rabat
Back in Marrakesh, we set out early one morning for an ambitious one-day road trip to Casablanca and Rabat. It was a long drive, but well worth the effort. One thing that struck me immediately was how clean and well-maintained the roads were, making the journey surprisingly pleasant.
The views along the way were beautiful—open landscapes, changing light, and a sense of movement that contrasted nicely with the stillness of earlier coastal scenes. In Casablanca, the scale and modernity of the city stood out, while Rabat offered elegance and calm, with its coastal setting and historic sites providing excellent photographic opportunities.
Reflections
This twelve-day journey through Morocco was rich in contrasts: ancient and modern, busy and quiet, inland heat and Atlantic wind. From the labyrinths of Marrakesh to the open roads and coastal horizons, every location offered its own visual language.
Traveling with a camera made me slow down, observe more carefully, and appreciate the everyday moments as much as the iconic landmarks. Morocco, especially in January, proved to be a photographer’s dream—generous with light, colour, and stories waiting to be told.
