Morocco.
Beyond the eclipse.
Balance due 30 days before departure.
A moment of wonder.
A journey of discovery.
Join IceMonkey Tours for a once-in-a-lifetime photographic expedition combining the Total Solar Eclipse of August 2, 2027 with an unforgettable journey through Morocco.
We will photograph the eclipse from Tangier, where totality will last approximately 4 minutes and 51 seconds. After the eclipse, our route continues through Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Fez, the Atlas Mountains, Merzouga, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakech.
This 13-day adventure combines eclipse, landscape, architecture, culture, wildlife and night photography in a small group with private transportation and expert photographic guidance.
See differently.
Follow the light.
Keep learning.
- 13-day photographic journey through Morocco
- Photograph the Total Solar Eclipse 2027 in Tangier
- Approximately 4 minutes and 51 seconds of totality
- Eclipse, landscape, wildlife and night photography
- Four nights in Merzouga, including one desert camp night
- Desert fox search, 4x4 excursion and Milky Way sessions
- Small group of 10 with private transport and expert guidance
Embark on a unique photographic journey through Morocco during the summer of 2027. This 13-day tour begins in Tangier with one of the greatest astronomical events of our lifetime: the Total Solar Eclipse of August 2, 2027.
After the eclipse, we will travel through the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the ancient medina of Fez, the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas and the spectacular dunes of Merzouga.
We will spend four nights in the Merzouga region, including three hotel nights and one night in a desert camp. Our activities include sunset and night photography, a 4×4 desert excursion, visits to nomadic communities and a special early-morning outing to search for and photograph desert foxes.
The journey continues through Todra Gorge, the Valley of Roses, Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou before finishing among the souks, palaces and vibrant streets of Marrakech.
This expedition is designed for photographers of all levels and combines landscape, eclipse, wildlife, architecture, culture and night photography with expert guidance throughout the tour.
Morocco, through our lens.
Your journey, day by day.
Arrival at Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport and transfer to the hotel. Welcome meeting, eclipse briefing, camera and solar-filter checks, and an optional sunset photography session depending on arrival times. Overnight: Tangier.
Early departure to the selected eclipse location. Time to set up tripods, prepare cameras and complete final safety checks. Tangier will experience approximately 4 minutes and 51 seconds of totality. We will photograph the solar corona, prominences, Baily’s beads and the diamond-ring effect. Afternoon rest and image review. Overnight: Tangier.
After breakfast we begin the classic Morocco route and travel to Chefchaouen, the legendary Blue City in the Rif Mountains. Afternoon photography among its blue alleys, stairways, traditional doors and local street scenes. Overnight: Chefchaouen.
Morning photography in Chefchaouen followed by a visit to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, with its columns, arches and mosaics. Continue to Fez in the afternoon. Overnight: Fez.
Explore the ancient medina of Fez, its traditional workshops, markets and famous tanneries. Later we cross the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, home to Barbary macaques, and continue south. Overnight: Midelt.
Travel south through the changing landscapes of the Atlas to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Check in at our desert hotel, followed by sunset photography in the dunes and an optional night session under the stars. Overnight: hotel in Merzouga.
Visit Khamlia and experience traditional Gnawa music. Continue to the Mifis mines and share tea with nomadic families. In the afternoon, explore the Merzouga region by private 4×4, searching for strong desert compositions. Overnight: hotel in Merzouga.
Early-morning outing with local trackers to search for and photograph desert foxes while respecting their natural behaviour and keeping a safe distance. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Afterwards, visit the traditional market of Rissani and return to Merzouga for rest and sunset photography. Overnight: hotel in Merzouga.
A relaxed morning in Merzouga followed by a traditional local lunch. In the afternoon we travel into the dunes to reach our desert camp. Photograph sunset, blue hour and the night sky from the heart of the Sahara. Overnight: desert camp in Merzouga.
Sunrise photography in the dunes followed by breakfast and departure toward Ouarzazate. Travel through Todra Gorge and the Valley of Roses, with photographic stops along the route. Overnight: Ouarzazate.
Visit the film studios of Ouarzazate and the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. Cross the High Atlas Mountains and continue to Marrakech. Overnight: Marrakech.
A full day to photograph Marrakech: its souks, traditional workshops, gardens, palaces and street life. Sunset and evening photography in the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna square. Overnight: Marrakech.
Breakfast and transfers to Marrakech Menara Airport according to each participant’s flight schedule. End of the Morocco Total Solar Eclipse Photography Tour.
Nature sets the pace.
Every detail, considered.
Included in your trip
- Airport–hotel transfers on arrival in Tangier and departure from Marrakech
- All transfers in a private vehicle
- Accommodation in comfortable hotels and one desert camp (double/twin room accommodation)
- Entrance fees to the Ouarzazate film studios and Marrakech Palace
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners
- Photography guidance from our professionals, including eclipse preparation
- Scheduled Merzouga 4x4 excursion and desert fox search
Not included
- International air tickets from the country of origin to Morocco
- Tips and gratuities
- Buggy and quad rides in Merzouga
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
- Anything not mentioned in the Included list
A room of your own.
Experience in the field.
JOSE D. RIQUELME
José D. Riquelme is an award-winning photographer born in Murcia, Spain, recognized internationally with various awards and accolades such as:
- "Open Nature Winner and Overall Winner" at the Epson Pano Awards 2023.
- "Photographer of the Year 2021" in the night category at the 35awards.
- Four consecutive gold medals at the Trierenberg Super Circuit in Vienna.
- Remarkable Art Work at the Siena International Photo Awards.
- Gold medal at the Pano Epson Awards.
- Finalist at the Xposure International Photography Festival.
- Consistently ranked among the top three landscape and night landscape photographers at the 35awards for three consecutive years, competing with an average of 120,000 participants.
- Special Prize “Amazing Clouds” at The International Landscape Photographer of the Year 2021.
- Winner of the Viewbug "Shooting the Blue Hour" photo contest.
- Winner of Viewbug's Monthly Pro Photo Contest Vol 45.
From Tangier to Marrakech.
Ready for the photograph.
• A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls
• A sturdy tripod with a ball head
• A wide-angle lens, such as a 14–24 mm
• A standard zoom lens, such as a 24–70 mm
• A telephoto lens, such as a 70–200 mm
• A 400–600 mm telephoto lens for photographing the eclipse
• A dedicated full-aperture solar photography filter (approximately 16.6 stops / ND100000) for all partial phases of the eclipse
• Certified solar eclipse glasses for personal eye protection
• A remote shutter release or intervalometer
• A camera bag or backpack suitable for carrying equipment safely
• A headlamp for night photography sessions
• Spare batteries, battery chargers, memory cards and a card reader
• A lens-cleaning kit and air blower, especially useful in dusty and desert environments
• A laptop with Adobe Photoshop and Camera Raw installed for the editing sessions
• An optional 6-stop ND filter and polarizing filter for landscape photographyImportant: Standard photographic ND filters, including an ND1000, must not be used as a substitute for a proper solar filter. The solar filter must remain securely attached to the front of the lens throughout all partial phases and may only be removed during totality, following the guides’ instructions.
Please do not bring a drone unless its importation and use have been authorized in advance by the relevant Moroccan authorities.
Our photography tour will take place in August, during the Moroccan summer. Temperatures will be warm in Tangier and Chefchaouen and considerably higher in the interior of the country and the Sahara Desert. We recommend wearing lightweight, breathable clothing and protecting yourself carefully from the sun.
• FOOTWEAR: Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking shoes with good grip. Sandals may be useful at the hotels, but closed shoes are recommended for photographic excursions and desert activities.
• UPPER BODY: Lightweight and breathable T-shirts, preferably made from quick-drying fabric. Long-sleeved shirts are recommended for protection from the sun and dust. Bring a light jacket or fleece for air-conditioned places, early mornings and nighttime photography sessions in the desert.
• LOWER BODY: Comfortable, lightweight trousers or convertible hiking trousers. Shorts may be worn during some activities, although clothing covering the shoulders and knees is recommended when visiting medinas, traditional villages and cultural or religious sites.
• SUN PROTECTION: A wide-brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses with UV protection and high-factor sunscreen are essential.
• USEFUL ACCESSORIES: A lightweight scarf or neck gaiter to protect against sun, wind and desert dust, a reusable water bottle and a small daypack for carrying water, photographic accessories and personal belongings.
We recommend drinking bottled or properly filtered water and carrying a reusable bottle that can be refilled from safe drinking-water sources provided by the hotels.
Wi-Fi will be available at most hotels, although the connection may be slower in remote desert areas. You can purchase a Moroccan SIM card after arrival or arrange an international eSIM before travelling.
Morocco’s official currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and larger shops, but we recommend carrying some cash for medinas, markets, small shops and tips. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks or authorized exchange offices.
Morocco uses type C and E electrical outlets, operating at approximately 220 V and 50 Hz. Travellers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and other countries with different plugs will need an adapter.
August temperatures can be very high, particularly around Merzouga, Ouarzazate and Marrakech. Drink water regularly, use sunscreen and follow the guides’ recommendations regarding sun exposure and rest periods.
Keep batteries, memory cards and sensitive photographic equipment protected from heat, sand and dust. Never leave cameras or lenses exposed inside a closed vehicle.
The importation and operation of drones in Morocco require prior authorization. Do not travel with a drone unless IceMonkey Tours has confirmed that the necessary permits have been obtained.
FLIGHTS TO MOROCCO
Participants should book their arrival flight to Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) and their departure flight from Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK).
Please consult IceMonkey Tours before purchasing your flights to ensure that the arrival and departure times are compatible with the scheduled transfers. Participants travelling from distant destinations may prefer to arrive one day early in order to begin the tour well rested.
DOCUMENTATION
Entry requirements for Morocco vary according to nationality and may change before the departure date. Every participant is responsible for travelling with a valid passport and for checking whether a visa or any additional documentation is required.
We recommend verifying the latest requirements with the nearest Moroccan embassy or consulate before purchasing your flights. Mandatory travel and medical insurance must cover the complete duration of the tour.
MEALS
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. Drinks, alcoholic beverages and any food or services ordered separately are not included unless expressly indicated.
On photography-intensive days, meals may be adapted to the schedule or provided as picnics so that we can make the best use of the available light. Participants must notify IceMonkey Tours in advance of any allergies, intolerances or dietary requirements.
ECLIPSE AND ITINERARY CONDITIONS
The total solar eclipse is a natural event, and its visibility depends on weather and atmospheric conditions. The guides will monitor the forecasts and may adjust the observation location or daily schedule to obtain the best possible conditions.
All participants must follow the guides’ safety instructions during the eclipse. Proper solar filters and certified eclipse glasses are mandatory throughout the partial phases. The solar filter may only be removed during totality when instructed by the photographic guides.
The itinerary may be modified when necessary because of weather, road conditions, local restrictions or other circumstances beyond the organization’s control.
A few things worth knowing.
The tour will take place from August 1 to August 13, 2027, with a total duration of 13 days and 12 nights. The total solar eclipse will occur on August 2, 2027.
The tour will begin in Tangier, where we will photograph the total solar eclipse. We will then visit some of Morocco’s most photogenic destinations, including Chefchaouen, Fez, the Atlas Mountains, Merzouga, the Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakech.
The tour will be led by José D. Riquelme, a professional photographer specializing in landscape, night and eclipse photography and the Overall Winner of the 2023 Epson International Pano Awards. Our local team in Morocco will also provide assistance throughout the journey.
The tour is designed for photographers of all skill levels, from complete beginners to professionals. The instruction and photographic guidance will be adapted to each participant’s experience and equipment. Non-photographers are also welcome to join and enjoy the eclipse and the journey through Morocco.
The importation and operation of drones in Morocco require prior official authorization. You should not travel with a drone unless IceMonkey Tours has confirmed in writing that all the necessary permits have been obtained. Drones brought into Morocco without authorization may be retained by customs authorities.
Aerial photography instruction is not normally included in this tour because of Morocco’s restrictions on the importation and operation of drones. If special authorization is obtained for a specific location, participants will be informed in advance.
You will need a dedicated photographic solar filter, approximately ND100000 or 16.6 stops, that completely covers the front of the lens. A standard ND1000 filter is not sufficient for safely photographing the partial phases. Certified eclipse glasses are also mandatory when looking directly at the Sun.
The camera filter must remain securely attached throughout all partial phases and may only be removed during totality, following the guides’ instructions.
Yes. We recommend bringing a laptop to download and back up your photographs and to participate in the image-selection and editing sessions. Adobe Photoshop and Camera Raw should be installed before the beginning of the tour.
Let’s talk about your trip.
Plan your expedition.
Deposit Policy: A reservation is confirmed upon a deposit of US$ 2,500. No spots will be reserved without the deposit.
Final Payment: The final amount must be paid 30 days before the trip begins.
We understand that attending our workshops requires prior commitment, and also that life events can occur that force you to cancel a trip. Depending on the cancellation date, the following conditions will apply:
- More than 90 days before the start date of the workshop: Full refund of payments made.
- Between 90 and 60 days before the start of the workshop: 50% of the booking will be refunded.
- 60-30 days before the start of the workshop: 35% of the booking will be refunded.
- Within 30 days prior to the start of the workshop: No refund will be made.
Accidents:
- IceMonkey is not responsible for accidents to workshop participants and will not cover medical expenses if necessary. During the workshop, each participant is responsible for their own safety and physical integrity.
- IceMonkey is not responsible for accidents or loss of photographic equipment during the workshop. Each participant is responsible for their own photographic equipment.
Travel insurance is mandatory.
Punctuality:
- Each day of the expedition, all participants must be punctual at the established time. All participants must be at the starting point of the expedition for its beginning. In case of delays due to inconveniences, the participant must communicate with someone from the IceMonkey staff as soon as possible.
- Respect:
Participants may be at different levels of knowledge about the subject, which requires patience when explaining topics that are already familiar to them. The photographic area of each participant must be respected. Disrespect towards a participant or staff member will not be tolerated.
This is a discrimination-free space. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, discrimination based on sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Climate:
- The tour and its itinerary depend on the weather and can change at any moment. We will always be attentive to the best weather conditions to determine where to go and optimize the taking of photographs.
- Price: $6.800
- Date: August 1–13, 2027
- Duration: 13 days / 12 nights
- Languages: english / spanish
- Places: 10
- Activity Level: All levels
- Arrival: Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport (TNG)
- Departure: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
Your next extraordinary
photograph starts here.
Your next extraordinary photograph.
Let’s talk about Morocco.
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