Morocco Moroccos Sahara Desert

This photo was taken in the dunes of the Sahara Desert, near Merzouga, Morocco – a popular base for overnight camel treks into the Erg Chebbi dunes. The rolling shapes of the sand dunes, especially during golden hour, create an incredible setting for minimalist compositions and silhouettes. It’s a classic Moroccan desert experience and a dream location for photographers.

The magic happens at sunrise and sunset when the low sun casts long shadows and paints the dunes in warm tones. Silhouettes work brilliantly here – camels, guides, or even footprints help tell a story. Use a telephoto lens to compress the dunes and isolate subjects, or go wide to capture scale. Watch your horizon – in the desert, it’s easy to shoot slightly tilted if you’re standing on uneven ground. Protect your gear from sand – change lenses cautiously or not at all while out on the dunes.

Merzouga is about 9–10 hours by car from Marrakech, so most people book a 2 or 3-day tour with overnight stays. Camel treks into the dunes usually start before sunset and include a night in a desert camp. Expect basic but comfortable facilities, and some serious stargazing if the skies are clear. Pack warm layers – it gets cold at night, even after a hot day.