Morocco delivers an extraordinary blend of culture, color, and landscape—and in 2027, it becomes the stage for one of the most dramatic celestial events of the decade. On this Backcountry Journeys adventure, we’ll combine world-class total eclipse photography with the textures, tones, and timeless character of northern Morocco. From bustling coastal cities to the blue alleys of Chefchaouen and the peaceful rhythms of rural life, this itinerary is built around capturing both the beauty of the country and the rare celestial spectacle that will briefly transform its skies.

What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely covers the sun, casting a shadow over the Earth and plunging the day into darkness. This extraordinary phenomenon reveals the sun's corona, a stunning halo of light visible only during totality. The 2027 eclipse offers a unique opportunity to capture this celestial event in Morocco.

We’ll begin in Tangier, a centuries-old crossroads where Africa meets the Mediterranean. Here, the streets come alive with contrast: bold shadows in tight medina alleys, vibrant markets, and a unique architectural blend shaped by its international past. It’s the perfect environment for warming up our camera skills with dynamic street scenes and cultural portraits.

From there, we’ll explore Asilah’s bright white walls, seaside ramparts, and artistic murals—an ideal playground for photographers who love clean tones and strong lines. The combination of ocean haze, minimalistic compositions, and North African geometry gives us a refreshing creative shift as we move south.

Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, will be our base for Totality—and one of the most photogenic towns in the world. We’ll spend a full day scouting compositions among the blue-washed passageways and the rugged Rif mountain backdrop. Whether you’re after intimate architectural abstracts or sweeping environmental vistas, this region provides endless options for eclipse framing.

Totality day itself will be unforgettable. As the moon’s shadow sweeps across northern Morocco, we’ll capture the rapidly changing light, crescents, corona, and the atmospheric reactions in the landscape around us. Pairing a rare celestial event with the deep blues of
Chefchaouen and surrounding peaks creates a once-in-a-lifetime photographic moment.

Rounding out the journey, we’ll move west toward Larache and settle into the countryside, where rural Morocco unfolds at a slower, more authentic pace. Here we’ll photograph daily village life, agricultural scenes, artisan work, and coastal views that shift beautifully throughout the day. It’s a quiet, grounding way to conclude a visually rich journey—one that blends culture, astronomy, landscape, and storytelling into a cohesive photographic masterpiece.