If you’ve seen the Netflix series “Inventing Anna”, then you’ll know that some believe Marrakesh to be the Ibiza of the orient. And yes, it can be as luxurious as that. But unlike Anna, who took up residence in the opulence of Hotel La Mamounia, I spent my stay in the modest riads in the medina. That’s not to say that these riads are poor in any way. In fact, I’d argue that they offer a different, more meaningful sort of luxury.
Travelling across Morocco was, for me, a whirlwind of emotions. I laughed, I panicked, I cried. Strangers became friends and locals become saviours in lost moments. It was an adventure I’ll never forget, and I am happy to have captured these moments with my one and only companion: the Nikon Z 6II – a versatile all-rounder.
But what makes a road trip, a road trip?
A three-day adventure to Merzouga with a group of 15 travelers packed into a tiny bus turned into an unforgettable experience. In those two days we spent on the bus, we passed by gigantic mountain peaks and gorges and rural Berber villages. Upon arriving at Merzouga, we were only a one-hour camel ride away from spending the night in nomads’ tents under the starry sky, surrounded by sand dunes. A view you may only know from postcards.
And – of course – the perfect camera to bring with: the Nikon Z 6II. So what makes this all-around performer the essential must-have on every journey?
That was clear to me from the very first start: it has a high performance (due to twin EXPEED processors), great speed, and a strong image quality. Furthermore, the handy size of the Nikon Z 6II allows you to bring it along anywhere. An important feature, in case you want to travel light. I could easily use the camera in spontaneous situations, which was perfect in a country like Morroco, where the next adventure is already behind the corner. The Nikon Z6II was always ready to shoot pin-sharp, mesmerizing images when speed mattered the most.
Back to the riads. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house that has an enclosed courtyard or inner garden. Most riad hotels are not very large thanks to their construction. I had a wonderful stay at the RYAD DYOR and the RIAD NUMA MARRAKECH.
RIAD DYOR shot on the Nikon Z6II.
Upon entering the small boutique hotel RYAD DYOR, located in the northern Medina, you are greeted by a haze of orange blossom – Fleurs D’Orange, to be exact – which is a common scent in Morocco. Within the resort, one can lose themselves in the luxurious garden or relax with a cool drink in the courtyard. There is also a hammam and a pool for relaxation par excellence. A stay at Dyor Resort feels like royalty. A pure pleasure.
Straight after checking into the riad, I was happy to have the Nikon with me to capture the oriental riad atmosphere and unforgettable moments for a lifetime. I was also glad I have packed the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30 mm f/4, so I could take some wide angle images, as the riads usually have a small courtyard and seem narrow.
RIAD NUMA Marrakech shot on the Nikon Z6II.
RIAD NUMA MARRAKECH, meanwhile, is ideally located in the center of Marrakesh. There is a certain mystery entering the modern and minimalist riad. Owned by the Italian couple Claudia and Mauro, the riad has been renovated and refurbished with a lot of dedication. Each room is unique and has a transparent view on the shower area. The outdoor pool offers a perfect quick dip after a hot day. If you are lucky, you can have an encounter with the little turtle in the courtyard.
The brilliant autofocus was a grateful helper in the desert when it was up to me to multitask. I was able to take quick and fluid snapshots and, thanks to the AF-C, I was able to both ride a camel and photograph fast-moving quad riders on the go. Days in the Sahara desert also meant days without electricity, so the long-lasting batteries were an absolute blessing for this magical time. When I layed in bed at night, I would sift through my shots from the previous day on the large and sharp screen before going to sleep.
Shooting in RAW mattered a lot to me, and made a smooth post-production process possible. Yet, I must say, with the good quality of the images in a raw format, it was almost unnecessary to adjust them. During my stay, I took many night walks through the narrow souks of the city to feel the vibrant life of Marrakech. Even in low light conditions, the camera performs at its best. The colours after sunset in the orange-dipped cityscape of Marrakech are rich, vivid and harmoniously beautiful.
As the night sets in, when all sellers in the souk start packing their goods, Marrakesh’s Medina streets turn into a sight that I can only describe as the set of Wes Anderson’s “Only Lovers Left Alive”. The Medina is a densely built, walled medieval city from the Berber era. Between it’s orange tinted streetlights one can get lost in the endless narrow alleys, all leading to the main square: Jemaa el-Fnaa, the square of death, where the madness begins. Snake charmers, magicians, storytellers or flute players, and a wide range of exotic street food markets offering national dishes. You are guaranteed to feel like you are in a fairy tale from 1.011 nights.
I was very happy to have the full-frame mirrorless camera with me on my road trip, not only for its ultra-wide Hybrid AF system, but also for it’s broad dynamic range. Especially when the lighting ratio was difficult, the camera made it possible to capture the image in a well-lit quality. As I experienced on my journey, when traveling with the Z 6II as a partner, you’ll capture all of the moments you don’t want to miss.
Image Courtesy of Nikon.