Golden Sahara
Sandy dunes of the Sahara Desert, a marvellous place where the endless desert stretches out as far as the eye can see. Located in southeastern Morocco, Merzouga is a true gem, a place that will leave you in awe of its natural beauty and warm hospitality. I recently had the pleasure of experiencing this beautiful corner of the country.
Merzouga is a small Moroccan town in the Sahara Desert, near the Algerian border. It’s known as a gateway to Erg Chebbi, a huge expanse of sand dunes north of town.
As you approach Merzouga, the first thing that will catch your eye are the towering sand dunes.
These majestic dunes are a sight to behold, and the best way to experience them is by hopping on the back of a camel. These creatures are an integral part of the desert experience.
Our journey began with a local guide who took us to the tallest dune on our way to the campsite.
We decided to challenge ourselves to run as fast as we could on the incredibly soft and powdery sand. It was quite a workout, but the thrill of running up and down the sand dune was worth it.
We watched in awe as the sun disappeared behind the dunes, painting the sky in hues of shades of orange and pink. It was a breathtaking scene that made us feel so alive!
We climbed back onto the humps of our trusty camels, feeling a bit more comfortable this time around. As we rode through the desert, the moon casting a soft glow over the sand, we couldn't help but feel like we were in a different world altogether.
The gentle swaying of the camels and the quiet of the night made for a peaceful journey. We took in the scenery around us, the vast expanse of the desert. And then, we saw it - our campsite, nestled between the dunes, glowing with warm light.
As we dismounted from our camels and made our way to spend the night in a luxury campsite,
we were greeted with hot mint tea and sweet pastries. They also handed us each a djellaba, a traditional long robe made of wool, worn by both men and women in Morocco. Wearing the djellaba made us feel like we were a part of the local culture and traditions.
Our campsite offer all the amenities you could ask for, tents were spacious and comfortable, complete with cozy beds and a private bathroom. And the best part? You get to enjoy all of this while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the desert.
But this place had more in store for us, after a traditional Moroccan dinner, we gathered around the bonfire and watched as the local musicians set up their instruments.
The music was mesmerising - a combination of drumming, singing, and traditional instruments. We couldn't resist the urge to get up and dance, and soon we were all moving to the beat, laughing and having a great time.
As the music died down, while sitting under a starry night, our host started telling us stories of the desert. He spoke of the challenges and the beauty of living in this harsh but beautiful environment. He shared with us the wisdom of the desert. After the stories, he pointed towards the sky and taught us how to navigate using the stars and how to use them to tell us about the seasons.
Star Trail video by Karl Fenech
Oh, remember "djellaba", the clothing I mentioned before? It was incredibly practical! It provided an extra layer of warmth and comfort, because as the night wore on, the temperature dropped to 0°C, even below minus —Yes, the desert at night can get incredibly cold, especially during the winter months. Despite the warmth of our djellabas, We still needed to bundle up in layers of fleeces, thermal clothing, gloves, and even balaclava masks to keep ourselves from freezing. It may sound a bit extreme, but trust us, it was necessary! Without our warm layers, we would have been shivering and uncomfortable all night long.
The next morning, we woke up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes. It was a breathtaking sight, with the first rays of light turning the sand into a soft, rosy hue.
After taking in the sunrise, we decided to try our hand at sand boarding, which turned out to be a lot of fun. We laughed and cheered as we raced down the dunes.
As I was walking back to our tent, I happened to notice a series of tracks in the sand. Upon closer inspection, I realised that there were actually four different sets of tracks in close proximity to one another. After some research, I identified them as potential tracks of the fennec fox, jerboa, North African gerbil, and tenebrionid beetle.
It was fascinating to see the evidence of these animals so clearly, even if we didn't get to spot them in person. The fennec fox, for example, is a small nocturnal predator with enormous ears that help it locate prey in the dark. The jerboa, on the other hand, is a tiny hopping rodent that spends most of its time in underground burrows.
Seeing these tracks was a reminder that even in the vast emptiness of the desert, life finds a way to persist.
After breakfast to complete our desert adventure, we hopped on a 4x4 jeep that took us back to the small town of Merzouga. As we drove away from the dunes, we looked back one last time, feeling a sense of gratitude for the experiences we had.
Merzouga was a trip that exceeded all my expectations. From the stunning beauty of the dunes, the warmth of the local Berber culture, and the thrill of adventure made it an unforgettable experience. I returned home with a deep respect for the desert and its people, and I will always cherish the memories of our time in the Sahara Desert.
