Desert Morocco Adventure: An Unforgettable Night in the Sahara
Magical: That is how I would describe my two-week trip to Morocco. Each minute — between the stunning landscapes to the kindness of the people to the bounty of the culture — I was left gaping in amazement and hungry for more. Yet of all the unforgettable encounters, there was one, in particular, during my Morocco Highlights tour:
A Night to Remember in the Sahara Desert
It was a long way to the Sahara, but it was so worth it. Having checked out the only non-Muslim allowing mosque in Casablanca and our smallgroup was continuing into the labyrinthine Medina in Fes we were on the road, south towards Midelt. Located on the high plains between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, Midelt offered us a close-up look at Berber culture — and a welcome break halfway through our two-day drive.
From there we continued on to Merzouga, a tiny remote town at the edge of the enormous Sahara Desert. Excitement was in the air.
Arriving in Merzouga
It was midday when we pulled up in Merzouga, having driven through towering gorges and verdant valleys. We left our bags at a quaint, hilltop hotel situated above miles of dunes, packed overnight bags and braced for the adventure we’d all been lusting after: a night of camping beneath the stars in the Sahara.
So I wondered, and asked, each of my nine traveling companions to name what they were most looking forward to. Virtually everyone listed the desert trek as the high point of the trip, and I couldn’t argue.
We wrapped scarves around our heads in the manner of Berber women and fuelled up on some refreshing Moroccan mint tea before we climbed on our camels. The first time we were coming up to the camels, there is something surreal about it — these giant, gentle creatures standing above you calmly and quietly, and it calmed everyone’s nerves, actually.
Our Berber guides helped us up onto our camels’ humps, instructing us to hold on as the animals lurched to their feet. There, as I swayed gently while riding my camel, I could scarcely believe this was happening — I was going on a real desert adventure.
Traversing the Desert on Camels
We rolled up and down the rhythm deeper into the desert. As far as the eye could see, nothing but bright orange dunes in every direction — no buildings, no people, just silent expanse. Except for the occasional exultant cheer or the beat of our camels’ hooves, the Sahara was dead silent.
The towering dunes were humble and powerful. As the sun began to set, casting bright colors across the sky, I choked back tears, in awe of the dreamlike landscape before me. Our shadows danced soundlessly over the dunes, and suddenly I had a sense that this was a moment I’d long remember.
Drums Under the Sky
We pulled into our desert encampment as dusk fell, sore of muscle but with high spirits. Those two hours on camel back were some of the most physically demanding, but it was all so worth it.
While the last of the light remained, we clambered up a nearby dune to watch the sunset before we set up our tents. It was amazing how quickly strangers had turned into friends and before we knew it we were laughing, rolling around in the soft sand and taking hundreds of photos. I dug my hands into the powdery sand, thankful for the camaraderie.
Back in camp, the evening started with Moroccan mint tea — clinked glasses and a toast to the unforgettable night ahead. Our guides cooked us a traditional Tagine, which honestly tasted like the best meal I've ever had.
Sleeping Under the Stars
We sat under the night sky, heavy with stars, and were charmed by campfire-hosted Berber musicians playing traditional drums and singing after dinner. The flicker of the fire and the beat of the music were timeless, tapping into the desert’s essence.
We elected not to use the tents and, instead, to sleep outside, covered in blankets under a zillion glittering stars. The Sahara is so huge and dark and silent it felt as if we were inhabiting a dream — the perfect night in the perfect place.
Final Moments in the Sahara
The next morning, we woke up at 6 a.m. to get ready to return to Merzouga. As uncomfortable as our sore backsides were, we climbed back onto our camels, hopeful for a majestic sunrise. There was thick fog, but the moment was incredibly magical for all involved.
I hopped off and spent some time there marching in the dunes in solitude, taking in the peace and space. To stand alone, alone, in an abyss of sand, before the beginning of the world — before life itself — had been both chilling and uplifting.
Finally, I trudged back to the hotel, my feet sinking in the soft desert ground with each step. Glancing back for one final glimpse of the magnificent dunes, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. I was looking down the last few meters of my time in the Sahara, though the experience that remained — raw, beautiful, unforgettable — would be impossible to forget.