Oh Merzouga-The gateway to the Sahara I will never forget you…
And while everything wasn’t as I fantasized, I’m happy to have been tortured by your strong winds that blew clouds of sand and to have come across the compassion of a people who I will never forget…
If you’re wondering:
Is visiting the Sahara worth it?
I’ll let you decide, but the Sahara was amazing!
Actually, if your trip goes anything like mine, you won’t automatically find the tranquility that you might be searching for…but when it comes, it’s unparallel to anything you will experience…or at least to anything I’ve ever experienced. Actually, I would compare it to the peace and quiet I’ve experienced in some cities during Ramadan in Morocco.
There is something about realizing how tiny you are in comparison to this never-ending sea of sand that changes your perspective on life. It’s weird because most of the time we strive to be big and have an impact on so many things, yet feeling insignificant that day was the most peaceful thing I’ve experienced.
So, if you are still in the romance phase and are fantasizing about your trip to the Sahara, I’d have to say go for it! It’s a once-in-a lifetime experience. However, if you’ve already decided, here are some things you should consider before you go.
The journey is long, but worth it.
Look, there really isn’t a quick way to get to the Sahara Desert. I traveled from Morocco’s capital, Rabat, and it took about 13 hours to get there. I had friends who traveled from Marrakech and took about 10 hours. So either way, be prepared for a long ride.?
Would I do it again?
I’d probably wait a few months to forget how sore my legs and neck were from sleeping on the bus, but it’s a yes any day and anytime. Minus the summer, of course.
The peace came after the chaos.
Perhaps it was just not my lucky day… but boy, was it windy! Listen, sand was everywhere, and I do mean everywhere… In my ears, eyes, nose, shoes, tights, etc. At one point, I was so frustrated that I just wanted to take a buggy back to the hotel. This wasn’t what I imagined the Saharan dunes to be like!
Late at night, though, when everything calmed down, I found myself intrigued by the stillness of Merzouga. The distant chirps of animals, the cool breeze, the way my body felt exhausted and satisfied after a long day of climbing dunes and riding camels, the realization that I was so small and insignificant in this big world.
Camel rides look good in pictures, but they can get uncomfortable.
My legs started feeling sore after 20 minutes of camel trekking. I couldn’t have been the only one. Camels are really tall with a wide midsection, so your legs will be hanging loosely the whole ride. Plus, the animal’s fur can irritate your skin. Just ask the girls in the shorts!
I promise myself that if I’m brave enough to try it again, I should remember to:
- Move with the camel, not against it
- Hold on tight to the saddle, especially when getting on and off
- And no matter how many times my brain tricks me into thinking I might fall off while the camel is climbing up and down the dunes, I won’t
Don’t be fooled; the experience might not be as rustic as you think.
Ahhh… and do I even have to mention how beautiful the desert is?
It’s not your typical beauty, you know. Because I’m from the Caribbean, when I think of beautiful places, I envision clear blue water, black sand, waterfalls, and mountains—the polar opposite of the desert. But there’s something about the way the sand appears to change color during the day, from brown to gold to orange, that fascinates you.
Or how the dunes go from high to low in no specific pattern, yet it all just seems to fit just right. And need I mention how it can be so wild with dust storms yet so calmly put together? Some areas literally looked so smooth, like untouched waves, or, for lack of a better description, like a perfectly done painting.
And even still, this trip brought on feelings other than happiness...
The village of Khamlia brought all kinds of emotions—curiosity, sadness, and yet joy. Dancing to the music of some of the descendants of people stripped from their homes was quite an experience. Gnaou (Gnawa) music now holds a weird place in my heart… To hear the chants of a people rich in history and hospitality flow with the rhythms of their drums, castanets, and sinters was an experience I never knew I needed… To be able to sit and hear tales of their ancestors, though, is a longing…
Visiting the Sahara Desert in Morocco is definitely an unforgettable experience. And when you think of it, Merzouga is filled with little surprises: abandoned villages, impressive gorges, quiet spaces, comfy auberges, and if you are a food lover like me, the best medfouna (berber pizza) you can find in Morocco. It’s understandable, given that the dish was originally baked in a desert fire pit.
Merzouga is definitely more than just sand and oases!
Have you been to the Sahara Desert yet? What was your experience like? And if you haven’t been there yet, is it one of those places on your bucket list?
My tips
- Bring lots of snacks and water. You will stop along the way to eat, but it’s a long journey, and you will need to keep yourself hydrated and fed.
- Do your research; there are many options for a trip to the Sahara. You can stay in a hotel and simply ride into the desert (by camel or 4×4) to watch the sunset and enjoy a campfire, or you can stay one night in a hotel and spend a night or two in a tent in the desert. Some tents come equipped with showers, toilets, and lights. It will depend on whether you’re staying at a luxury camp or a standard one. So be sure to ask your guide or the person you booked with about the details.
- Dress appropriately: This is so important, I would say don’t forget and sunglasses. Actually, skip the scarf and get a breathable bandana—you know, the face masks. Cover up as much as you can. Choose sports shoes or closed sandals over everything else.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting pants,Bring a jacket if you plan on visiting during the cold season
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