Some places just feel unreal, and Merzouga is one of them. Picture endless golden dunes, camels swaying through the sand, and a sky so full of stars it doesn’t seem real. Getting there was an adventure in itself, taking us through the Middle Atlas mountains, where the landscapes kept changing—from green valleys to rocky plains and, finally, the vast Sahara.
The drive was anything but boring. First stop? Ifrane, aka the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Seriously, this place looks like it belongs in the Alps, not North Africa. Then came the Cedar Forest, home to some pretty bold monkeys (Barbary macaques). They’re not shy about snatching snacks, so keep an eye on your stuff!
By the time we reached Merzouga, the vibe had completely changed. No more roads, no more trees—just endless sand. A 4×4 took us deeper into the desert, and then we switched to camels, swaying our way through the Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun set. The golden glow? Unreal.
Our home for the night? A luxury desert camp straight out of a movie. We stayed at Riad Madu, where we had cozy tents, traditional Berber food, and a fire-lit gathering under a sky bursting with stars. I can’t even explain how peaceful it was—just you, the silence, and the universe above.
The next morning, we explored more of the desert. First stop: Khamlia Village, where we got a taste of Gnawa music—think rhythmic beats and soulful chanting. Then we visited nomadic Berber families, who welcomed us with tea and stories of their life in the desert.
Food highlight? Berber pizza—a crispy, stuffed flatbread filled with spiced meat and nuts, baked in the sand. Yes, in the sand. And it was delicious.
Before heading out, we checked out a fossil workshop—because fun fact: the Sahara was once an ocean. Seeing ancient marine fossils in the middle of the desert was a wild reminder of how much this place has changed over millions of years.
There’s something about Merzouga that sticks with you. Maybe it’s the quiet of the desert, the warmth of the Berber people, or the way the dunes seem to stretch on forever. Whatever it is, it’s pure magic.
If you ever get the chance, go. Ride a camel, sleep under the stars, and let the desert work its charm on you.
Dive Deeper into These Destinations
Enjoyed the post? Give it a like! 😊
