If only the visions of towering golden dunes leave you mesmerized, then exploration of the Sahara desert is the best thing you should do.
While being in the Sahara, you will find yourself surrounded by shiny, soothing golden dunes that stretch as far as your eyes can see. The sunset makes the desert even more alluring, it leaves an ethereal glow all around. And, you can feel it all perched atop the trusty “ship of the desert”: camel.
That’s what Morocco desert has to offer – a desert camel trekking which takes you to all things splendid, a serene yet colossal experience. This exploration will give you a chance to get immersed in the rich culture, ancient traditions and awe-inspiring beauty of the one-and-only Sahara desert.
Just in case, you’ve just stumbled upon the thought of exploring the Sahara, but it’s all new to you, we would recommend reading a little more about the place. So, let’s know the Sahara a little more:
The great Sahara Desert is spread across large parts of Chad, Egypt, Mali, Algeria, Niger, Libya, Sudan, Western Sahara, Tunisia and Morocco. However, Morocco is home to a part of the Sahara with the world’s most iconic desert landscapes. It is situated in the southern Morocco. In common terms, this slice of the Sahara Desert is also known as the Moroccan Sahara.
Things To Do Before Visiting The Sahara Desert, Morocco
Choose a reputed tour operator
As basic as it may sound, selecting a good tour operator is one of the most crucial things you should do. Your exploration partner (tour operator) must have a proven track record of offering sustainable and safe desert experiences. Hence, research is a little too hard.
Make sure you are physically fit
Even though exploration of the Moroccan desert doesn’t require intense labour neither it puts you in extreme conditions, still it’s better to be healthy during your drip. The entire exploration will include lots of camel trekking and reasonable fitness will let you enjoy the vibe without being exhausted.
Don’t overpack, instead pack smartly
Unlike other holidays, the Sahara Desert exploration is not going to be extremely luxe. You might not have real-time access to basics and essentials, considering the harsh conditions of the desert. So, make sure you pack all the essentials, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable clothes, a refillable water bottle and a headscarf.
Activities To Enjoy In Sahara Desert, Morocco
Go for a camel trek
Camel trekking is the first thing that comes to our mind while imagining a trip to the Sahara Desert. Camel trek and desert almost feel inseparable. Hence, we recommend starting your exploration with camel trekking which is one of the most popular Sahara Desert tours.
While being on this slow travel across the sandy dunes, you will feel a sense of a nomadic way of living. If you are confused about a particular place for camel trekking, then you can ride on the back of camels in Erg Chebbi dunes which is a very popular place for camel riding.
Stay in the Sahara Desert camp overnight
Deserts are completely different during day and night time, hence, you should always spend a night there as well. This will give you a serene, wholesome, and once-in-a-lifetime experience. The best part is The Sahara Desert camps in Morocco are generally operated by Berber families who are semi-nomadic people. You will be in the vicinity of these families and get an authentic experience of their native culture and amazing hospitality.
And, here you can experience luxury as well. They have carpeted tents, cups of mint tea and delicious communal meals for tourists. If you want to have a real exploration of the Moroccan desert, staying in a camp overnight is unskippable. As it lets you experience the beautiful transformations of the desert, from the dunes turning orange in the setting sun to them getting dark to purple during the night, you will witness unforgettable beauty.
Try Sandboarding in the Sahara
Yes, sandboarding is a common and awe-inspiring part of Morocco’s Desert exploration. Imagine snowboarding except you just flip the white, cold snow with warm, yellow sand. Believe us it is going to be equally thrilling, satisfying and amazing.
Get ready to strap the board to your feet and enjoy sandboarding, feel the exhilarating glide down on towering sand dunes. In case you are scared of this activity, you can also sit or lie on the board, or consult your guide, they will help you out.
Go on a cycling tour through Moroccan Sahara
Morocco is a quite famous place for bikepackers and road cyclists, mainly because it portrays amazing scenic landscapes over a short distance. From mountains to desert, Morocco has it all. Hence, an exploration to Moroccon desert can never come to its end without going on a cycling tour in the Sahara.
You will find an array of different multi-day cycling routes in Morocco. One of the most popular routes is Tizi n’Tichka pass which lies in the High Atlas. It further descends into outer reacher of the Sahara. You can also ride through the Dades Valley via Tizi n’Tazazert pass, for this you will first have to visit the fortified city of Ait Ben Haddou.
Do rock climbing in the Todra Gorge
The Todra Gorge is one of the most popular spots for exploration in Morocco, especially when it comes to rock climbing. There are more than 100 official routes for both beginners and advanced climbers. The red sandstone cliffs rise to the Todra Gorge is heighted around 400 metres on the sides of the Todra River.
While in the Sahara, Morocco, you should not miss a chance to go rock climbing in the Todra Gorge, it will be an amazing experience in itself. However, do not forget to have an experienced instructor by your side. They will not just be able to take you through the best routes based on your skill level, but they will also ensure your safety.
What To Wear In The Sahara, Morocco
As you may already know it can get extremely hot in the desert, so, we recommend packing light-coloured clothing for Morocco exploration. Light colours, especially whites reflect sun rays. Apart from colour, make sure that clothing keeps you as covered as possible to avoid being tanned or sunburnt. For example, you can take full-length trousers and loose-fitted long-sleeved tops. Try choosing light fabrics like linen and cotton.
Just in case you have planned to go hiking, don’t forget to keep moisture-wicking socks and hiking-appropriate boots/shoes. Apart from clothing, always keep your sunscreen or sun protection, sunglasses, hats and scarves.
This was all about spending days in the Sahara. Nights can get extremely chilly in the dunes, hence, you’ll have to carry your warm winter clothes as well.
Key Takeaway
Morocco Sahara desert camel trekking can definitely be your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the unending charm of towering golden dunes. While on the exploration, enjoy the breathtaking Sahara Desert to the fullest. Let yourself immerse in the native Berber culture and absorb the enthralling beauty of the Sahara desert landscape. Either the golden dunes or the mesmerizing play of shadow and light will steal your heart on this trip. There are high chance that the desert-dwelling communities will leave you in awe. In all, a trip to the Sahara, Morocco is going to be worth it. Be ready to get an indelible mark on your heart and embark on a journey that will make you fall in love with the magic of the Moroccan Sahara.