A Sahara sojourn
Unearthing Morocco’s Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is a natural wonder you can explore in Morocco. Its landscape is expansive, gradually shifting from the country’s lush, mountainous regions to sandy terrain that photos can't fully capture. As the world’s largest hot desert, it stretches thousands of miles across eleven North African countries. The Moroccan part of the Sahara makes up less than seven percent of the total desert, yet it remains vast, covering about 652,000 square kilometres.
The Sahara features rocky plateaus, precious oases, jagged mountains, and golden sands that shift with poetic fluidity. Enormous sand dune fields stretch, swell, and ripple toward the horizon, accompanied by a peaceful silence. No loud construction, urban noise pollution, or honking horns – just serenity. As the sun moves across the sky, the sands resemble a kaleidoscope, changing colours with shades of red, pink, orange, and gold. At night, you can see more stars filling the sky than you could possibly imagine. The Sahara receives less than 100 millimetres of rain annually, resulting in arid conditions. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are a must. Rain boots can be left at home.
The Gateway to the Sahara Desert
El Khorbat is an oasis village on the edge of the Sahara Desert, where a stunning desert landscape surrounds palm groves. The town was established in the mid-19th century by Berbers fleeing conflict with the French colonial government. The fortified ksar they built is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of a Moroccan fortress. The village was abandoned in the early 20th century, then rediscovered and restored into this fascinating town that remains off the tourist radar. Visitors can learn about Southern Morocco’s culture and view its antiquities related to pottery, wars, clothing, celebrations, food, traditional medicine, and nomad life at the Oasis Museum, housed in three of the houses within the fortress.
(Credit: The Weather Network)
A few hours south is the small desert village of Khamalia, where direct descendants of the Gnawa people, who were brought to the region during the global slave trade, have kept their traditions alive after emancipation. This includes their spiritual musical heritage with instruments made from local materials like goat skins and wood from the desert Tamarisk tree. Gnawa music developed into a form of gratitude for freedom and nostalgia for the homeland. Every summer, a desert festival occurs where, for three days and nights, music is played nonstop, filling the air with trance-like rhythms believed to heal the sick while honouring Khamalia’s heritage.
A Sahara Sojourn
Spending time in this magnificent yet challenging desert environment requires proper preparation for the surroundings. Booking your visit with a reputable tour company like Collette will make the experience less daunting, ensure your safety while meeting the locals, and help you learn about their way of life.
Staying well-hydrated is crucial, and following your guide’s advice on managing the sun’s intensity will make your visit more comfortable. Pack clothing that includes loose-fitting, breathable layers, comfortable footwear, and warm clothes for the evening when temperatures drop. Temperatures can change significantly, so it’s important to plan, especially if you intend to explore the desert on a camel. Camel treks cross the Sahara’s dunes, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and experience the nomadic life firsthand. This is a can’t-miss opportunity for the ultimate Sahara adventure. If you’re after modern excitement instead, zipping across the Sahara landscape in a 4x4 offers an exhilarating way to take in the panoramic views.
(Credit: The Weather Network)
Another truly iconic Sahara experience is spending the night glamping under the stars in style and immersing yourself in the desert with complete luxury and relaxation. Tour companies like Collette offer nights in the desert at glamorous camps, where you can stay in luxurious tents fitted with king-sized beds, private bathrooms with hot showers, and toilets. Satisfy your hunger with gourmet Berber meals, and watch the spectacular sunset, then wake up early to see it rise. The Moroccan Sahara’s rich cultural heritage, stunning scenery, and natural beauty make for the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
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