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Looking for a place for some peace and relaxation while arranging my itinerary in going to Morocco, I thought that the Sahara desert might be a likely place to go to. Although the distance was a bit far from Marrakech or Fes taking 9 hours from the former and 7 hours the latter, its' allure calls for everyone to personally witness and gaze at its' majestic glory with its' dramatic tall sand dunes, the desert's orangy color and landscape enveloping anyone to its' bossoms in warm embrace and solitude. Not forgetting the weather in January, in the middle of winter was perfect.
Awesome photographers have indeed captured a lot of amazing images of the Moroccan desert online and can appear to be more picturesque than in reality sometimes as those amazing views vary each day or season throughout the year. The perfect views am afraid depend on the day and time, plus the location where one is at.
Or one can just be lucky being at a great spot in the right time.
With another traveler from Fes, excitement filled our car as we passed the last town and got near Merzouga, the final town to access Erg Chebbi, the gateway to the desert. To reach the camps from Merzouga, travelers can arrange either camel trekking, a quad bike or using a 4x4 jeep for access. Own hosts will usually use the jeep for luggages if a camel ride or quad bike is one's choice. Missing my camel ride and jumping to a quad bike to join my group was probably the best highlight of my stay! Driven by my host, it was a roller-coaster ride with the intention of surprising me as I lost my voice from screaming at every dip and turn.
With him shouting "Africa!" Yes, indeed, Africa is pretty awesome!
Reaching one of the highest peaks to wait and rejoin my group, we had quite a bit of moments waiting as the sun sets. One MUST NOT miss this when checking out the Sahara. Although it was chilly, the sand was still warm as I digged my heels deep in the sand. Higher up, the sand can be tickly to the skin when windy, just be very careful that they won't get into one's eyes. My group was a family from New Zealand, whose teens were enjoying sandboarding.
Trekking the Sahara in the middle of the day is perfect as the wind makes it cold and the heat of the sun bearable. At that time, it wasn't too hot as I still needed a middle layer jacket or perhaps a windbreaker will do during the day. In contrast at night where without the sun, it's freezing cold. I can understand why some people prefer luxury camps for its' electric blankets. But, if the traditional way of life in the desert is what one seeks to experience, there are nightly bonfires in some traditional camps.
As the afternoon deepen, the sun casts shadows after shadows from the sand dunes, giving that contrasting colours around the desert. Another contrast is the occasional palm trees and bushes that can be found in the area, plus the roofs of tents that can be seen in the distance.
For accommodations, there are luxury camps to choose from, as well as catering different activities where some have sandboarding at its' doorstep. Tall sand dunes can be accessed by jeeps and quad bikes, then throw-in sandboarding and sunset gazing. If one desires to be awaken early for sunrise, this also can be arranged. Visiting Berber villages is also another activity where tourists can experience a Moroccan hospitality, local food and traditional music by the desert.
A carpet with cushions was laid out in front of my accommodation, fronting its' restaurant. Given the choice where to have breakfast, this under the sun, it's the most perfect time of the day. I planned to relax for my 4 days stay and that exactly what I got, giving instructions not to wake me for breakfast. Except one day as I was waken up at noon. Lazy days!
In the middle of the desert, with tall sand dunes in the horizon, one can have SUN, SAND and more SAND holiday. As the place was very serene, the beauty of the surroundings is like no other. Except for the occasional sound of a quad bike or a jeep, the silence was deafening. With sand on my feet, feeling the sun and the wind on my cheeks, I didn't want it to end. My 5 days in the desert was very relaxing, exactly what I needed before going to Marrakech.
Images taken by me with Huawei. Some images on this post have previously appeared in my Facebook page.
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