Travel Diaries : The Sahara Desert

Bright blue skies, burnt orange sand and the hot African sun lighting up the long days! Welcome to the Sahara Desert. There is no experience equivalent to being guided into the vast nothingness of the desert by a local Berber guide. You're sure to be enamoured by the magic of spending the night on the sand, eating and sleeping amongst the stars.

Here are my hot tips for what to do and how to make your way into The Sahara.

Getting There

Take the Bus:

The bus from Marrakech will take you through the stunning Atlas Mountains, separating the Atlantic and Mediterranian coastlines from the desert. On the 12.5 hour drive you will stop at local towns, arriving in Merzouga just in time for sunset.

Guided Tour: 

A guided tour is an excellent introduction to Merzouga. Be prepared for a whirlwind trip and a crash course in Moroccan history. 

Rent a Car:

If you’re a confident driver, and want to incorporate a road trip into your Moroccan adventure, then renting a car is a great option for you. The scenery you witness as you drive is simply jaw-dropping. If you have experience driving on winding roads and have a yearning for the wheel, I would highly recommend driving out to Merzouga.

What To Do in Merzouga? 

Sleep Under The Stars 

Get yourself out into the dunes on camelback or 4x4, and enjoy the transcendent experience of sleeping under a sky full of stars. A place to sleep, and a traditionally prepared Moroccan feast, all while surrounded by nothing but sand and sky.

4x4 or Buggy 

Tear it up with a 4x4 or buggy. Riding quad bikes and dune buggies through the sand is a special kind of thrilling. It was easily my favourite activity in Merzouga, exciting and exhilarating. There is a feeling of freedom as you cruise around the desert

Check Out The Town

Smaller communities in Morocco like the town of Merzouga are fantastic to get acquainted with. Merzouga has a few nice local shops, and spots to grab a feed. It doesn’t take long to make your way around the whole town, but it's charming nonetheless, and a great place to relax and let the outside world float by. 

Sand-boarding

If you love to feel the wind in your face why not give sand-boarding a go. Easy, fun and a great way to spend an afternoon in the desert.

 ATM's

You'll find everything you need including ATM's in the town of Merzouga.

No road trip would be complete without an epic playlist. Check out the Lost Little One Spotify 

Lost Little One | Make Love Eat Jam Stay Cool 

Classic beats and relaxed vibes for long dusty drives