The Sahara Desert is among Morocco’s iconic destinations. Most travelers who visit the Sahara opt for an experience among the Erg Chebbi dunes in eastern Morocco. Near Erfoud and Merzouga, travelers tend to start this excursion from Marrakech or Fes.

If you’re an adventurous traveler who wishes to see less traveled parts of the Sahara, consider wandering further south to the Erg Chigaga dunes, south of Zagora and Tagounite. In both areas, you can create a classic desert experience by hiking the dunes, riding a camel, eating local food, sand boarding, camping and star gazing.

If you continue to wander southward through the desert, you’ll cross over the dotted line placed on most maps of Morocco and enter the disputed territory of Western Sahara. This vast and flat area of the desert is claimed by both Morocco and the Algerian-backed Polisario front, though it’s Morocco that governs most of the territory.

Just below the dotted line is the coastal city of Laayoune. Though relatively small compared to metropolises like Marrakech and Fes, Laayoune is the economic hub of the Western Sahara and offers plenty of shopping, restaurants and cafes, especially in Suuq Djemal. Those interested in visiting the beach can venture a few miles south of town by bus or taxi to Foum el Oued, popular for surfing and oceanside relaxation.

Following the coast south brings you to Dakhla, a fishing town and surfing site on a small peninsula. Founded by Spanish settlers in 1502, some of the town’s most fascinating attractions are relics of its Spanish influence. The Spanish lighthouse just outside of town is among these. Visitors can admire its historic architecture from the ground, and those with stamina can opt to climb its 240 stairs to reap the rewards of panoramic views over desert coast. Other Spanish attractions include a military fortress and a Catholic cathedral.

Speaking of lighthouses, travelers can admire a Portuguese lighthouse in Boujdour, another coastal town. Instead of beaches, the oceanside scenery here consists of picturesque cliffs. And for those more fluent in Spanish than Arabic, most of the locals here also speak Spanish!

Travelers who journey via one of the few inland roads may encounter Smara, the only major city in Western Sahara not founded by Spanish settlers. Historically, the town became significant because of its role as a nomadic trade hub and its vast Islamic library. Today, its main attraction is an ancient fortress in the city center that surrounded a mosque. Inland travelers might also pass through Bou Craa, which is a mining town that doesn’t typically attract tourists.

Continue traveling south and you eventually cross over into Mauritania. Be aware that you must make arrangements to cross the border in a vehicle—no foot traffic allowed.

Written by Shelley A. Gable, instructional designer and freelance writer.

Photo by X Ceccaldi.

The harsh truth: Agadir has a reputation of being a tourist trap. If you’re looking for the true Moroccan experience, most say this city will disappoint. But we’ve got good news—the traditional Morocco you may be searching for is just a short day trip away from Agadir.

Marrakech is a must-see destination if you plan on spending time exploring other cities in Morocco. History buffs, you’re in for a treat. This city is packed with culture. Explore the Medina and other souks sprinkled throughout the city. Prep your bartering skills and dive into the adventures of haggling down the typically high tourist prices. Pack a decent pair of walking shoes as well as an attitude ready for the commotion of Marrakech. A circle drive surrounds the souks, with taxis continuously picking up and dropping off customers. When you enter into the souk area you will see dancing Cobra snakes and monkeys on chains. Several wildlife organizations warn tourists to stay away because of the inhumane treatment of these animals.

In case the hubbub of busy city life isn’t what you had in mind for the day, there are plenty of relaxing getaways near Agadir as well.

The nearby town of Essaouria is another authentic Moroccan destination. About an hour and 45-minute drive away, the windy destination is entirely tourist-friendly. Although Essaouria has plenty to do, it’s a much more relaxed city when compared to Marrakech. If you’re hoping to explore some culture and history as well as have a relaxing day, this seaside town is the perfect fit. The walled 17th-century Portuguese village is famous for its fisheries. Meander down the tightly wound streets where locals sell handmade wood carvings, clothing and trinkets. Sunbathe on the low stonewalls bordering the coast while peeling some locally grown Clementine oranges. Even in the winter months, Essaouria maintains mild temperatures, ideal for a relaxing day trip.

Take a ride in a two-person buggy about 150 km south of Agadir to a small seaside village, where you can sip tea and venture onto the sandy dunes. This trip is popular with tourists, and your hotel reception should be familiar with the excursion details. After driving your buggy to the shoreline you can to step out and explore the nature surrounding you. Take a dip, sunbathe on the sandy coast or climb up and down the dunes to snap some photos.

If all that gazing out onto the watery horizon makes you yearn for some time on the sea, try a full day Atlantic cruise. Although it may not be the most Moroccan experience, it can lend you some necessary rest and relaxation. After spending a day or two in cities like Marrakech, you may be aching to test your sea legs and soak in some sweet African rays out on the water. The cruise departs from Agadir on Thursdays and Sundays.

If you’ve made plans to stay in Agadir but have heard negative comments about the city’s lack of history and culture, there is still plenty of “real” Morocco to see around the area. All it takes is a short bus (or buggy!) ride to immerse in a traditional Moroccan experience.

Written by Amanda Sandlin.

Photo by dominickgolenia.

If you’re looking for a traditional Moroccan experience, Agadir isn’t the place you’ll find it. But if you’re in search of a Western resort town to escape the North African experience for a day or two, Agadir will pleasantly surprise you.

The city offers a different vibe from most others in Morocco. After a tragic earthquake destroyed the city and killed thousands in 1960, the late Mohammed V rebuilt the city. With a quite literal “clean slate,” the city transformed into a modern tourist destination—quite the contrast from the rest of the country.

Known as one of the best beach cities in Morocco, Agadir’s economy relies heavily on fisheries and tourism. This beachside town is one of the most popular cities in the country. While the city might not offer the traditional aspects that the rest of Morocco does, no one can deny the glory of Agadir’s beaches.

Grab your suit and head down to the water’s edge, where you can rent lounge chairs and bask in the hot African sun. One of the best parts of this city is the semiarid climate, averaging 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23.4 Celsius) throughout the year.

But if you decide to venture off of the sand, take a short hike up to the Kasbah. After a 30-minute walk uphill, the path rounds off to the Kasbah walls. Although the building offers little (if any) beauty or leisure, don’t get too discouraged.

The best part of the 16th-century Kasbah is the view just on the other side of the thick walls. Think twice before paying “tour guides” who offer to give you a special excursion of the Kasbah. There’s nothing to see except the unbeatable view of the city and the bay. While you’re at the top, you can even take a short camel ride around the grounds.

Although Agadir doesn’t offer a vast museum selection, there are still a few worth visiting while you’re staying in the city.

Named after a Dutch art historian and professor who lived in Morocco for more than 40 years, the Bert Flint Museum is the most famous of the city’s selections. The museum offers a collection of antiques, fabrics, jewelry and crafts.

Another well-known museum is Les Musee des Arts Berberes—the Berber Museum. It offers a small collection of folk art from the Berbers, the indigenous peoples of North Africa.

All that still life can get a bit monotonous. If you’re looking for some flora and fauna, there is one zoo in the city. The Agadirs La Valle des Oiseaux, otherwise known as Bird Valley, has a wide range of birds, as well as some llamas, goats and other wildlife. While it’s no San Diego Zoo, it’s quaint and perfect for children.

Although the city lacks traditional Moroccan sights, Agadir offers an escape for tourists. If you’re looking for some quality R&R, look no further. Between the luxury hotels, golf courses and pristine beaches, you’ll leave Agadir rested and ready to brave the rest of Morocco.

Written by Amanda Sandlin.

Photo by mammal.

On a lonely stretch of desert road in southeastern Morocco, between Tazzarine and Rissani on the N12 highway, lies the small (pop. 3,170) town of Alnif. And while this oasis nestled on the southeast edge of the Anti Atlas Mountains is starkly picturesque, one would likely keep driving through were it not for one thing: For fossil hunters, this is paradise. Alnif and the surrounding basin is the best place in Morocco, and one of the most renowned in the world, for collecting the prehistoric creatures known as trilobites.

Once, for 300 million years, the sea-dwelling creature akin to a crab was the most successful species on the planet. Trilobites can be found on every continent, and fossils range in size from a few centimeters to up to 90 cm long. In this arid and sparsely populated corner of Morocco, enthusiasts will be able to wander the landscape looking for signs that, unbelievably, this was once a vast sea, and the proof is literally at your feet. One of the earliest trilobites (Hupetina antiqua) was discovered here, and excursions to find the spiny invertebrates are one of the most popular activities in the region. However, given the difficulty of the terrain, it is best to hire a knowledgeable guide to escort you on your hunt. If you are new to the world of ancient aquatics, the Ihmadi Trilobites Centre is a good place to educate yourself before trekking across the hamada and also to purchase genuine fossils if you are short on time or inclination to find your own. Fossils—including child-friendly souvenirs like dinosaur teeth—are readily available at roadside stands and other venders, but beware: Fakes of stone, ceramic or plastic, or cobbled-together fragments, are rampant.

The traces of antiquity in the Alnif basin are not limited to animals. Other sites in the nearby Draa Valley include rock engravings and rock paintings from all main periods of the human prehistory of the Sahara. There is some evidence that human activity in the region dates back nearly 300,000 years. Foum Chenna (Tinzouline), Aït Ouaazik (Asguine Tarna, Tazzarine) Tiouririne e Tisguinine (Zagora) are all worth a stop.

If having the short history of the world at your fingertips hasn’t made you yet contemplate the mysteries of the universe, then a night under the Sahara stars might just put it all in perspective. Either by camel or 4×4, excursions into the dunes of the world’s largest desert are a magical experience. Imagine a traditional Berber tent with rich amenities and entertainment, or a simple sleeping bag with the sound of the wind whistling over the sands. Treks range from overnight to weeks long, with luxuries limited only by the depth of your imagination and wallet.

Written by Erin Tolman.

Photo by Wyoming_Jackrabbit.

Hollywood films have tried to encapsulate the immensity of the Sahara Desert in several genres from action/adventure to romantic tales, but it’s really one of those sites that you have to see to believe. Whether you are traveling for a vacation in Morocco or just want to know a bit more about one of the world’s most interesting deserts, here are just a few grains of information you might find interesting:

Sizing Up the Sahara Desert:

The Sahara Desert is 3.63 million square miles (9.4 million square kilometers). It runs from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean and into central and western Africa. The desert covers parts of Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Chad, Libya, Mali, Niger, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Tunisia and Sudan.

Morocco is 172,402 square miles (446,519 square kilometers), but only a portion of this land mass is part of the Sahara Desert. There is a controversy over the Western Sahara in that most Moroccans will tell you it belongs to their country, but the United Nations does not agree. Few outside of Morocco will actually agree that the Western Sahara belongs to Morocco. Due to the disputes, there is no accurate notation for how many square miles of the Sahara Desert are in Morocco.

The Desert Dwellers:

Geologically, the Sahara Desert is 3 million years or older; however, it was first settled in 9500 BC. During this Neolithic period, Nubians, in what is now Central Sudan, lived off the rich environment that used to exist.

The Egyptians were next to settle around the Nile Valley. They were able to survive until 3400 BC, when the desert became as dry as it is today. Facts suggest the Berbers have been in the desert since before the 7th century, which makes this culture one of the oldest in the Sahara. They remained even as the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Spanish and French all moved on. Today, those who live in the Sahara Desert are Berber and Tuareg nomads. Humans occupy about two- thirds of the desert.

The lack of any true urbanization leaves area open to various animals and plants. Camels and goats are two domesticated animals of the desert. They are used by nomads for transportation and food, respectively. Insects, such as the deathstalker scorpion are hardy species, capable of living in the desert with little food or water. Monitor lizards, horned vipers, sand vipers, and skinks are among the oldest species to live in the Sahara.

Phoenix pterosaur is the most recent dinosaur to be found in the Sahara Desert by paleontologists. The pterosaur, also known as a pterodactyl, lived 95 million years ago. They call these new bones the Phoenix because they rose out of the sand almost like the mythical creature born of fiery ashes. From the discovery, scientists can tell its wing span was easily 19.7 feet.

The Saharan Climate:

It is hard not to talk about climate when mentioning those who live in the Sahara Desert. The land is dry and arid, which makes it difficult to live there. Geological research has found that wet and dry periods—even a glacial period—existed at some time in the desert’s history. From 8000 BC to 6000 BC, ice sheets melted away from a hot rain. Eventually the rain became less frequent, and the desert took on the characteristics it has today.

Visitors to Morocco will find temperatures ranging from 34 degrees to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, temperatures drop, nights become bitterly cold and days are more tolerable. Summer requires acclimation and proper clothing for the extreme heat. Fall and spring are milder, but sunscreen is still a must.

Few plants are able to survive Saharan temperatures, but the monsoon season helps grasses, shrubs, and trees grow. The plants are in the xerophytes and halophytes designation, meaning they require little water with soil rich in salts. The African peyote cactus is one of the more hardy plants of the desert.

November through March marks the rainy season, and monsoons are possible. March to April is when sandstorms are most likely to occur. It is the sandstorms that form the dunes and eat away at rock formations.

Written by Sam Mitchell.

Photo by alex lichtenberger.

To get to the spectacular scenery of Morocco’s deserts, valleys and oases, you’ll need to get off road, either by camel or by 4×4. Here are some factors to consider before you book a night on the dunes of Erg Chebbi, a multi-day trek through the Draa Valley or even a trans-Saharan journey to the Mauritanian border.

Travel Comfort Level

For those not accustomed to riding a camel, sore bottoms should be expected. You need to be relatively fit to endure a camel ride of more than 30 minutes, and even athletes may end up wondering if sitting astride a camel works muscles never utilized before. Keep in mind that camel saddles don’t have any stirrups so there is no way to temporarily shift your body weight to get relief from a sore bum.

On a camel, you will be exposed to sun, wind and any sandstorms that arise. During June, July and August, many tour companies limit camel treks to two days and two nights due to extreme heat.

If you choose to go by 4×4, the vehicle may have an open or closed roof. If you want to be in an air-conditioned environment and out of the dust, expect to pay more. Although you won’t get a sore bum from riding in a 4×4, the overall ride will be bouncier than a camel ride.

Route Options and Distances Covered

Camel treks in Morocco are most commonly offered in desert areas such as Erg Chebbi, Erg Chigaga, around Zagora and in the Draa Valley. Carrying 200 pounds, camels can travel an average of 20 miles per day. If you’re only planning a one- or two-night trek into the dunes, this doesn’t matter much, but if you want to travel by camel for a longer distance you’ll need to take into consideration how many days it will take to reach your destination and how many pack camels will be needed to carry your supplies.

4×4 treks often combine on-road and off-road travel to cover greater distances. With an air-conditioned 4×4, you aren’t as limited during the summer months since you won’t be exposed to the elements while traveling.

Necessary Equipment and Clothing

For a camel trek, you will want to have a windproof jacket, strong sun block and sunglasses, a sarong or scarf to protect your head from the sun and sturdy hiking boots or athletic shoes in case you want to walk for a while in order to give your bum some relief. It’s best to wear loose, light cotton clothing and long pants with a loose crotch. Both men and women may find local clothing more comfortable than Western clothing. Whatever you bring with you will need to be carried by a camel, and your tour company will probably specify a weight limit.

If you travel in a 4×4, you don’t need to be as mindful about your clothing. Dress modestly, make sure you have sun protection and pack hiking boots or athletic shoes to explore the areas where you make camp.

Environmental Impacts

Travel by camel produces no toxic pollutants and makes less of an environmental impact on the local environment, making camel travel a more sustainable option. Quads actually produce about twice as much carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbons as regular passenger vehicles, and if your vehicle experiences an oil or fluid leak during the journey you will be leaving behind that waste in the desert sands.

Final Decisions

Desert dwellers in Morocco have traveled by camel for centuries, and camel trekking can be a highly rewarding experience. However, before signing up for a camel trek you should know what to expect and what to bring with you. Neglecting to bring sunscreen or proper clothing can result in days of discomfort or even sun poisoning.

If you’re looking to travel in comfort, 4×4 is the way to go. Expect to pay two to three times as much for a 4×4 tour than a camel tour. The only real downside of 4×4 travel, aside from the environmental effects, is that, while the vehicle can break down and leave you stranded in the desert, it’s not likely that a camel will break down on you unless you’re traveling massive distances. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water for any excursion into the desert.

Many tours combine camel trekking and 4×4 travel, allowing the traveler to cover greater distances, remain comfortable and still enjoy a camel riding experience.

Written by Heather Carreiro.

Photo by eryoni.

Let’s say this up front: Riding a camel is one of the most uncomfortable experiences you can imagine.

Now that that’s out of the way, I should also tell you that riding a camel is fantastically fun and bound to be one of your favorite memories from your trip to Morocco. Not much can top watching the sun set over the Sahara as you make your way to a Berber tent astride a camel or listening to the waves crash against the rocks in Essaouira as you meander down the beach, swaying atop your steed. You’ll probably hum the theme to Lawrence of Arabia. It will be amazing.

It will also be uncomfortable.

The width of a camel’s body, coupled with the precarious place you must take upon its back, the near waddle of its gait as it sways back and forth, and the general disdain the animal usually has for its passenger all work against your efforts to cultivate an essence of relaxation and comfort. This is okay, though, because you’re on a camel in the Sahara Desert, one of the most unlikely and wonderful things you’ll find yourself doing. Being a little off-kilter is more than worth it.

It’s best to know certain things before you embark on your journey, however. In an effort to educate the future camel-riders of the world, we present the following list of tips, in no particular order, on how to survive a camel ride:

1. Do what your guide tells you. Camels are not horses.  Mounting a camel is entirely different from mounting a horse, and it’s just as awkward to dismount. The best thing you can do is whatever your guide advises. Ignore him at your own peril.*

2. Wear long pants and socks. The motion of the camel causes your pants to creep slowly up your calves, exposing your legs to the sun, sand and camel. Make sure you’re slathered in sunscreen, and wear socks to prevent any contact itchiness that may occur.

3. Bring a camera and/or iPod, but make sure they’re tethered… You’re on a camel so of course you want pictures. If you want to travel with an iPod, it should be queued up to the Indiana Jones soundtrack. Make sure you’ve got both tied to you, though. While it’s simple enough to stop so you can retrieve a fallen camera, camels are tall creatures, and any fall will be a long one.

4. Don’t forget the aspirin. While half an hour on a camel may not sound like much, it can be a lifetime on your hip joints or your knees—especially if they’re weak or prone to injury. Camel rides certainly won’t do any lasting damage, but the contorted stance they force may cause some minor discomfort if you ride for more than 30 minutes. Carry a light painkiller like Tylenol or Aspirin with you just in case.

And now that you’re prepared, go ride a camel! We’d love to hear about your experiences atop a camel in the comment area below.

*You’re not in any real peril. You’ll just feel that way if you make a hasty dismount.

Written by Margaret Jackson.

Photo by callmetim.

The Ameln Valley offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery in Morocco as well as some of the most picturesque villages. Nestled against the granite peaks of the Anti Atlas Mountains in southwestern Morocco, the Ameln Valley is a stunning landscape of towering cliffs, colorful granite boulder-strewn fields and unique rock formations.

This area of Morocco is incredibly fertile, and the hills are covered with argan, almond, and palm trees. Argan trees produce a fruit that is similar to the olive and are valued by the people of the Ameln Valley. A highly prized oil, valued for its nutritive and medicinal properties, is produced from the argan fruit. Locals use argan oil as a bread dip and on couscous and salads. They also export it out of the region to support reforestation projects in Ameln Valley. Since food is sparse in the region, goats have taken to climbing the argan trees in search of food.

The Ameln Valley is known as the valley of 26 villages. Houses and mosques situated among the cliffs of the Anti Atlas Mountains are painted in vivid pinks and red. The villages are spread out throughout the valley and each has its own unique charm. To visit the villages, you’ll either need to reserve a spot on a guided trekking tour or tour around the area by car or mountain bike, taking time to stop for day treks through the villages.

Tafraoute is the most famous village of the Ameln Valley. Surrounded on all sides by dramatic red mountains, Tafraoute is a bustling village that has plentiful amenities, which makes it an excellent home base for exploring the rest of the Ameln Valley. From late February to early March, the village comes alive with the celebration of the almond harvest. People take to the streets with all-night dancing and singing as parties move from village to village.

The area immediately around Tafraoute is easy to explore by mountain bike or foot. You can view prehistoric rock carvings on the giant granite boulders randomly scattered throughout the valley. A must-see, Le Chapeau de Napoleon (Napoleon’s Hat) is just outside the village of Aguerd-Oudad. This distinctive rock formation provides the backdrop of the beautiful pink village of Aguerd-Outdad.

One of the other main draws to the Ameln Valley is Jean Verame’s Painted Rocks. Verame is a Belgian artist who spray painted some smooth granite boulders shades of blue, red and black in 1984. The colorful boulders offer quite a bit of contrast compared to the earthly colored sand, rock and mountainous terrain of the Ameln Valley.

The Anti Atlas Mountains are the last significant mountain range before entering the vast and arid Sahara Desert. Although the Anti Atlas are not as popular as the High Atlas Mountains, they still offer some wonderful climbing and trekking opportunities. Even if you are not a mountaineer, you can make it to the top of 2,359-meter Jebel El Kest. You can begin the trek from the village of Tagoudiche and summit without any technical climbing.

Buses run to Tafraoute from Agadir, Casablanca and Marrakesh daily. Agadir is the hub airport for southern Morocco. Renting a car may be worthwhile since the Ameln Valley is rather remote and a great amount of distance needs to be covered in order to fully explore the region.

Written by Amiee Maxwell.

Photo by Vanessa McLaughlin.

Laayoune is the largest town in Western Sahara, the desert region south of Morocco’s Anti Atlas Mountains. Occupied by Spain until 1974, Western Sahara remains in legal limbo as a disputed territory. After the “Green March” of November 1975—when 350,000 Moroccans marched across the border into the Sahara—a conflict broke out between the Moroccans and the Polisario Front, a group that demanded independence for its native Sahrawi people. Talks have been underway between Morocco and Polisario since a UN-sponsored cease fire in 1991.

The town tends to serve as a stopover point for travelers going between Mauritania and southern Morocco or for those on the way to try kite surfing at Dakhla’s desert lagoon.  From Marrakech, it’s a 16-hour plus bus ride to Laayoune. Although you’ll be driving through desert, don’t expect spectacular scenery like you’ll find at Erg Chebbi; this part of the Sahara is all hamada—flat, rocky desert.

Bus companies that serve Laayoune include CTM, Supratours and SATAS. You can also book bus tickets from Marrakech as part of a combined ONCF train fare. Destinations that connect with Laayoune include Dakhla (9 hours), Agadir/Inezgane (10.5 hours), Goulmime (6.5 hours) and Tan Tan (3 hours). From Laayoune, you can find grand taxis (share taxis) going to Tan Tan and Goulmime, but you may need to wait a few hours until the seats fill up and the taxi is ready to leave.

Royal Air Maroc operates daily flights to Laayoune from Casablanca, and flights run four times a week between Laayoune and Dakhla.

Laayoune’s most interesting facet is its quirkiness. You can visit the colonial Spanish church where many UN workers now meet to worship, or spend an afternoon chatting with soldiers over a cup of mint tea. Check out the main square at Place du Mechouar, watch a match at the football stadium to the northwest of town or visit the aviary at Colline des Oiseaux. For women, a fun activity is shopping for malhafas, the colorful sari-like garments worn by Sahrawi women.

Finding high- and mid-range accommodation in Laayoune can be tricky, as many hotels are block booked by UN personnel. Some have come to resemble mini fortresses with barbed wire surrounding the premises. On the high end, try Hotel al-Massira, Sahara Line or Hotel Parador, a colonial era throwback complete with bar and swimming pool. One mid-range option in Place Dchira is Hotel Zemmour, and budget travelers can look for cheapies around Souk ez-Zaj and Souk el-Jamal.

Dozens of affordable cafes and restaurants can be found in and around Place Dchira. A favorite with the international community is Pizzaria la Madone, a restaurant that serves up freshly baked, thin-crust pizzas as well as pasta dishes. If you’re craving authentic Chinese food, head over to House of Chen on Avenue Talha Bnou Zoubeir.

About 14 miles south of Laayoune is a large beach at Foum el Oued. Buses run from Laayoune to Foum el Oued during the summer months, and during the rest of the year you can hire a grand taxi to take you there. Campsites and several hotels and rental villas are available at the beach.

Written by Heather Carreiro.

Photo by Rafa http://www.micamara.es

Whether your trip will be mostly in the High Atlas Mountains for trekking or in the major cities to explore the history and culture of Morocco, you should not miss the Sahara Desert.

Located approximately two days worth of travel away from Marrakesh, the journey from the city to the desert takes travelers through a number of interesting towns along the way. After your travels, you’ll discover Zagora, situated on the edge of the Sahara. Zagora acts as a gateway of sorts to the mighty Sahara Desert, but before you steep yourself in sand, take some time to explore this city.

Zagora‘s main attraction is Jebel Zagora, a mountain rising over the Draa Valley. Jebel Zagora can be summited, but only well-conditioned people willing to start early in the morning should attempt the summit climb. The sun is intense, and the climb will take a good portion of the day, so come prepared with sunblock and plenty of water. You may also trek to the foot of Jebel Zagora; this will take two to three hours. 

About halfway up the mountain, there are faint ruins dating to the 11^th century, which sit in the mountain side.  The ruins belonged to the Almoravid fortress for the early military. You are not allowed into the site, but take the time to look at it as you continue your climb to the summit. From the summit, you can look back at the High Atlas Mountains or toward the Sahara Desert.

In Zagora, you can make decisions about how you’d like to explore the desert. If you’re short on time, consider finding a guide that offers short tours into the desert.

However, if you have more time to spend in the Sahara, move on to M’Hamid as your gateway to Erg Chigaga. M’Hamid was once a popular stop for those traveling the desert, but border wars and other conflicts closed the area to visitors until the 1990s. Today it is once again a caravan stop for visitors and has accommodations for those interested in seeing the sand dunes of the Sahara. You may think the sand dunes are like any other desert, but this is not true.  Morocco has a different ecosystem than what you might be used to in the desert states of America. In states like Arizona, for example, desert sand has a reddish hue; in the Sahara, the sand is golden.

In M’Hamid, the main attractions are the buildings, which form a barrier from the sand storms.  There are also palm barriers which have been woven together in order to block the desert’s harsh weather.

Finally, you will reach Erg Chigaga, which sets you in the Sahara Desert. Erg Chigaga consists of 40 kilometers of Saharan dunes; some of which reach 300 meters in height! You can take a tour of the dunes by 4×4 or camel. If you go by Jeep, the tour will take only a few hours. By camel, you will need five days to see the entire Saharan landscape of Erg Chigaga. Add to the adventure by going sand boarding, which is allowed when the winds permit.

Of course, a trek through the desert isn’t complete without a cultural lesson as well. As you journey throughout the Sahara, you’ll notice Berber camps and small villages. Within these camps you can learn about the nomadic culture of Morocco by joining the locals for dinner and music by the fire. If you take a multi-day tour through the desert, don’t forget to spend some time stargazing as well, while you contemplate the incredible enormity and diversity packed into the elusive Sahara Desert.

Written by Sam Mitchell.

Photo by duimdog.