Sahara Desert in Morocco, Merzouga
15/05/07 11:48
Saharan sands stretch across northern Africa from the Atlantic to the Red Sea. It’s halted in its path to the Mediterranean Sea in Morocco by the High Atlas Mountains. Erg Chebbi Dunes of the Sahara Desert continue past the Algerian border. The dunes are of the highest dunes in the Western Sahara, some standing 350 meters high. The Berber village of Merzouga, which sits at the desert’s edge, is the largest in the area. This region has become a popular tourist destination, especially after the visit of Hillary Clinton in the 1990s.
West of Merzouga is Dayet Srji, a salt lake. Springtime is the only time of year that the lake has water. Spring migrations of birds such as pink flamingos, ducks, ruddy sheldrack, and Kittllitz's plower, among others, can be observed. Available to bird watch year round are Tristram's desert warbler, the Egyptian nightjar, the Arabian buzzard and falcons, and the desert sparrows. Reptiles such as snakes and sand lizards can be found here as well. Gerbils, desert Hedgehogs, and the elusive desert fox are among other mammals making their home in this part of the desert. No one would ever guess that the Sahara Desert in Morocco housed so much wildlife, both dangerous and interesting, such as brown scorpions and scarab beetles who reside in the more rocky areas.

Written by: Carole Morris
Provided by: Morocco Travel at Journey Beyond Travel