The desert in Morocco spans midway throughout the nation and carries a wealthy historical past of the tradition of Morocco. Expertise an iconic Sahara Desert journey or take a camel tour across the different deserts of Morocco has to supply from the Agafay to the Zagora Desert.
Every is extremely various and sumptuous. You’ll enterprise throughout golden sand dunes or stony, lunar landscapes that result in vibrant, fertile oases. Discover the ruins of historic kasbahs, hike via canyons and gorges and be taught information about Morocco tradition throughout an in a single day stick with an Amazigh or Bedouin household.
Sometimes, individuals select to spend 3 days and a pair of nights on a desert safari to get the total mind-body expertise. Spending a minimum of one night time within the desert is a should and may simply be organized from a Marrakech Sahara Desert tour. The most effective really useful occasions for desert journeys are from November to March when temperatures are nice.
Agafay Desert
This desert has a rugged, barren terrain with unimaginable views of the Excessive Atlas Mountains in distinction to the majestic dunes of the Sahara, however isn’t any much less fascinating. The Agafay Desert presents a tranquil and peaceable retreat from Casablanca or Marrakech. For individuals who want an genuine desert expertise, however have restricted journey time, Agafay is a wonderful selection.
Positioned simply 40km exterior of Marrakech, it takes about one hour to get right here by automobile. You possibly can discover the peaks that ripple and roll throughout the panorama as you roam via dramatic canyons and finish the day with a campfire beneath the celebs.
There may be additionally a man-made lake, Lake Takerkoust, close to the sting of the desert the place you possibly can swim, lease a canoe or pedal boat to enterprise out on the water. Climbing and biking trails encompass the lake or you possibly can hop on a horse and take within the surroundings the old school method.
Merzouga Desert
A journey inside a journey, touring to the Merzouga Desert takes about 9-10 hours to drive from Marrakech, however it’s completely value it and the proper alternative to see the various panorama of Morocco.
Positioned in southeastern Morocco close to the Algerian border, the Merzouga Desert is house to the legendary, fireplace orange dunes of Erg Chebbi. An erg refers to an enormous space coated with sand and shifting dunes (dictionary.com) Erg Chebbi has the tallest and most spectacular dunes rising as much as 150 m excessive or 2,400 ft. The dunes are continually shape-shifting being molded by the wind so the types are dramatic and ethereal.
Merzouga city is simply 1 km from the Erg Chebbi dunes so you possibly can actually stroll there out of your resort or take a leisurely stroll up the sting of the desert. There may be additionally a seasonal lake close to Merzouga city, Lake Dayet Srij, recognized for its biodiversity and migratory birds most famously flamingos who cease to relaxation and may often be seen right here between March and April.
Zagora Desert
Searching for an much more distant desert expertise, then head to the Zagora Desert the place you’ll seemingly run into fewer vacationers. Some areas of this desert are rocky and the dunes are smaller than Merzouga, however nonetheless evoke a dramatic really feel. You possibly can trek throughout the well-known, Erg Chigaga, the most important dunes of Morocco each in top and space. Erg Chigaga is tougher to entry so it’s much less visited and retains its wild nature. You may also roam via the Draa River Valley and date palm oases.
Desert Actions
There are a number of desert actions you possibly can expertise that embody camel treks, quad biking adventures, climbing, sandboarding, and sand bathing. Sand bathing or sand remedy is an alternate medicinal therapy really useful for individuals affected by rheumatism, arthritis, and again ache. This historic therapy has been practiced for hundreds of years and includes being buried within the sizzling desert sand for just below 10 minutes to eradicate toxins and assist to heal with the soothing heat of the sand. Not too eager on using a camel? You possibly can all the time tour the dunes comfortably in an air-conditioned 4×4 and see extra in much less time.
Desert Cities to Go to
Erfoud
Step into this oasis city and also you’ll seemingly really feel the magic of what it’s wish to reside so near the unimaginable sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Often called ‘’the Gateway to the Sahara’’ Erfoud has a wealthy archaeological and cultural heritage with its abundance of prehistoric fossils and its annual date harvest.
Merzouga
This quaint and charming desert city is made up of sandstone buildings that appear to mix proper into the panorama. Legend tells that this was as soon as a lush, tropical jungle that was remodeled right into a dry and barren panorama as a punishment from God onto the villagers who refused to feed a hungry, poor woman.
Ouarzazate
Morocco’s Hollywood, Ouarzazate’s idyllic desert panorama has been featured in lots of Hollywood blockbuster movies (The Mummy and The Gladiator) and extra lately, Recreation of Thrones. The well-known, annual foot race throughout the Sahara, Marathon des Sables, takes place right here and is alleged to be the hardest foot race on this planet.
Rissani
A small but charming city with a weekly contemporary market and laid-back souks, Rissani is a perfect desert getaway. Go to the Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum, founding father of the Alaouite dynasty. Discover the Eighth-century ruins of Sijilmassa with its two remaining adorned gateways and uncover a number of fortified villages across the neighborhood.
Taroudant
This magical metropolis is surrounded by historic stone partitions and is positioned within the Sous Valley in southern Morocco. You possibly can discover these Sixteenth-century ramparts, go to an eclectic artwork assortment of Chilean artist Claudio Bravio at his former residence now the Palais Musee Claudio Bravio, people-watch in Place Al Alaouyine and browse all the gorgeous handmade silver jewellery at Bijouterie Essada.
What to Carry when Visiting the Deserts of Morocco
Water is essential to remain hydrated. Two to 3 liters ought to suffice.
Sun shades to guard your eyes from dangerous solar rays.
First Assist Package, simply in case!
Sunscreen is one other essential merchandise, a SPF 50+ ought to hold your pores and skin protected. Many individuals are inclined to neglect simply how intense the desert solar is particularly over lengthy durations. Be certain that to place it on earlier than you board a camel!
A flashlight is all the time a good suggestion and turns out to be useful.
Backpack- a small backpack to hold this stuff will make it simpler so that you can transport them in your journey.
Lighter or matches – firepower is an efficient again up.
Transportable Charger on your telephone or digital camera as a result of your battery will seemingly run low taking all these photographs!
Insect Repellant to maintain these bloodthirsty beasts away!
A blanket will add an additional layer of heat if you happen to plan on spending the night time within the desert.
Hand Sanitizer to rid these germs goodbye!
What to Put on within the Desert
Throughout summer time, it’s greatest to put on loose-fitting, snug pants as they are going to be your greatest buddy on that camel experience. Lengthy-sleeved linen shirts whereas on a trek to guard your pores and skin from the solar. A sombrero hat or wide-rimmed hat will hold your face shaded and your head cool. Breathable footwear or sandals that received’t fall off your toes are additionally suggested.
When touring throughout the Winter season, bear in mind that temperatures can drop fairly low so it’s good to pack heat garments that may be layered and a heat sweater. It’s all the time higher to be secure than sorry. A heat, windproof jacket and a heat hat are a particular should in case the climate turns or a sand storm arises. It doesn’t matter what the season, it would be best to pack a big scarf to guard your face from the wind, sand, and solar.
No journey to Morocco is ever full with no journey to the Desert.
Stillness, silence, serenity.
Mystical and surreal, a journey via the deserts of Morocco will depart you surprised and endlessly modified.
