The riches of Morocco

Written by Kim C.

I was petrified yet serene as the sandy rain beat against my arms and neck. There’s nothing more awe-inspiring than being caught in a freak sandstorm. The wind and water raged around us as the sand was swept up and the dunes came alive. Our patient guide hollered at the camels in our caravan and pulled them along. The camel beneath me was steady and strong – used to this weather and completely unfazed by the elements. I, on the other hand, was having a moment. How could a sight so beautiful be as terrifying? My life was entirely in the hands of the elements and the abilities my trusty steed. What a way to live! This is your typical, exhilarating experience in Morocco.

Merzouga: Morocco’s Monument to the Elements

A town perched in the centre of endless dunes, Merzouga is perhaps less known than the desert treks accompanying it. Located in Morocco’s deep Saharan south, Merzouga is the gateway to Erg Chebbi, a mighty expanse of desert dunes as far as the eye can see. It is one of the must-see places when travelling to Morocco. To its south is a seasonal salt lake that, when full, attracts a myriad birds: warblers, Egyptian nightjars, and even the odd flamingo.

The small town is sandy and brown, but it offers plenty for travellers to explore. In its dusty streets you’ll find tourist gift shops and roadside cafes, while along its outskirts are the desert guides, the camps, and the camel caravans ready to take any visitor on adventure towards the orange horizon.
Local legend has it that the mighty dunes of Erg Chebbi, where Merzouga is based, were created by God to punish the people of the land for not hosting a poor, hungry woman during a feast. Dunes and dunes of sand began to pile up outside the town until it became the vast desertscape it is today. The dunes, or ‘ergs’ as they’re known in Moroccan Arabic dialect, are towering spectacles reaching up to 300m high.

““The Sahara…remains a desert without compromise, the world in its extreme.”

― William Langewiesche, Sahara Unveiled: A Journey Across the Desert

Experience the Opulence of Morocco

Away to Africa’s ten-day tour to Morocco includes a host of desert experiences within its package. Experience Morocco’s rich history and extraordinary food and culture with the Saffron, Wine & Thalasso tour. A beautiful country known for its delicious cuisine and flavoursome spices, visitors are invited to explore it as never before.

Starting in the vibrant city of Marrakech, the tour takes you on a whirlwind adventure that begins with dinner at a four-star accommodation. Explore the souks and monuments, before heading over to the Ourika Valley and the organic saffron plantation of Paradis du Safran. An incredibly valuable spice derived from the crocus flower, it takes some 14 000 stigmas to produce only one ounce of saffron threads – making this a rather expensive and labour-intensive endeavour. Saffron has a delicate, musky taste and has been used as dye, in medicines and perfumes, and of course in local cuisine. Sit amongst the flowers and take in their heady honeyed aroma as you learn all about this fascinating plant.

From here, travellers get to take in Morocco’s little Hollywood of Ait Ben Haddou, the town where Gladiator was filmed. Did you know that the kasbah is a UNESCO-listed site? Panoramic views of the nearby Dades Gorges are also a must. The rocky, dry escarpments and formidable gorges in the region are perhaps best known for their support role in Brad Pitt’s film Babel.

Day 5 sees the Away to Africa tour visit Kalaa M’gouna, also known as the ‘City of Roses’, located near Ouarzazate. It is during this time that vistas give way to more and more desert dunes. The stars this side of the world are incomparable. Not only do they litter the night sky in their millions, but they’re bright and glittering.

On Day 6 the tour of Morocco reaches the Sahara. Scorching, sunny days, blustering winds, beautiful contrasts of azure sky against burnt umber dunes. This is Merzouga in a nutshell.