Sahara Adventure: Exploring the Merzouga Dunes with Friends

Day 4: Quad Bikes, Desert Nights, and Berber Delights: My Day in Merzouga

Experience the thrill of quad biking in the Sahara, savor authentic Berber cuisine, and dance under the stars in Merzouga. A day of pure magic!

Post Image

A Day of Desert Thrills & Cultural Immersion


Today was nothing short of magical, a true sensory overload in the best way possible. From the roar of an ATV across the Sahara to the quiet stillness of a desert night under a blanket of stars, Merzouga has completely captivated me. I can't wait to share all the details!

The day began with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Restaurant Zahra. Amar and his wife are such gracious hosts, and their cooking is simply divine. I savored every bite, knowing I'd need the energy for the adventures ahead. The kalia was a standout, perfectly spiced and incredibly satisfying. Fuelled up and ready to go, we set off to conquer the dunes.

Experience authentic Moroccan flavors at Café Restaurant Zahra in Merzouga—where every meal tells a story amidst breathtaking desert views.
Experience authentic Moroccan flavors at Café Restaurant Zahra in Merzouga—where every meal tells a story amidst breathtaking desert views.

First up: the Sahara ATV Quad Experience! The thrill of speeding across the sand dunes on an ATV was exhilarating. The landscape was surreal, and the adrenaline rush was incredible. It's like nothing I've ever experienced before. The vastness of the Sahara is humbling, making you feel both small and incredibly free. The November weather was perfect for it, with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 24°C during the day. I made sure to apply plenty of sunscreen, remembering my essentials!

Explore the stunning Sahara Desert on an exhilarating ATV Quad adventure in Merzouga, where adventure meets breathtaking landscapes.
Explore the stunning Sahara Desert on an exhilarating ATV Quad adventure in Merzouga, where adventure meets breathtaking landscapes.

We rode with friends, laughing and racing each other across the seemingly endless expanse. The guides at Sahara ATV Quad Adventures were fantastic, ensuring we were comfortable and safe while still letting us have plenty of fun. I was inhaling so much dust, that I was glad I didn't have asthma. We stopped a few times to take photos, capturing the stunning scenery and the sheer joy on our faces. Jan, of course, was in his element, his inner child unleashed as he navigated the dunes with gusto. I even managed to capture a few action shots of him, which I know he'll treasure.

The desert is a vast and timeless canvas, painting each day with new adventures and unforgettable memories.


After an exhilarating morning on the ATVs, we were ready for a break. We stopped for lunch at Snack Mustapha, a local gem known for its authentic Moroccan cuisine. The tagine was flavorful and the perfect way to refuel after our desert adventure. Mustapha and the staff were incredibly welcoming, sharing stories and making us feel right at home.

Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine at Snack Mustapha in Merzouga - where every dish tells a story.
Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine at Snack Mustapha in Merzouga - where every dish tells a story.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we headed to our Bivouac Merzouga Experience. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the dunes, we arrived at the bivouac. The camp was beautifully set up, with comfortable tents and a cozy communal area. We settled in, sipping on traditional mint tea and soaking in the serene atmosphere. The air was still and quiet, a stark contrast to the adrenaline-fueled morning.

Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert at Bivouac Merzouga, a family-friendly camp with adventure and cultural immersion for all ages.
Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert at Bivouac Merzouga, a family-friendly camp with adventure and cultural immersion for all ages.

As the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Restaurant Cafe SaharaTime. The Berber chef had prepared a feast of traditional Moroccan dishes, each one bursting with flavor and spices. The setting was magical, dining under the stars in the heart of the Sahara. The warmth of the Berber hospitality made the experience even more special.

Experience authentic Moroccan flavors at Restaurant Cafe SaharaTime - a culinary oasis nestled in Hassilabied's breathtaking desert landscape.
Experience authentic Moroccan flavors at Restaurant Cafe SaharaTime - a culinary oasis nestled in Hassilabied's breathtaking desert landscape.

After dinner, we gathered around a crackling bonfire, the flames dancing against the night sky. The Berber musicians played traditional music, their rhythmic beats filling the air. We danced and sang, losing ourselves in the magic of the moment. The sky was a breathtaking tapestry of stars, a sight I will never forget. I felt an immense sense of gratitude, being able to share this incredible experience with my friends. I couldn't help but think of my family back in Kenya, wishing they could be here to witness this beauty with me. Perhaps one day, I'll bring them all here to experience the magic of the Sahara.

The fun didn't stop there! We then headed to Merzouga sky camp, a nightclub in the middle of the desert. Dancing under the stars to the vibrant beats was an experience that I will cherish forever.

Discover the enchanting Merzouga Sky Camp, where adventure meets comfort in the heart of the Sahara Desert for the entire family.
Discover the enchanting Merzouga Sky Camp, where adventure meets comfort in the heart of the Sahara Desert for the entire family.

As I lay in my tent, drifting off to sleep, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible day. The Sahara had worked its magic, leaving me feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected to the world around me. It was a day of contrasts – the thrill of adventure, the peace of the desert, the warmth of Berber hospitality – all woven together into an unforgettable tapestry of experiences.

Tomorrow, we're off to Tiziri Camp - Luxury ECO Desert Camp Merzouga for another night under the stars. I'm excited to see what adventures await us, including a Sahara Safari Adventure. I'm also hoping to pick up a few unique souvenirs at DRISS FOSSILS AND MINERALS SHOP.

Goodnight from the Sahara! I can't wait to share more of my Moroccan adventures with you all. I am so glad I didn't forget my camera, because these memories are definitely worth capturing!

Go to day 3 Desert Dreams and Berber Treasures: A Day of Discovery in Merzouga
Go to day 5 Desert Dreams Fulfilled: A Day of Luxury and Adventure in Merzouga
trip photo
Sahara Adventure: Exploring the Merzouga Dunes with Friends

Join Esther Mwangi on a captivating journey to the Merzouga Region, Morocco, for an unforgettable adventure in the Sahara Desert with friends.

View full trip

Meet this Featured Explorer

Esther Mwangi
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Social Media Manager at a Sustainable Fashion Startup
  • Country icon Country: Netherlands
  • Age icon Age: 33

Hey there, fellow travelers! I'm Esther, a Kenyan native living in Amsterdam, and I'm passionate about sustainable living, cultural exchange, and ethical fashion. My blog is a creative outlet where I share my travel experiences, blending my Kenyan heritage with my life in the Netherlands. I'm all about authentic experiences and cultural immersion, and I'm excited to share my adventures with you.

Interests:
  • Sustainable living
  • Cultural exchange
  • Ethical fashion
  • Global cuisine
  • Photography
More about Esther Mwangi

Find Similar Travel Diaries

Explore locations from this diary

  • Sahara ATV Quad experience

    Explore the stunning Sahara Desert on an exhilarating ATV Quad adventure in Merzouga, where adventure meets breathtaking landscapes.

  • Bivouac Merzouga Experience

    Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert at Bivouac Merzouga, a family-friendly camp with adventure and cultural immersion for all ages.

  • Cafe Restaurant Zahra

    Experience authentic Moroccan flavors at Café Restaurant Zahra in Merzouga—where every meal tells a story amidst breathtaking desert views.

  • Snack Mustapha

    Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine at Snack Mustapha in Merzouga - where every dish tells a story.

  • Restaurant Cafe SaharaTime

    Experience authentic Moroccan flavors at Restaurant Cafe SaharaTime - a culinary oasis nestled in Hassilabied's breathtaking desert landscape.

  • Merzouga sky camp

    Discover the enchanting Merzouga Sky Camp, where adventure meets comfort in the heart of the Sahara Desert for the entire family.

Our editors` picks of the latest and greatest in travel - delivered to your inbox weekly
Share:

Select Currency