Desert Adventures in the Merzouga Region

Whispers of the Sahara

Today was a symphony of sand, sun, and sound in the Merzouga Region. It's amazing how a place so seemingly barren can be so full of life and stories. The desert has a way of getting under your skin, into your soul, and today, it definitely worked its magic on me and the group.

Our day started with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Restaurant Zahra. The strong coffee was much needed after a night under the stars, and the traditional Moroccan pancakes gave us the energy we needed for the day ahead. Fuelled up, we set off to fully embrace the Merzouga desert experience.


Explore the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes and rich Berber culture at Merzouga Desert Experience, a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Our first stop was with Sahara Trips Company, where we met our guide, a local Berber who seemed to know every grain of sand in the Erg Chebbi dunes. He shared stories of nomadic life, pointing out landmarks only he seemed to recognize in the vast expanse. It was fascinating to hear about the adaptations required to survive in such a harsh environment, and I couldn’t help but think about how different this was from my life back in Potsdam. I made a mental note to try and incorporate some of these lessons in resilience into my daily routine; perhaps Lena would appreciate a more minimalist approach to our apartment.

We spent a good chunk of the morning just wandering through the dunes, letting the silence of the desert wash over us. As a sound engineer, I was particularly keen on capturing the unique acoustic environment. The wind whispering over the dunes created an ethereal soundscape, a natural symphony that was both calming and exhilarating. I set up my recording equipment, hoping to capture the subtle nuances of this sonic landscape. I even experimented with using the sand itself as a recording medium, burying microphones at different depths to see how it affected the sound. The results were surprisingly interesting, with each depth producing a slightly different timbre and resonance. I think I will be able to use some of the recordings in my Foley work. I had forgotten to pack extra batteries, though; that was a rookie mistake.

The desert speaks in whispers, if you know how to listen.

Next on the agenda was a visit to Fossiles Mineraux Merzouga. Now, I'll admit, I'm no geologist, but the sheer variety of fossils and minerals on display was impressive. Our guide explained how this area was once underwater, a prehistoric sea teeming with life. It was mind-boggling to think that these very sands I was walking on were once the ocean floor. I picked up a few small fossils as souvenirs, imagining the ancient creatures they once were. I am sure Lena will appreciate the gesture.


Discover the captivating world of fossils at Fossiles Mineraux Merzouga, where ancient history meets modern shopping.

Lunch was at Café Restaurant Les Amis, a delightful spot offering traditional Moroccan cuisine. We devoured a flavorful tagine, savoring the blend of spices and tender meat. The mint tea, of course, was a must, its sweetness cutting through the richness of the tagine. It’s amazing how food can taste so much better when you’re surrounded by such incredible scenery. The company was great, too. My friends and I laughed and shared stories, the bonds of friendship strengthened by our shared experiences.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at Café Restaurant Les Amis in Merzouga—where delightful flavors meet warm hospitality.

The afternoon was dedicated to more desert exploration, this time with a focus on capturing the sounds of the shifting sands. I experimented with different recording techniques, trying to isolate the subtle sounds of the dunes. It was challenging work, as the wind kept interfering, but I managed to get some usable recordings. I also took some time to simply sit and listen, letting the sounds of the desert wash over me. It was a meditative experience, a chance to disconnect from the noise of the modern world and reconnect with the natural world. As the sun began to set, we made our way to Restaurant Cafe SaharaTime for dinner. This place is known for its authentic Berber cuisine and its location right on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The atmosphere was magical, with the setting sun painting the sand in hues of orange and pink. The food was delicious, too, a hearty meal of couscous and grilled meats. After dinner, we sat around a campfire, listening to traditional Berber music and gazing at the stars. The sky was incredibly clear, and the Milky Way stretched across the horizon like a river of light. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.


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

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can still feel the sand between my toes and hear the whispers of the desert in my ears. It’s a place that stays with you, a place that reminds you of the beauty and power of nature. I am so glad that I got to experience this with my friends. I am really looking forward to what tomorrow brings; we are planning on visiting Morocco Bedouin Tours and ACTIVITIES AROUND MERZOUGA. I am excited to see what other hidden gems this desert holds.

Before heading back to the campsite, I took a moment to reflect on the day. The Merzouga desert is more than just sand dunes; it's a place of history, culture, and natural beauty. The sounds of the desert are unique and captivating, and I am glad I had the opportunity to capture them. As the stars began to twinkle above, I knew this was a day I would never forget.