Desert Adventures in the Merzouga Region

Desert Rhythms: Erg Chebbi Beckons

Today marked my first full day exploring the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes. As a sound engineer, I was eager to capture the unique soundscapes of this vast desert landscape, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The day was filled with the warmth of the sun, the taste of traditional Moroccan cuisine, and the echoing silence of the Sahara.


Explore the mesmerizing golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, a stunning desert oasis in Morocco, offering adventure, tranquility, and cultural richness.

The day began with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Restaurant Touga in Merzouga. Fueled up with traditional Moroccan fare, I met up with my friends, and we set off to explore Erg Chebbi. The September sun was already intense, a reminder to reapply sunscreen and don my trusty hat. The weather forecast predicted highs around 35°C, typical for this time of year. The air was dry, and a slight breeze carried whispers of sand. I made a mental note to be extra careful with my recording equipment, remembering my forgotten sand-proof phone case from my packing list.

As we approached the dunes, the landscape transformed into a sea of golden sand. The sheer scale of Erg Chebbi is breathtaking. The undulating dunes stretched as far as the eye could see, creating a surreal and almost otherworldly panorama. I immediately felt the urge to climb to the top of the highest dune to capture the panoramic view and, of course, the ambient sounds.

We spent a good part of the morning hiking through the dunes, each step sinking into the soft sand. It's a surprisingly strenuous activity, but the views from the crest of each dune were more than worth the effort. I set up my recording equipment, hoping to capture the subtle nuances of the desert sounds. The wind rustling over the dunes, the distant calls of birds, and the absolute silence in between – it's a symphony unlike any other. I even tried to record the sound of the sand shifting beneath my feet, a delicate, almost imperceptible whisper.

For lunch, we headed to Restaurant Ocean des Dunes. The restaurant offered a welcome respite from the desert heat, and we indulged in a delicious tagine. The flavors were rich and complex, a blend of sweet and savory that perfectly captured the essence of Moroccan cuisine. Over lunch, we shared stories and laughter, already feeling the bond of friendship deepening through this shared adventure. I couldn't help but think of Lena back in Potsdam and how much she would have loved this experience. I made a mental note to bring her back here someday.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at Restaurant Ocean des Dunes amidst breathtaking desert landscapes in Hassilabied.

The desert speaks in silences, its voice carried on the wind, its stories etched in the sands of time.

In the afternoon, we ventured deeper into the Merzouga Dunes. We decided to take a camel ride, a quintessential desert experience. Riding atop these gentle giants, we swayed rhythmically with their gait, taking in the vastness of the Sahara. The sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the dunes, painting the landscape in hues of orange, pink, and purple. It was a moment of pure magic, a sensory overload that I tried my best to capture with my recording equipment and camera.


Discover the breathtaking Merzouga Dunes, a stunning desert landscape in Morocco perfect for adventure seekers and cultural experiences.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we found ourselves at a vantage point overlooking the endless expanse of the desert. The silence was profound, broken only by the occasional sigh of the wind. I closed my eyes, trying to imprint the sounds and sensations of the desert onto my memory. It's a feeling of peace and tranquility that I rarely experience in the hustle and bustle of city life.

For dinner, we chose Kasr Diafa Restaurant & Snack & Cafe, known for its relaxed atmosphere and tasty Moroccan dishes. We feasted on flavorful tacos and pizza, enjoying the warm hospitality and friendly service. The restaurant had a charming ambiance, and we even made friends with a few local cats that were wandering around. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with adventure and discovery.


Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine at Kasr Diafa Restaurant & Snack & Cafe in Merzouga—where tradition meets flavor.

After dinner, we decided to check out Kasbah Merzouga Bar for a nightcap. The bar had a lively atmosphere. Sipping on local drinks, we shared stories with fellow travelers, each with their own unique experiences of the desert. The music was infectious, a blend of traditional Berber rhythms and modern beats. I even tried my hand at playing the drums, much to the amusement of my friends. The night was filled with laughter and camaraderie, a perfect ending to a perfect day.


Discover the charm of Kasbah Merzouga Bar, where Moroccan culture meets breathtaking desert views in the heart of Merzouga.

Before heading back to our camp, I took a moment to step outside and gaze at the stars. The desert sky was ablaze with a million twinkling lights, a sight that took my breath away. I tried to capture the sound of the silence once again, the profound stillness that seemed to amplify the vastness of the universe.

Back at camp, I spent some time reviewing my recordings, eager to hear the sounds of the day. I was pleased with what I had captured, but I knew that no recording could truly replicate the experience of being there, immersed in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the Sahara.

As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this incredible journey. The Merzouga Region is a place of unparalleled beauty and tranquility, a place that nourishes the soul and awakens the senses. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings, as we plan to delve deeper into the desert with a Merzouga desert experience and a visit to the Sahara Trips Company. I am particularly excited about the prospect of discovering more hidden gems and capturing more of the desert's unique soundscapes. I'm also hoping to find some unique souvenirs at Fossiles Mineraux Merzouga tomorrow.

As I close my eyes, the whispers of the Sahara fill my dreams, a gentle reminder of the magic that surrounds us if we only take the time to listen.

I'm already looking forward to sharing more stories and sounds from this incredible adventure tomorrow. Goodnight from the Sahara!