Solo Adventure in the Mystical Merzouga Dunes

Whispers of the Sahara

Today was a day of deep immersion into the heart of the Sahara. It was a day where the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi whispered ancient stories, and the warmth of Berber hospitality embraced me like a familiar friend. The experiences were not just sights to behold, but moments to be lived, felt, and remembered.


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

My day began with a delightful breakfast at Cafe Restaurant Zahra. The simple pleasure of Moroccan mint tea and freshly baked bread was the perfect way to prepare for the adventures ahead. The cafe was bustling with locals and fellow travelers, all eager to start their day in this magical corner of Morocco. The air was filled with anticipation, a shared excitement for what the desert had in store. It’s amazing how a simple cup of tea can connect you to a place and its people.


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

With a full stomach and an adventurous spirit, I set out to explore Erg Chebbi. The dunes rose majestically against the clear blue sky, their golden hues shifting with the movement of the sun. The temperature was already climbing, a reminder that August in the Sahara meant embracing the heat. I made sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and don my wide-brimmed hat, grateful for the lightweight clothing I had packed. I must admit, I briefly regretted forgetting my sand-proof phone case; the fine sand managed to find its way into every nook and cranny! I made a mental note to purchase one tomorrow if I could find one at Merzouga Nomadic Art Crafts.


Discover authentic Moroccan craftsmanship at Merzouga Nomadic Art Crafts, where local artisans showcase their beautiful handmade creations.

As I trekked deeper into the desert, the vastness of Erg Chebbi became even more apparent. It felt like stepping into another world, a world of endless sand and sky. The silence was profound, broken only by the gentle whisper of the wind. I paused, closed my eyes, and breathed in the moment, feeling a sense of peace I rarely experience in the hustle and bustle of Stratford. I thought of David and Emily back home, wondering what they were up to. David was probably grading papers, and Emily was likely working on her latest art project.

The desert is a place of profound beauty and unexpected encounters, where the simplicity of life strips away the unnecessary and leaves you with what truly matters.

Lunch was at Cafe Restaurant Chez Youssef. I had heard rave reviews about their Berber pizza, also known as madfouna, and I was eager to try it. The restaurant was a welcome oasis, offering respite from the desert heat. The owner, Youssef, greeted me with a warm smile and made me feel instantly at home. While waiting for my meal, I watched as the chefs prepared the food with fresh ingredients sourced from neighboring shops. The aroma of spices filled the air, making my stomach rumble with anticipation. It took a while for the food to arrive, but as many reviewers have noted, it was definitely worth the wait. The Berber pizza was a delightful combination of flavors and textures, a true taste of Morocco. I also ordered a refreshing Niçoise salad, which was the perfect complement to the rich, savory pizza. While enjoying my lunch, I chatted with Youssef about Berber culture and traditions. He shared stories of his nomadic ancestors and the challenges and joys of life in the Sahara. It was fascinating to learn about their resourcefulness, their deep connection to the land, and their unwavering spirit. I also discovered that Chez Youssef organizes authentic camping trips, something I will definitely consider for my next visit.


Discover authentic Moroccan flavors at Café Restaurant Chez Youssef in Merzouga – your gateway to culinary delights amidst Sahara's beauty.

After lunch, I visited Merzouga Nomadic Art Crafts. I wanted to find a unique souvenir to remind me of my time in the Sahara, and I was also hoping to find a sand-proof phone case. The shop was filled with beautiful handcrafted items, from intricate Berber carpets to delicate silver jewelry. I was particularly drawn to the textiles, each piece telling a story through its colors and patterns. The owner, a friendly Berber man, explained the symbolism behind the designs and the traditional techniques used to create them. I ended up purchasing a small rug with a geometric pattern that represented strength and resilience. As for the phone case, I was out of luck, but the owner suggested I try the market in Rissani tomorrow. I also made a mental note to buy an extra memory card for my camera as I realized I was running low on space after all the pictures I took during the day.

As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, I made my way back to the dunes for a Merzouga desert experience. I found a secluded spot and sat down to watch the sunset. The sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors, from fiery oranges and reds to soft pinks and purples. The dunes seemed to glow in the fading light, their shadows stretching long and dramatic across the sand. It was a breathtaking sight, a moment of pure magic. I felt incredibly grateful to be there, to witness such beauty and to experience the tranquility of the Sahara. I journaled as the sun went down, trying to capture the intensity of the experience with words.


Explore the stunning dunes of Merzouga Desert, a paradise for adventurers and culture enthusiasts in Morocco's breathtaking landscape.

Dinner was at Cafe Restaurant Touga. I opted for a traditional tagine, a slow-cooked stew with tender meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices. The restaurant had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly attentive. As I savored the delicious tagine, I reflected on the day's adventures. I had explored the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes, learned about Berber culture and traditions, and witnessed a stunning Sahara sunset. It was a day filled with wonder, inspiration, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and resilience of the desert. I thought of how different this was from my translating work back in Stratford. Immersing myself in new cultures always gives me a fresh perspective, and I find that it enhances my creativity when I return home.


Experience authentic African flavors at Cafe Restaurant Touga in Khamlia - your gateway to delicious Moroccan cuisine amidst stunning desert scenery.

As I walked back to my Berber camp under the starlit sky, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. The stars twinkled brightly, illuminating the vast expanse of the Sahara. The air was cool and crisp, a welcome change from the daytime heat. I knew that tomorrow would bring new adventures, new discoveries, and new memories. I'm particularly excited about the tour with Mouhou Tours Company, and visiting the Dunes d'Erg Chebbi. But for now, I was content to simply soak in the magic of the moment, grateful for the opportunity to experience the whispers of the Sahara. I thought of David again, and I knew he would have loved this.

Before drifting off to sleep, I made a few notes in my travel journal, eager to capture every detail of this unforgettable day. As I closed my eyes, I could still feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, the softness of the sand beneath my feet, and the whispers of the Sahara in my heart. This trip is already exceeding all expectations!

Tomorrow, I plan to explore more of the area, perhaps venturing into Rissani to visit the market and learn more about the local culture. I’m also looking forward to trying Berber whiskey (mint tea) at Riad Tighmart Merzouga. Each day here is a new adventure, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.