Desert Adventures in the Merzouga Region

Sahara's Embrace: A Day of Discovery
Today was a day where the Sahara truly embraced us, body and soul. From the thrill of the safari to the simple pleasure of a shared meal under the vast sky, every moment felt like a page torn from an adventure novel. This is what traveling is all about, isn't it? Connecting with a place, its people, and creating memories that'll stick with you longer than sand on your shoes.

The day began, as many good days do, with food. Breakfast at 'Welcome to the desert' was a simple affair, but the warmth of the welcome and the stunning view made it unforgettable. Sipping on sweet mint tea while watching the sun paint the dunes gold—it’s the kind of moment that makes you grateful to be alive and experiencing something so different from the everyday hustle back in Berlin.


Savor authentic Moroccan cuisine amidst breathtaking desert views in Merzouga's hidden gem restaurant.
Fueled and ready, the crew and I set off for our adventure with Morocco Bedouin Tours. Now, I've heard stories, some good, some not so good, about desert tours. But from the get-go, these folks impressed me. They were organized, friendly, and seemed genuinely passionate about sharing the magic of the Sahara. We opted for a Sahara Safari adventure, tearing through the dunes with wind whipping through our hair. It felt like being in a movie, a proper action flick, albeit one with a slightly less coordinated Jamaican chef at the helm. Klara would have loved this! She always says I need to let loose more, and well, burying the accelerator in the sand definitely ticked that box. It was exhilarating!


Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Merzouga, a desert gem in Morocco perfect for hiking and adventure.

Experience the thrill of the Sahara Desert like never before with Sahara Safari Adventure's exhilarating ATV rentals and breathtaking landscapes.
Of course, no desert adventure is complete without a bit of shopping, so we swung by Herbier kounouz sahara. I must confess, I'm usually not one for souvenir shops, but this place was different. It was more like a small museum, filled with intriguing herbs, spices, and traditional remedies. I ended up chatting with the owner for ages about the local flora and its uses. I even picked up a few things for Naomi, some natural oils and balms that are supposed to be great for the skin. Hopefully, they’ll survive the trip back to Berlin in my backpack.


Discover the essence of Moroccan craftsmanship at Herbier Kounouz Sahara, your premier gift shop in Merzouga, offering unique treasures from the Sahara Desert.
Lunch was at Snack le cedre, and let me tell you, this place is a gem. It's a small, unassuming spot, but the food packs a serious punch. I had the tortilla, and it was incredible—bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. The guys went for the fries, which they raved about, claiming they were the best they'd had in Morocco. The staff were super friendly, adding to the welcoming vibe. It’s these kinds of authentic, local experiences that really make a trip special.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at Snack le Cedre in Merzouga – where every dish tells a story!
Later in the afternoon, as the sun began its slow descent, we found ourselves at Restaurant Berbere Palace Hotel Merzouga for dinner. The setting was stunning, an oasis of calm and luxury in the heart of the desert. The food was good, although perhaps a little less authentic than our lunchtime find. I went for a tagine, rich and flavorful, but I couldn't help but compare it to the simpler, more rustic meal we had earlier. Still, the ambiance was fantastic, and it was a great way to wind down after a day of adventures.


Experience authentic Halal Moroccan cuisine amidst the breathtaking beauty of Merzouga's Sahara Desert.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are not about conquering mountains or crossing oceans, but about savoring the simple moments, the shared meals, and the unexpected connections forged along the way.

As I sit here now, back at our camp, the stars are out in full force, a dazzling display of cosmic brilliance. I'm sipping on another glass of mint tea, the sweet, herbal flavor a soothing balm to my sun-kissed skin. I can hear the faint sound of Berber music drifting from a nearby camp, a rhythmic pulse that seems to echo the heartbeat of the desert. I am thinking about Klara and Naomi, and how much they would have loved today's adventure. I miss them dearly, but I also feel a sense of contentment, a quiet joy in knowing that I am out here, experiencing something truly special.

Thinking about the contrast between the simplicity of the desert and the complexity of Berlin, I realise how much I value these moments of escape. Back home, life is a whirlwind of restaurant duties, school runs, and the endless demands of modern life. Here, time seems to slow down, and the focus shifts to the essential things: good company, good food, and the sheer beauty of the natural world.

Tomorrow, we are planning to visit Merzouga and Ali & Sara's Desert Palace. I'm looking forward to exploring more of this fascinating region, delving deeper into its culture and history. I'm also hoping to find a few more hidden gems, those off-the-beaten-path experiences that make a trip truly unforgettable. And maybe, just maybe, I'll even try my hand at sandboarding. Though, knowing my luck, I'll probably end up face-planting in the sand. But hey, that's all part of the adventure, right?

I'm also mindful of the small things I forgot to pack – a portable charger and sunglasses. These would have been incredibly useful today, especially during the Sahara Safari adventure. Note to self: always double-check the essentials list before embarking on a desert expedition!

But for now, I'm content to simply sit here and soak it all in. The Sahara has a way of getting under your skin, of casting a spell that lingers long after you've left its sandy embrace. And I have a feeling that this is one adventure I'll be reliving in my mind for years to come. Yaad Vibes will be getting some design updates when I get back, that's for sure! Maybe I'll even add a 'Merzouga Nights' special to the menu. Hmmm, tagine with a Jamaican twist? Now there's a thought...

Until tomorrow, friends. Keep exploring, keep dreaming, and keep embracing the unexpected. Jah bless!