Desert Adventures in the Merzouga Region

Sahara's Embrace: A Day Among Giants

The Sahara Desert, eh? Never thought I'd be saying that, but here I am, dust on my boots and a grin as wide as the dunes themselves. Today was all about getting lost in the majesty of Erg Chebbi, and let me tell you, it was an experience that'll stick with me longer than sand in my socks.


Explore the mesmerizing golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, a stunning desert oasis in Morocco, offering adventure, tranquility, and cultural richness.
Woke up this morning in Merzouga, ready to tackle the Sahara. The air was crisp, a welcome change from the Berlin chill I left behind. The sun was just peeking over the horizon, painting the sand dunes in hues of gold and amber. After a quick breakfast at Cafe Restaurant Touga, where I had some surprisingly good coffee and a traditional Moroccan pancake, we set off for Erg Chebbi.


Experience authentic African flavors at Cafe Restaurant Touga in Khamlia - your gateway to delicious Moroccan cuisine amidst stunning desert scenery.
Erg Chebbi, for those who don't know, is one of Morocco's two major Saharan ergs. Think of it as a sea of sand, sculpted by the wind into these massive, rolling dunes. It's seriously impressive. I'm talking climb-to-the-top-and-feel-like-king-of-the-world impressive. The scale of the place is hard to grasp until you're actually standing there, surrounded by nothing but sand and sky. It's humbling, to say the least. Klara would love this, she always appreciates the grandeur of nature. And Naomi would have a field day rolling down the dunes! I made a mental note to bring them back someday.

We spent a good chunk of the morning just wandering, taking pictures, and generally being awestruck. The sand was soft and cool underfoot, and the silence was broken only by the wind whispering across the dunes. It's a different world out here, a world where time seems to slow down and worries fade away. I even tried my hand at sandboarding, which was less graceful than I'd imagined, but a whole lot of fun. Let’s just say snowboarding in the Alps is a tad different than sandboarding in the Sahara, who knew?

The desert is a place of extremes, where the beauty is as stark as the landscape.

Next up was Lala Lallia, the highest dune in the Erg Chebbi. Lala Lallia means “highest sacred point” in the local Berber language. This star dune is about 100 meters high and 700 meters wide. It took about 900 years to form. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking. You could see for miles in every direction, the endless expanse of the Sahara stretching out before you. The wind was whipping around us, but it didn't matter. We were on top of the world, or at least, it felt that way. The guys were taking pictures like crazy, trying to capture the moment, but some things you just can't capture with a lens.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lala Lallia Gran Dune in Morocco, where golden sands meet vibrant sunsets in the heart of the Sahara Desert.
For lunch, we stopped at La Grotte Dunes Restaurant. The food was great, traditional Moroccan fare. I had a tagine with chicken and preserved lemons that was out of this world. I swear, every meal here is a new favorite. The restaurant itself was cozy and inviting, a welcome respite from the desert sun.


Savor traditional Moroccan dishes amidst stunning desert landscapes at La Grotte Dunes Restaurant in Merzouga.
After lunch, we explored a bit more, soaking up the atmosphere and taking in the sights. We even ran into a group of Berber nomads, who were kind enough to share some tea with us and tell us stories about their life in the desert. Their hospitality was heartwarming, and it was fascinating to hear about their traditions and way of life. I even picked up a few words of Berber, though I doubt I'll remember them for long.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to Merzouga. The sky was ablaze with color, a fiery mix of oranges, pinks, and purples. We found a spot on a dune to watch the show, and it was truly magical. There's something about a desert sunset that just gets to you, you know? It's peaceful, serene, and utterly captivating.

For dinner, we decided to try Cafe Restaurant Itran. I had read some great reviews about it and wanted to give it a try. The place was buzzing with locals and tourists alike, and the atmosphere was lively and fun. The food was excellent, and the service was top-notch. I had a delicious couscous dish that was perfectly spiced and incredibly flavorful. And of course, we had to finish the meal with some traditional Moroccan mint tea, sweet and refreshing.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at Café Restaurant Itran in Merzouga, where every meal is a journey into local culture and flavor.
To cap off the night, we headed to Kasbah Merzouga Bar for a drink. The bar had a cool, relaxed vibe, and the drinks were strong and well-made. We sat outside on the terrace, enjoying the cool night air and chatting about our adventures. The staff was friendly and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day. Kasbah Merzouga seems like a great place to stay too, I'll have to keep it in mind for future trips.


Discover the vibrant Kasbah Merzouga Bar, where Moroccan hospitality meets a lively atmosphere in the heart of the Sahara.
Tomorrow, we're diving even deeper into the desert with a full-on Merzouga desert experience and bivouac, which I am very excited about! I’m looking forward to sleeping under the stars and experiencing the Sahara in all its glory. But for now, it's time to rest up and recharge for another day of adventure.

Before I turn in, I wanted to mention something I forgot to pack: sunglasses. Rookie mistake, I know. The desert sun is no joke, and I'm definitely feeling it now. I also forgot my portable charger, which is a pain, but luckily, one of the guys had an extra. Note to self: always double-check the packing list!

All in all, today was an incredible experience. The Sahara is a truly special place, and I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to explore it with my friends. The vastness of Erg Chebbi, the warmth of the Berber people, and the beauty of the desert sunset – it's all something I'll never forget. If you ever get the chance to visit, don't hesitate. It's an adventure you won't regret.

Until tomorrow, keep exploring!