Desert Adventures in the Merzouga Region

A Day of Sands and Souvenirs

Today was all about embracing the raw beauty of the Sahara and finding little pieces of its history to take home. It's amazing how much you can pack into a single day when you're surrounded by such unique landscapes and vibrant culture. From the gentle sway of a camel to the savory flavors of Berber cuisine, Merzouga continues to surprise and delight.

The day began, as most days here do, with the sun painting the sand dunes in hues of gold and orange. I met up with the guys, and we headed to Cafe Restaurant Touga for breakfast. Ibrahim, the host, greeted us with a warm smile and a spread of traditional Moroccan delights. I opted for the Berber pizza, a local specialty that came highly recommended. It was a simple yet flavorful dish, and the mint tea was the perfect complement. Fuelled up and ready for the day, we set off to explore more of what Merzouga had to offer. The atmosphere was simple but very atmospheric.


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

Our main adventure for the day was a camel trek into the desert with Camel Trekking Morocco Tours. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous at first. I’m a chef, not a desert nomad! But the guides were incredibly patient and reassuring, helping me get comfortable on my camel. The rhythmic sway of the camel was surprisingly soothing, and as we ventured deeper into the Erg Chebbi dunes, the vastness of the Sahara began to sink in. The rolling sand dunes seemed to stretch on forever, and the silence was broken only by the soft padding of the camels' feet. I could feel the sun on my skin and the wind in my hair – a truly immersive experience. My friend got a little spooked, but I just kept thinking about my daughter Naomi and how much she would have loved to see this. I made a mental note to bring her back here someday.


Embark on an unforgettable camel trekking journey through the stunning dunes of Merzouga, immersing yourself in Moroccan culture and breathtaking landscapes.

The desert is a vast and timeless canvas, where every grain of sand tells a story of resilience and beauty.

After the camel trek, we stopped for lunch at Café Restaurant Chez Ibrahim. It was another opportunity to savor the local flavors, and this time I tried the tagine, a slow-cooked stew that was rich and aromatic. The restaurant had a welcoming atmosphere, and it was clear that Ibrahim and his wife took pride in their cooking and hospitality. It's the kind of place where you feel like you're part of the family, sharing a meal with old friends.


Discover authentic Moroccan flavors at Café Restaurant Chez Ibrahim in Khemliya—where delicious pizza meets warm hospitality.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we decided to do some shopping. We ventured to DRISS FOSSILS AND MINERALS SHOP, a local gem known for its unique collection of desert treasures. As someone who appreciates history, I was fascinated by the ancient fossils and minerals on display. I ended up buying a small fossil as a souvenir, a tangible reminder of the Sahara's long and storied past. I wasn’t necessarily looking for the deal of the century, but I was hoping to find something special.


Explore the unique Driss Fossils and Minerals Shop in Hassilabied for authentic fossils and stunning minerals that capture Morocco's natural beauty.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Restaurant Cafe SaharaTime for dinner. This family-owned restaurant is located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, offering a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views. I opted for another tagine, eager to try a different variation of this classic Moroccan dish. The flavors were exquisite, and the setting was magical as the sun set over the Sahara, casting long shadows across the sand. The staff was friendly and accommodating, making us feel right at home.


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

Looking back on the day, I'm struck by the simple beauty of the desert and the warmth of the Berber people. The camel trek was an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the nomadic way of life and the vastness of the Sahara. The fossil shop provided a tangible connection to the region's history, while the local restaurants offered a taste of authentic Moroccan cuisine. It's these kinds of experiences that make travel so rewarding, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share them with you.

Tomorrow, on our final day, we're planning to soak up every last bit of this desert paradise. We'll start with the Merzouga desert experience and a Sahara Desert tour, followed by breakfast at Café Restaurant Les Amis. Lunch will be at Cafe Snack Restaurant Said, and we'll end the day with dinner at Snack Mustapha. And, of course, we'll raise a glass to our adventure at Kasbah Merzouga Bar. It’s almost time to head back to Berlin and to Klara and Naomi, but there’s still time for a few more memories.


Explore the enchanting Merzouga Desert, home to towering dunes, vibrant culture, and unforgettable adventures under the stars.

Until tomorrow,
Robert