Safes Western Sky
Safes Western Sky
Morocco’s Sahara Desert
Want a vacation with a different twist? A visit to the West Sahara region of Morocco just might give you years worth of stories. It is possible to travel in this region on your own. However, it is advisable to go with a Moroccan tour guide because of its proximity to the Algerian border. West Sahara has a few military checkpoints in which one must pass. There are some dangers in touring the area, such as land mines. However, your Moroccan tour operator would have knowledge of which areas are open and safe. They know what it takes to keep you safe on your Moroccan holiday.
A good place to start your Moroccan vacation is anywhere your plane lands. It is quite easy to find your way from Marrakech, Casablanca or any of Morocco’s cities to the edge of the Western Sahara. Your tour guide will have all travel arrangements set up in advance of your arrival. The world’s largest desert part of Morcco begins between the Anti Atlas Mountains and the Algerian border. It is an impressive place to visit and very popular with tourists. You can feed your sense of adventure in this remote part of Morocco.
Zagora is a great place to begin your trek across the desert. It sets on the Draa River in Souss-Massa-Draâ valley. There’s plenty to see in the valley, so don’t hurry through it. Zagora greets the visitors with a sign reading “Timbuktu – 52 days by camel caravan”, reminding one of the not so distant past. Known as the hottest place in Morocco, it is the biggest city in 150 k radius. Your tour guide will make sure you have accommodations ready for you upon arrival. You can opt for the traditional camel rides or book a four wheel drive vehicle to carry you.
Your adventure starts when you are ready. A couple of facts that many people are not aware of are the desert is primarily made out of stone. Only about 30% of the total area is actually covered in sand.
Less than an hour’s travel by car will deliver you to the dunes of Erg Lihoudi, giving you your first glimpse of the famous Sahara Desert. Your Western Sahara Morocco tour will most likely begin here. You will begin the trek on the stony plain with scrub brush sticking up here and there. Most over night or longer camel trips will probably take you to a well in the desert about four hours from the Erg Lihoudi. This will be the place to spend the night under the stars. Camel treks are usually planned around where water is found. While camels are known for their ability to go days without water, it is better for them and they work harder if they are given fresh water every couple of days. Your guides will prepare the meals on the trail. Imagine dining on a tangine while sitting under star lit skies. Depending on how long your trek is, you might find your way to the big dunes of Ouad Naam. They are like a magical playground with dunes towering more than 100 meters. Take off your shoes and play in the sand. Climb to the top and watch the sunset or sunrise from the very highest dune. You will be rewarded by the sights you see.
Other dunes that you might be drawn to visit, depending on the time you have available are Erg Chicaga or Erg Chebbi. Talk with your Moroccan vacation planner and come up with a route that best suits you. No matter where you decide to go on your West Saharan adventure you will find visual treasures and make memories like you never had before. You will be visiting a part of an ancient world. Most of these treks are on the paths that caravans followed for millennia from the core of Africa to the Moroccan coasts. Your world will be very quiet with the only sounds being your camel’s steps across the sands. Skies will be so blue you feel like you are in a domed world. Night skies are filled with so many stars there is no way you can count them. The best time to travel to the West Sahara is in the winter and early spring months. Summertime the temps are too hot for touring. One thing that can be said, it doesn’t matter if you go by yourself or with a Moroccan tour, no one leaves Morocco disappointed.
About the Author
Thomas and Terry are owners of the Morocco-based travel company Journey Beyond Travel, offering adventure and customized tours of Morocco.
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