The Sahara desert is made for lovers of extreme hiking, or for lovers of sublime natural scenery. Morocco has the great advantage of having a part of the Sahara desert on its territory. It is also surrounded by the Atlas Mountains, for a surprising mix of scenery. Ouarzazate is considered as the gateway to the desert, for breathtaking discoveries. The particularity of the Sahara desert in Morocco is the abundance of oases, for places of freshness and very soothing.
To discover the Sahara desert, you have to leave from Ouarzazate in 4×4, but there is also the possibility of small ballads on camelback for the bravest. The discovery of the Sahara desert is then done with the valley of Drâa. This river irrigates palm groves and oases, before ending its course in the desert. Then it is the direction of the erg Lihoudi, or the erg Chebbi, to see these extraordinary dunes which announce the desert of sahara. Villages like Merzouga or Chegaga are crossed, to approach the Moroccans who live in these arid and not very prosperous regions. Excursions to the desert are mostly done over a minimum of 3 days, with a bivouac under the tent, as the Berbers, the local population, do. It is also an opportunity to taste typical Moroccan dishes, prepared in the pure Moroccan tradition. The meal will necessarily end with mint tea served in the traditional way. Spending the night in the desert is an unforgettable experience, because it offers a spectacle of beauty. A nice way to imagine the life of the nomads, who live according to the seasons in this mysterious desert.
The visits of the Sahara desert are done from various hotels in the city of Ouarzazate. The trekking tours are appreciated by experienced sportsmen, for walks in the sublime Sahara desert. The prices of these excursions vary according to the duration, the type, and the mode of accommodation. The visit of the desert can also be done with an accommodation in a Riad, or in a hotel, for more comfort. Various levels are suggested, and some excursions are possible with children, over a few hours. The choice is à la carte, for a day or a week. The Sahara desert within the reach of all, this is also what the beautiful country of Morocco offers.
