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Morocco as a tourist destination has always intrigued us, but after putting it off for so long, we decided this would be the year to do it. During our research, we happened upon this tour company, Minzifa Travel and it had everything we were looking for. We went there with tempered expectations but were pleasantly surprised at every turn. Morocco, it seems, is a very underrated tourist destination but this hidden gem offers an incredible blend of culture, history, landscapes, and adventure. We also found the people to be quite welcoming.

We embarked on a three-week private tour which would take us through bustling seaside towns with great beaches and corniches (promenades), rural villages where simplicity is still the way of life and of course the desert. The Sahara Desert has always fascinated me and now I finally get a chance to see it. After spending two days in Fes, we hit the road for the 8-hour drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Merzouga, a small village in southeastern Morocco, famous for its towering sand dunes in the Erg Chebbi region. It serves as a gateway to the Sahara Desert. As we approached Merzouga, we caught the first glimpses of the towering dunes (some as high as 150 meters) that rise from the horizon—a sight that signals the start of an extraordinary desert experience. On reaching the edge of the desert, we switched from our tour van to a 4X4 vehicle which would take us deeper into the desert.

There are plenty of activities to be had in the desert – sandboarding, quad biking, and 4X4 desert tours but we’re opting for the camel rides. As the afternoon fades, it’s time to hop onto the back of a camel, the iconic mode of transport across the Sahara. Guided by Berber locals who understand the rhythm of the desert, you sway gently with each step, feeling the vastness of the dunes stretching endlessly before you. The ride lasted about an hour and a half but with our minds fully engaged –taking in the landscape, talking with the guide, and capturing photos, the time just flew by.

The play of shadows against the backdrop of the golden sand creates an almost magical atmosphere, reminding you that nature is the true artist here.

Our journey ends at a traditional Berber camp, where warm hospitality welcomes you. The tents, adorned with vibrant carpets and rustic furnishings, provide a cozy retreat for the night. The Beldi Desert Camp, our accommodation of choice, offered a luxurious and immersive desert experience. Located in the heart of the dunes, it provided stunning views and a peaceful retreat away from other camps. As night falls, one of the most breathtaking moments comes when you step outside the camp and look up. The Sahara, free from city lights, reveals a celestial masterpiece—millions of stars twinkling across the vast sky.

Authentic Moroccan Cuisine – Enjoy traditional dishes like couscous, tajine, lentil soup, Moroccan salads and of course the flat bread that’s served at just about every meal.

We ate Tagines in all forms during our visit.

In the evening, we sat around a crackling fire, sipping mint tea, and listening to the rhythmic beats of Berber drums—this is where storytelling and laughter bring the desert to life.

After dinner and music around the fire, we bedded down for the evening. We were expecting it to be quite cold over night, but the weather was surprisingly mild. The following morning, we woke up early to catch the sunrise which at Beldi Camp was a truly magical experience! As dawn broke, the dunes shimmered in soft hues of orange, pink and gold, creating an unforgettable view. I was able to climb some of the higher dunes to get a real sense of the grandeur of it all.

Merzouga is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Sahara. We enjoyed our stay at the Beldi LuxuryDesert Camp and could easily have spent another night there. Here’s how you can get there:

1. By Car

• Renting a car gives you flexibility to explore along the way.
• From Marrakech, it takes about 9–10 hours via the Atlas Mountains and Ouarzazate.
• From Fes, the drive is around 7–8 hours through Midelt and Errachidia.

2. By Bus

• Supratours operates buses from Marrakech and Fes directly to Merzouga.
• The journey from Marrakech takes about 12 hours, while from Fes, it’s around 10 hours.

3. By Plane

• The nearest airport is Errachidia Airport.
• You can fly from Casablanca to Errachidia, then take a taxi or bus to Merzouga (about 2 hours).

4. By Tour

• Many guided tours from Marrakech and Fes include transportation, desert camping, and camel trekking.
• These tours often last 3–4 days and include stops at Aït Benhaddou, Todra Gorge, and the Dades Valley.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) offer pleasant temperatures.
• Summer can be extremely hot, while winter nights can be chilly.