A life time experience!

I always wanted to experience a night in a Bedouin tent in the Sahara Desert, hidden in the sand dunes, under the Sahara stars. Untravelled paths (www.untravelledpaths.com) made this dream come true.

The journey to the Sahara was long. However, there were such breath-taking views that I did not realize how quickly we had arrived at the Bedouin ‘camping’ site. Crossing the Atlas Mountains, on a 4×4 jeep, mesmorized by the snowy peaks, we passed by several small Berger villages. The journey from the Dades Valley to Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert was magical.

First stop was at Todra Gorge with a small coffeebreak in the town of Tinherir near the gorge. Todra Gorge is one of the most breathtaking canyons in the world. Rivers Todra and Dades have created canyons which at some points measure only 33 ft wide but on both sides the cliffs are more than 500ft tall and even though there is no water it is a spectacular scene!

   

On arrival at the desert, the journey with the camels began and it was quite long but an AMAZING experience. I find these creatures amazing!

Just before sunset, we made a stop at some sand dunes to take some beautiful photos, slide down the sand dunes and to admire the landscape. The sunset was magical… just watching the sun go down and disappear in the horizon was unique. There, out of nowhere, a group of local children appeared. They were selling handmade camels and dolls. The smile on their faces, when I gave them coloured pencils and candy that I had brought with me was priceless.

 

It was time to take off and head for the tents. I could not imagine what this camp in the middle of nowhere would be like, but on arrival, I was truly impressed.  We set up a fire and enjoyed the peace and quiet as well as the shining stars. We had some very interesting conversations about the desert and about Morocco in general, while dinner was being prepared.  Dinner was delicious and the guides working there did their best to please us.

Sleeping in the tent in the desert was a great experience, it was chilly at times but unexpectedly comfortable.. Maybe it was the fresh air and the good vibes I got from the desert.

Wake up was very early but I didn’t mind it at all as I wanted to see the sunrise and the beautiful morning colors. I could even see the Algerian borders from our camp! A traditional Berber breakfast was prepared for us before it was time to head back to reality.

 

 

Tips/Recommendations

• Comfortable clothes and shoes + long pants for the camel ride

 

• Chilly at night in the desert

 

• Salesmen selling gem stones can be pushy so if you don’t want to buy just say no from the beginning

 

 

Contact

Untravelled Paths

http://untravelledpaths.com/