morocco sands of time
Live out your Saharan fantasies as your trusty camel takes you up and over sand dunes to a desert camp. Morocco made this desert dream come true for Jen Bird, one-time Intrepid leader, when she joined our Berber friends for a night of tall tales, traditional songs and a fireside feast…
“Deserts have long fascinated me. Their sheer endlessness and harsh, barren nature is at odds with the extraordinary life they harbour. They are the epitome of a dangerous, yet mesmerising beauty. So in Morocco, when I found the perfect opportunity to see the sands of the magnificent Sahara Desert, I was understandably thrilled!
We travelled down long dusty roads towards Erg Chebbi, the mammoth dune that ignored borders and crept into far eastern Morocco. Exchanging our van for a camel train (as you do), we disappeared into the dunes as the sun began to set. Our camels plodded rhythmically along a path chosen for them by our local guide Hassan; their strange shapes casting long shadows on the red sand. Arriving at our night camp just before dark we were shown Bedouin-style tents, lined with colourful rugs as sleeping mats. The camels were put to bed for the night and we were treated to a delicious desert meal of vegetable tajine and Moroccan bread.
The dunes towered around us while the night air was cool. Hassan and his friend shared tales of their world and played Berber drums as we stared at the blanket of stars above, contemplating the enormity of what surrounded us. Although we had merely dipped a toe in at the edge of this great sea of sand, it was an inspirational experience that I still treasure!”
Tour Morocco with Intrepid on trips like these great small group adventures:
Colours of Morocco – 15 days Casablanca to Marrakech
Morocco Encompassed – 18 days Casablanca to Marrakech
* photo by Howard Jack, Intrepid Photography Competition
