The Open Doors Of Africa.

The Sahara

So, my friends and I—being the adventurous types—decided to take a trip from Marrakesh to the Sahara desert, because why not? We hopped into our trusty 4X4 and set off on a 600-kilometer journey, which felt like we were driving across the entire country (and probably the entire planet, too). After a mini marathon of road trips, we finally arrived at a small, cozy Riad where we’d be spending the night. I’m pretty sure the Riad was a lot fancier than we were, but hey, we made it! 😎

The next day, we met our local guide, and then it was go time—we ventured into the dusty dunes and sandy trails of Merzuga for hours (and I mean hours). By the time we got to our first stop, I could’ve sworn my feet had turned to sand themselves. Luckily, we restocked on supplies, fresh food, and water—because, you know, life in the desert is all about hydration (and pretending you're a camel). 🏜️

After we recharged, we made our way to Iriqui, a dry salt lake near Merzuga, where we started discovering fossils, ancient inscriptions, and artwork on stones. It was like Indiana Jones meets desert scavenger hunt—except instead of treasure, we found rocks. Still, pretty cool, right? 🏺

As we explored, I was low-key amazed by the Sahara's landscape, which is mostly the result of wind erosion, occasional rain, and a few “Hey, let’s throw a sand flat here!” moments. The real surprise, though, was seeing tiny plants like Acacias and a few palm trees just chilling in the desert, looking like they had no business being there. Mother Nature is really the ultimate overachiever. 🌵🌴

Embarking on a journey to the Moroccan desert is like signing up for a one-way ticket to a totally different dimension, where Wi-Fi doesn’t exist, and your phone’s battery is praying for mercy. You leave behind the chaos of city life and suddenly find yourself surrounded by endless sandy nothingness. It’s like Mother Nature's version of "keep calm and carry on," but with more dust. 🌵

As we roll through the desert, our vehicle leaves behind its first trail of sand, and let me tell you, I felt like a real explorer. The golden grains sparkled like they were auditioning for a role in "Desert Bling: The Movie." The wind is showing off, sending those little grains dancing across the landscape. And those dunes? They're like nature's roller coasters—except without the seatbelts or safety regulations. We’re talking real off-roading vibes, just like the ancient caravans used to do… except with fewer camels and more questionable decisions. 🏜️

As we continued deeper into the desert, the dunes got taller, the sky got bluer, and everything started to look like a Pinterest board come to life. The sand was sculpted into these perfect curves and ridges, creating the most epic shadow and light show since The Lion King had its opening scene. It’s like every dune was whispering ancient secrets to me—probably something like, “Drink more water” and “You should’ve brought sunscreen.” ☀️

The deeper we went, the more I felt like a tiny speck in a giant, sandy universe. The horizon stretched out like an Instagram influencer’s perfect shot. In the distance, I spotted a lonely camel and a tent. I had to pause and wonder, "Is that camel judging me for not knowing how to ride one?" 🤔 But the desert has this crazy, magical way of making you feel both insignificant and like you just joined the coolest club in the world—one with zero Wi-Fi but tons of adventure.

By the time we got to the heart of the desert, I felt like I was in a spiritual movie montage, connecting with the ancient land—while simultaneously wondering if I remembered to pack enough snacks. 🙃

The camp was ready and waiting for us, in the Erg ‘sand sea’ of Chigaga, the largest dune in Morocco. Dunes surrounding us, where the greatest point for admiring the millions of stars, a sky I never saw that bright in my entire life. Magical beauty, hearing the Tuareg people playing songs around the fire, and drums is so enchanting. The encircled dunes were a great point for sunset and sunrise.

During our trip, we enjoyed a tasty Tajine, a traditional Moroccan dish, along with tea and hot beverages prepared by our guides. We spent the night in Berber sleeping tents, resting on small mattresses and cozy linen. To stay warm, we danced by the fire, as the night temperature could drop significantly, moving to the beat of the music. I experienced a profound sense of peace that filled my heart.

Enjoy the photos showcasing the ultimate Sahara desert experience. Yoga retreats are currently being arranged in the Sahara.

For further details, check out the Yoga Retreat section in the menu.