Morocco
First of all, be aware that in Morocco, you really have to go down south to explore the real Sahara. Forget about Western Sahara for safety reasons at the moment.
You can also, in my opinion, skip the Merzouga region. There are the highest dunes in Morocco but the place gets incredibly crowded.
Instead, you should try to go to the end of the Draa river to eventually discover the largest dunes of the country. The dunes inspired the famous movie maker Bernardo Bertolucci for his masterpiece “Tea in the Sahara”. I would rather get there by plane from Ouarzazate or Marrakech through the stunning High Altas route.
There in Mahmid, you will be able to find camel riders to take you through these stunning landscapes. Unforgettable experience and away from the crowd.
I booked this trip with Morocco For You, a Marrakech based travel agency.
www.morocco-for-you.com
Google map: bit.ly/eMoHM1
Zagora was the perfect stepping off point into the desert, having rented a car in Marrakech and loaded with a map it took us a full day to arrive at Zagora which while we hadn't planned to actually go to, it just seemed to be the accumulation of following where the road took us.
We decided to stay at the la Perle du Draa hotel, it was basic but had a pool which in the middle of august was a massive plus to say the least.
It was hot and we struggled to sleep, with the wind coming in off the Sahara burning your nostrils and the back of your throat.
That said, without any form of preplanning, it was the adventure I had wanted so without complaining we got through the night, although my friend got up during the night and slept by the pool while I had to have more than one cold shower during the night!
This said it was the best holiday I have ever had, pure fun and excitement from the very first moment, cheap as chips, no fixed planning or being dragged around from pillar to post by organised tours.
With days spent in the oasis in Ouarzazate, with trips out to the dunes we couldn't have wanted for much more.
Rising early on the first morning to drive out to see the sunrise over the dunes was one of the most enlightening experiences I have ever had.
The hotel was basic, but the experience made it all the while worth doing.
www.perledudraa.ma/
Route de M’hamid km 4 de Zagora
+212 524 846 210
Google map: bit.ly/eEA20g
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