There’s just something about the desert that speaks to your soul, and Merzouga, located in the southeastern part of Morocco, is no different. The tiny village straddling the edge of the Sahara Desert is known for its giant dunes — Erg Chebbi — and they’re every bit as otherworldly as they look online.
We arrived just before sunset. Golden sand extended for as far as the eye could see, reflecting the light like a sea of flames. I got on a camel (awkwardly, I should note), and we traveled into the middle of the dunes. The silence swallowed us up, punctuated only by the gentle ruffle of the camels hooves and laughter coming from other passengers trying to get used to the smoothness of the ride.
The real magic happened that night. Following a Berber-style dinner beneath the starry night sky, we gathered around a fire as our hosts banged on traditional drums and sang songs that sounded ancient and alive. I was sleeping in a tent, but the sand was still warm underneath, as if the desert was holding onto the day for a little while longer.
With the morning came a sunrise that made the whole sky appear to be melting. Orange, pink and lavender colors danced on the dunes. I hiked it, one of them, barefoot, gasping — not only from the exertion but from the beauty of the thing.
Merzouga was so much more than a journey; it was an experience that made time stand still for a moment, rooted me in the here and now, and sent me home with desert sand in my shoes and peace in my heart. If you ever want to feel very, very small, in the most wonderful way, go to the desert. Go to Merzouga.
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