Facts You DO NOT Want to Know about the Sahara Desert.

Before a trip, I invariably read up a little on my proposed destination – it’s a practice I heartily recommend. I truly believe that arming yourself with a few facts beforehand can significantly enhance your peregrinations. But a word of warning: Don’t read too much, especially if you are planning to venture into the Sahara Desert. And here’s for why:- Read more

The Camel Man of Erg Chebbi

Over the next few days we would experience a tour like no other. I should have realised at the time, but for some reason – possibly due to suspicion borne from previous organised tour experiences – I didn’t. We were about to embark on an unforgettable 2 day trip. Soon – in fact sooner than we thought – we would be venturing deep into the Sahara Desert. Read more

Desert Dreams and Harsh Realities

I have an awakening of sorts, and I find myself in a place like no other. I look north through a most peculiar, shimmering haze and, in an instant, my eye is drawn to a single, verdant strip of irrigation – no wider than a soccer pitch – stretching out into the distance as far as I care to follow. This narrow lifeline appears to be more than a vehicle for survival, though, as it also adopts the arguably less important role of dividing range. It’s the demarcation between 2 completely different yet equally harsh and unforgiving landscapes. And, as I currently stand upon this modest thread of land, it now physically separates all that lay before me and that which I currently shun. I am, literally, standing between a rock and hardest place of all. Read more

Into the Sahara Desert

Today, I might get to see my first Moroccan camel. An exciting prospect, don’t you agree? And, if the postcards in Er Rachidia are anything to go by, it may even be wearing a Fez and sunglasses. Ah, the unacceptable face of Mass tourism – we salute you.

To: The Moroccan Tourism Initiative (Sahara Outpost)

Message: Return to base, boys, you’re work here is done.

From: The guys back at HQ

Ps: We’re having a do back at the office this evening and hope you can join us. Apparently the strippers can’t make it now but we’re still on for the 3 dancing bears. Hurrah!
The dress code is smart/casual or sunglasses/fez. Oh, and feel free to bring your wife/girlfriend/monkey on a leash… Read more

Moroccan Grand Taxis

The previous evening we learnt that our best option for onward travel toward Merzouga – our desired destination for the day – would be by a Grand Taxi du Maroc. Unlike the Petit Taxis – which are the small, brightly coloured Fiats and Peugeots that remain confined to the city limits – the Grand Taxis (usually in the form of a larger, older Mercedes Benz) roam further afield, leap frogging between the nearby towns and cities and, as such, bolster the Moroccan public transportation system to good effect. Read more

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