Morocco Part II: Sahara Shenanigans

Michael and I from the Granary (not pictured) in the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou

When Michael and I sat down in Marrakech after our first day of adventuring together, we decided that we needed a game plan.  We did not want to nail down too many details, but with Michael having only a week in Morocco, we didn’t want to waste any potential camel time.

 

I had researched Sahara Desert trips before my initial arrival in Morocco.  From the many forums I had perused, I concluded that arranging a taxi would allow for more freedom in terms of time spent at each city and location along the way, as well as a better overall price compared to marked up tourist trap packaged deals.

Blissful in the Atlas Mountains

The endless sand dunes of the Sahara

I wanted to ensure that we would enjoy the journey and magnificent sights on the road from Marrakech including the impressive Dades Gorge, the High and Anti Atlas Mountains that I have learned about since 7^th grade geography class, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait-Ben-Haddou noted for Outstanding Universal Value.  

Overlooking the outskirts of Ait-Ben-Haddou

Outskirts of Ait-Ben-Haddou

Let me just say this: I was completely wrong regarding my initial leaning away from the packaged deals.  

Overlooking the ravines of the Atlas Mountain Range

After chatting with a few friends at Waka Waka Hostel, we quickly changed our minds and realized the packaged trips were the way to go – transportation, food, accommodations, camels, admission, you name it.  Everything was included (except for lunch both days) and arranged without haggling or disruptions. 

Bedouin-ready: before our camel trek into the Sahara Desert

For 800 dirhams, which is about 80 euro, we discovered the Moroccan countryside, visited world renown landmarks, sipped tea with a Berber family (originally marketed as a “Berber king”…I chalk that up to translation errors or a very sneaky marketing campaign), slept under the stars in the Sahara Desert, attempted to experience life as a Bedouin (though we opted for the vodka laden version), and got to meet and get to know 10 other international travelers. 

 It was the perfect way to explore the eastern, more rural parts of Morocco.  When we arrived back in Marrakech after our tour was finished, we were beyond grateful for our memories and to be welcomed back into Waka Waka for tea, shisha, and a beyond needed shower before continuing our journey onto Fez, a city to the north.  

Dadès Gorge with Michael

Looking out from Ait-Ben-Haddou