This is one of 5 from our top destination around the world.
Spending a night in Sahara is a dream, but the journey brings the life, landscape, culture and magnificent beauty of Morocco on the way.
We explored 4 region in the country- Marrakesh (most visited city in Morocco), Merzouga (Sahara), Essaouira, (port city) Atlas Mountain (Azzaden valley & Berber Village).
Our trip was planned with “Atlas and Sahara Tours - Morocco”, private all inclusive guided tour with 4x4 SUV and driver.

Marrakesh : Without blinking, you must check in one of the Riad in old town. Riad s a traditional Moroccan house with interior garden /courtyard and architecture you may not see anywhere else.
There is so much to see and explore, just be there, walk, look around, and be part of it. You will be greeted by something new you never experienced before.

Merzouga-Sahara: On our way to Sahara we discovered Morocco. Just the drive itself from Marrakesh to the desert was amazing. On the way, we explored Aït Benhaddou , this amazing place and landscape was seen in many movies like Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator, Game of Thrones. We made stops at Tizi n'Tichka (Grand Atlas Mountain at elevation 7,400 ft.) Ouarzazate, Dades Gorges, Todra Gorges.
12 km from our Sahara desert camp, we arrived Merzouga and checked in a hotel. Sun was going down, we began our journey to the camp on camel ride. That 1-1/2 hour camel ride watching sunset, changing vivid color over the horizon, cold desert camp night under starry sky is beyond words to explain. We were so grateful to a wonderful tour guide who managed to provide all we asked, he walked 12 km both ways at night to manage morning ride from the camp to hotel as we wanted to experience 4x4 ride instead camel as planned originally.

Atlas Mountain - Azzaden valley - Berber Village: 67 km from Marrakech, we took a day trip to Atlas Mountain, visited Azzaden valley and Berber village. Morning started at a local market, driving up through the mountain and greeted by Berber family in their house, poor but rich by heart with warm hospitality. We had lunch together. Exploring local market, making tea up in the Atlas mountain and our time with Bereber family can only be experienced here in Morocco. Some photos may tell part of the story, but not the experience itself. Hospitality and Berber life behind the valleys will make one to return here again, or carry its memories forever. Looking back, I see we have seen, our memories nothing short than amazing life in Morocco.

Essaouira: 175 km from Marrakech, 3 hours drive each way. We made a day trip here. Essaouira is a port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.
Old town, fishing market and sea of blue boats resting here after fresh catch. We were guided here by a local.

Our Morocco trip wasn’t about only visiting new places. We met wonderful people, made friends. This trip was possible for our tour guide, Mohammed and driver Rachid. Along the way, we became friends, Mohammed even brought Moroccan traditional gift for us at the end, it was an emotional moment. He said, he would never have guests like us. Saying goodbye, I have seen tears in his eyes. I felt my life worth living. Sahara was our dream, we left our feathers behind.