The 2021 blockbuster “Dune” captivated audiences with its stunning cinematography of the landscape in a fictional desert planet named Arrakis. Tourists can find the same otherworldly sights, with camels instead of sandworms, here in Morocco.
A common gateway into the Sahara’s endless expanse of sand dunes is the small town of Merzouga. From there, you can set down your things in an auberge and embark on an hour-long camel ride toward a tent camp in the Sahara.
The courtyard of an auberge in Merzouga. Photo by Claire Morris.
Planning your trip toward the evening allows you to watch the sunset on camelback and enjoy the unique experience of riding after nightfall. As the ethereal silver moon rises swiftly, you can’t see the sand your camel treads upon, only the ghostly dunes around you and the faint silhouettes of your friends.
Camel riders under the moonlight. Photo by Selina Chen.
As adorable as camels are, there are some things to take note of. The camels’ gait is much bumpier than that of horses, so your backside may experience considerable pain and your pants may gain a hole or two (true story). Worried? Add some padding to your saddle with a folded up sweater and your ride will be much smoother.
Most importantly, make sure to choose a bigger camel if you have a heavy build because, sadly, small camels do sometimes collapse under your weight. Unless you’re an adrenaline junky, you might not want an emergency dismount through thrilling leapfrog moves.
Close-up of a camel chewing. Photo by Claire Morris.
Upon arriving at the tents, your guides may serve you traditional Moroccan food, followed by music and dancing around a campfire. Giddy and well-fed, sleep will sound tempting, but don’t let your bed lure you in yet.
Campfire by the tents. Photo by Selina Chen.
Instead, grab a snowboard and try sliding down the steep slopes, with the wind at your flanks and your friends’ cheers behind you. Don’t bother shaking sand from your shoes; rather, ditch them and luxuriate in the slide of silky-soft sand grains between your toes.
Consider bringing a speaker to enhance the mood and throw a mini-party. Dancing at midnight with shooting stars above your head and the Sahara beneath your feet is an experience you’ll never forget.
Pre-dawn view of tents in the dunes. Photo by Claire Morris.
Come morning, make sure to get out before dawn and watch the rising sun dye the sky a fiery orange and return the dunes their golden hue.
Watching the sunrise on the Sahara. Photo by Selina Chen.
In spring and autumn, the Sahara is just the right amount of chilly to propel you on a trek. Climb atop a towering sand dune and gaze around at the magnificence of nature as if you’re the only one in this wide world.
A trek on the sand dunes. Photo by Claire Morris.
The camel-ride back is a conflicting moment: you fall in love with the desert once again, knowing that each step closer to town is one farther from the splendor you’re leaving. You wave a goodbye to your shadow and yearn for the chance to visit again.
