Can you hike the Sahara desert in Morocco
Can You Hike the Sahara Desert in Morocco?
You might have already noticed how images of the Sahara Desert always show the place as an infinite sea of dunes in a lovely golden hue. They picture it as a scorching hot place that has seen a lot of things for centuries. Can you hike the Sahara desert in Morocco?
The desert’s vastness, high temperatures, and harsh conditions will definitely make you question whether it’s even possible to hike and explore.
But for the adventurous souls, hiking the Sahara Desert in Morocco is an experience that they won’t forget for the rest of their lives. And yes, it’s definitely possible and doable!
The Surreal Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert that stretches for a whopping 9 million square kilometres is the world’s biggest hot desert. Although most of the desert hasn’t been explored by tourists yet, trekkers have found their much-needed haven and retreat in the Moroccan part of Sahara. The rich cultural history, accessibility, and the gorgeous landscapes made up of sand dunes and rocky plateaus differentiate Morocco’s Sahara from the rest.
The mere thought of hiking through this vast land that almost seems barren might sound and feel daunting. But this very remoteness is the main thing that attracts adventure seekers to the area. Here, you can disconnect from the rest of the world and just let yourself bask in the desert’s lovely colors while surrounded by a profound silence, only occasionally hearing sounds from the sweeping sandstorms.
Hiking Morocco’s Sahara Desert
The iconic scene of camels trekking in the desert is probably the first thing that people think of every time they hear about exploring the Sahara. There is no denying that camels are the desert’s most traditional means of travel and for many good reasons.
The endurance of these smalls and their sturdy legs make them suitable for long-distance sand treks. But of course, the challenge takes on a completely different direction if you decide to hike the Sahara on foot. The good news is that it gives you more intimate time to fully experience and bask in the beauty of the whole landscape.
Most of the organized hikes in the Moroccan Sahara last for several days to more than a week. Gateways on the desert’s fringes such as the small towns of M’Hamid or Merzouga are the ideal starting points for these hikes.
The treks usually require a guide and camels for carrying supplies. Even though it is not recommended to hike solo because of how unpredictable the conditions can get, seasoned guides will be there to lead the way. They will ensure your safety and introduce you to desert life and its unique facets.
Why Hike the Sahara?
A Sahara hike isn’t only about following those marked trails or getting to the summit. Instead, the main point of the experience is to immerse yourself in the environment that is nothing like the norm. Every step along the way feels like you’re venting into the unknown. The terrain shifts under your feet along the way as the soft dunes turn into dry riverbeds called wadis and rocky expanses.
If you’re up for the challenge and you want to feel that adrenaline rush, a Sahara hike is guaranteed to give you just that.
