Unforgettable Morocco: Sahara Desert Adventure & Marrakech Escape

First Night in Marrakech: Rooftop Calm in the Medina

I arrived in Marrakech and checked into a beautiful little riad tucked inside the old medina. It was a tranquil escape from the chaos of the city charming interiors, lovely staff, and a rooftop terrace that looked out over Marrakech’s skyline.

After settling in, I wandered through the souks, soaking up the colours, scents, and sounds, then returned to the riad for a quiet tea on the rooftop. Blissful doesn’t even begin to cover it.

High Atlas Mountains & Ait Ben Haddou: Road to the Desert

The next morning, my private 4x4 driver picked me up and we headed straight into the High Atlas Mountains. The scenery was dramatic switchback roads, tiny villages perched on cliffs, and goats wandering down the road.

One unforgettable stop: Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed kasbah featured in countless films. Walking through its sun-soaked, dusty lanes felt like stepping into a movie set.

That night, I stayed in a serene oasis town surrounded by palm trees and mountains. The sky lit up with stars a taste of the magic to come.

Food in Morocco: A Culinary Journey of Tagines and Mint Tea

I wasn’t expecting the food to be such a highlight, but honestly? Every single meal was incredible. Breakfasts included fresh Moroccan bread, olives, jam, and eggs simple yet full of flavour. Lunches were hearty tagines, grilled meats, and crisp salads.

But it was the dinners that stood out: from elegant garden settings in kasbahs to candlelit desert meals under canvas tents, each dish felt special. The chefs at the desert camp pulled off three-course feasts in the dunes. Even the picnic lunch under the acacia trees was flawless.

If you're a foodie, a Moroccan desert tour will not disappoint.

Into the Sahara Desert: Erg Chegaga’s Golden Dunes

As we continued south, the landscapes shifted. We passed through traditional Berber villages and made a stop in Tamegroute, known for its distinctive green pottery a true hidden gem.

Then the paved roads faded, replaced by sand and stone trails. Suddenly, the dunes of Erg Chegaga rose on the horizon. It was breathtaking.

The desert camp was beyond beautiful: comfortable tents, elegant styling, and soft beds. As night fell, we climbed a dune for sunset, then sat around the fire listening to live Berber music under a sky full of stars.

It’s hard to explain the silence and stillness of the desert it stays with you.

Desert Life: Nomads, Sandboarding & Stargazing

The following day was a highlight of the whole trip. We visited a nomadic family living deep in the desert. Sharing mint tea and conversation with them was humbling, authentic, and powerful.

Lunch was a shaded picnic under the trees peaceful and perfect. Later, I climbed one of the taller dunes and even gave sandboarding a try (yes, it was hilarious).

That night brought another fire, more stories, and one of the best sleeps I’ve had in ages.

The Journey Back: Iriqui Salt Lake & Berber Carpets

Leaving the desert, we took an alternate route across the dry salt lake bed of Iriqui a surreal, wide-open landscape. On the way back to Marrakech, we stopped in Taznakht, a town famous for handmade Berber carpets (yes, I bought one!).

The drive was long but stunning, a journey through shifting scenery that felt like a dream road trip.

Final Thoughts: Why Morocco Will Stay With Me

This wasn’t just a holiday. It was a transformational experience, full of authentic moments, deep stillness, and cultural beauty. The itinerary was seamless and perfectly curated, but also left space for spontaneity and wonder.

If you're looking for a travel experience that combines nature, culture, food, and soul all with a hint of luxury I can’t recommend Morocco highly enough.