Every Autumn, late October, early November, the desert town of M’hamid El Ghizlaine in Morocco, known locally as M’Hamid, becomes a flurry of activity and excitement as the annual “Festival Taragalte” hits town. The Festival is the brain child of Halim and Ibrahim Sbai, two brothers local to M’Hamid who conceived the festival back in 2009.

Planning a visit to Morocco? A trip to the Sahara Desert should most definitely be on your to do list. Camel trekking across golden dunes, sleeping under star-filled skies, desert drums around an open campfire, and taking in the stunning sun set over the dunes of Erg Chigaga, all make for a truly unforgettable experience. We’ve included some essential tips to help you get the most from your trip to the Sahara.