M’Hamid the Epicentre of the ancient Trade Route

52 days on the road to Timbuktu

Sahara Dreams Treks and Ancient Finds

By: Stephanie Ackland – Sahara Dreams – 1st June 2024 

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. Created as a celebration of desert life and nomadic traditions, the Festival quickly gained renown for attracting high-level of artists and musicians. International bands, including the Touraeg blues band Tinarawen, have graced the Festival, together with several local talented artists such as leading Moroccan band Generation Taragalte, young musicians Les Jeunes Nomades and vibrant Daraa Tribes, who all bring their own rendition of the mesmerizing desert blues.

The Festival takes place over several sites across M’Hamid. Artisanal demonstrations take place in the center of the village, with the lively, animated camel races held in the expansive riverbanks of the town. The main Festival stage and the bulk of the action are on the outskirts where M’Hamid’s palm trees slowly merge into the golden sands of the Sahara. There are plenty of lively workshops where you can learn about desert life and the traditions that are as alive now as in times gone by. Watch local women thread tents from camel hair, and weave carpets with deft and precision, transforming traditional symbols into vibrant pieces of art. Basketry is also popular, with shoes, mats and decorative items woven from local palm tree leaves. Date palm trees are big in M’Hamid, there are lots of them. In fact, the date palm grove of the South of Morocco is the world’s largest. Planning the Festival for autumn is a masterstroke, as the dates turn crimson, ready to harvest; set against the ancient Kasbahs, it’s a wondrous sight to see.

The Festival’s lively programme changes daily. There are plenty of food stalls where locals sell the delicacies they’ve made. Hearty soups and fresh tagines are not to be missed. Bread made in the sand, yes, the sand, it’s a local tradition and tastes delicious hot. All the food in M’Hamid is bio, the meat, the diary, the vegetables, with all the space of the Sahara it makes sense, and you really can taste the difference.

Nighttime is when the stars come out, literally. M’Hamid’s skies are a site to behold. Travelers visiting the Sahara for the first time are astounded by the night sky, clear, bright and over-filled with stars, the ideal backdrop to the evocative desert music playing on stage till the early hours of the morning, and perfect for an evening relaxing in the dunes and dancing under the light of the moon.

The Festival also addresses the more serious issues faced by nomads and the local people of M’Hamid, with experts and speakers discussing, amongst other topics. the very real problems of desertification and droughts, and the impact this has on agriculture and life in the region.

M’Hamid and the Sahara are a world away from the life most of us know. The Festival Taragalte is a celebration of this life and the people of the Sahara. Be part of it and experience 3 days that could be life-changing or at the very least great fun.

The 13th Edition of the Festival Taragalte runs across 1st, 2nd and 3rd November, 2024.

Written by Sahara Dreams, organisers of private tours and events in the desert of M’Hamid, Morocco. www.sahara-dreams.com

By: Stephanie Ackland – Sahara Dreams – 15th June 2024

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.

Pack Appropriately

Yes, the Sahara is hot, but even the desert can get colder at night. We advise packing lots of layers, a short and sleeve t-shirt, fleece, warm light-weight jacket. Wear loose clothing for walking and camel trekking. Comfortable trousers and leggings for women are options. Layers are good as you can add as many as you need. Make sure to bring a sunhat or go desert style with a turban “shech” which protects from heat, cold, and sand. The desert rays can be strong, so UV sunglasses are good. Be sensible with shoes, closed toe trainers are best for the trekking and walking.

Don’t Scrimp

There’s no shortage of cheap tours available in the high-traffic tourist areas of Marrakech offering Sahara tours, but these often stop outside the Sahara not the big dunes of Erg Chigaga. The vehicles are often not airconditioned and cram in long distances to short travel times, missing out on many of the beautiful sites along the way. The guides are from the city, not local desert guides, and don’t know the desert and all the best spots. It’s worth paying a bit extra and booking locally in M’Hamid. 

Wild Camp vs Bivouac

Wild camping, setting up camp and sleeping in a tent outdoors, is a wonderful way to experience the Sahara. Local guides and nomads take care of you, it’s like having your own little private camp in the middle of the desert. They’ll prepare you tasty breakfasts at sunrise, and wonderful meals over the fire, serving tea and pastries at stops along the way. They’ll also look after the camels carrying your luggage. Toilets are the outdoors, but they’ll be water for a quick wash. If you’re lucky, you’ll pass a desert well for a shower!

Bivouacs are the other option for those who want a little more comfort. These traditional desert tents have bedrooms, WCs and restaurants. There are different types of bivouac from basic to high-end luxury, depending on your budget and preferences, check with the people organising your tour.

Best Time to Travel

Many camps close in summer, July and August, when Sahara temperatures can reach 50°C. Wild camping is still an option, with the hot days usually spent in the shade, and trekking early morning and late evening. A summer treat is the magnificent Sahara Sky, with plenty of shooting stars and meteorites to marvel at. November, December, February, and March are ideal months to visit the desert, daytime temperatures are pleasant and the nights not too cold. September and October are great months to travel to the South of Morocco, as Autumn sees the stunning reds and oranges of the date harvest.

Must-Do Camel Trek

People often turn their nose up at a camel trek, thinking it is just for children, or too uncomfortable. It’s actually the highlight for many travellers and an experience you shouldn’t miss. A ride across the dunes at sunset is simply amazing and you should definitely include it in your trip.

Timing is Everything

Make sure you plan your trip and get there with enough time to enjoy the stunning sunset from the top of the large dunes of Erg Chigaga. And don’t forget to set your alarm for sunrise. These moments are unforgettable and will be with you a lifetime.

Don’t Rush

It’s a distance to the Sahara from Marrakech and the other cities in Morocco, so make the most of your stay. The desert scenery is captivating and the landscapes and light ever-changing. One, two or more nights can be spent quite happily in the desert, exploring the dunes, walking, trekking or sandboarding. The local town of M’Hamid has boutiques and a wonderful Palm Grove with an ancient Jewish Kasbah. Spending a couple of days soaking in the desert vibe is the best advice we can give you.

Written by Sahara Dreams, organisers of private tours and events in the desert of M’Hamid, Morocco. www.sahara-dreams.com