MOROCCO: A Definite Highlight - the Sahara, Berber Camp, and Riding Camels

Riding camels in the Sahara's Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sun set was by far one of the most memorable things we did in Morocco.

The Erg Chebbi dunes are giant hills of smooth wind-blown sand that line the border between Morocco and Algeria. 

They are famous for their great height and size. 

They can rise up to one hundred fifty meters high (500 ft) in some places, are twenty-two kilometers long (14 miles), and five kilometers wide (3 miles). 

Cocktail Party Trivia: Moroccan legend says that the Erg Chebbi sand dunes were sent by God as a punishment to teach them a lesson to never turn away a weary traveller from Morocco's Sahara desert again.

Dark blue flowing turbans are worn by the nomadic people and Berber men of the Sahara desert. Soooo....."when in Rome"....

Marie Frederick

The turbans keep your head cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Nisha Jogia, me, Bettie Donovan, Marie Frederick

And off we go.

Me, John, Bill Donovan, Bettie Donavan

Just before sunset we waited on one of the dunes.

Bill & Bettie Donovan

Bettie Donovan & Marie Frederick

Some things are the same across all countries and all cultures.

Unfortunately, it was cloudy and our sunset was a bit underwhelming. 

But the experience...riding camels...... definitely a HIGHLIGHT!

After our ride we settled into a Berber camp for the night. 

I believe the modern terminology for it would be "Glamping" in the Sahara. 

That night we sat around a campfire and listened to music and looked at the stars. 

Bill Donovan & John

We got up before sunrise to catch the sun inching over the horizon. 

This made up for the previous night's sunset.

And, as an added Berber camp bonus, John made a new friend.

No John, we can not foster a camel!