In Arabic, the Sahara is known as Al-Ṣaḥrāʾ al-Kubrā, meaning “the Great Desert.” The word ṣaḥrāʾ simply translates to “desert,” and its plural form, ṣaḥārāʾ, gives the northern African desert its Anglicized name. The term ṣaḥrāʾ shares its roots with the Arabic word aṣḥar, which signifies something “desert-like” and specifically refers to the yellowish-red color that characterizes the Sahara’s sandy expanses.
Despite its remarkably low primary productivity, the Sahara manages to sustain some forms of life. Many organisms have developed adaptations to survive in arid environments. For instance, numerous herbaceous plants found in the Sahara are ephemerals, completing their entire life cycle, from germination to seed dispersal, within a brief two- to three-week period following heavy rainfall. Animals like the desert snail employ estivation, a period of dormancy, to endure extreme environmental stress. While some organisms are better suited for Mediterranean or tropical climates than arid ones, they have managed to persist in the Sahara by residing primarily in the slightly more hospitable highlands and oases.
Human presence in the Sahara predates recorded history, with people inhabiting certain regions that have now become too arid for human settlement. Archaeological findings indicate the existence of ancient Saharan lakes where humans once lived, hunted, and fished. Even after the disappearance of these lakes, humans survived for centuries in the desert through alternative means. Nomadic pastoralists herded goats, sheep, or camels, seeking suitable pasturage wherever it could be found. Sedentary agriculturalists, confined to oases, utilized their limited water resources to cultivate crops such as date palms and barley. Specialists, such as blacksmiths, engaged in trade with their agriculturalist and pastoralist neighbors. Certain groups have long relied on traveling and trading along caravan routes to sustain their livelihoods, journeying by camel to oases and population centers across the Sahara. However, modern economic development has disrupted many of these traditional means of subsistence, with numerous desert dwellers now seeking more lucrative opportunities in developed regions and oases.
The Journey To The Sahara
Embarking on the journey to the Sahara was an undertaking I knew would be worthwhile. After visiting the only non-Muslim-permitting mosque in Casablanca and exploring the maze-like Medina in Fes, our tour group set off southward to Midelt. Situated between the middle and high Atlas Mountains, this stop allowed us to witness the Berber way of life, serving as a perfect break during our two-day drive before reaching Merzouga, a small town on the edge of the Sahara.
Arriving In Merzouga
Midday brought us to the remote town of Merzouga after driving through vast gorges and lush green valleys. We dropped off our bags at a hotel overlooking the desert, packed small overnight bags, and embarked on the experience we had all been eagerly anticipating – a night of camping in the Sahara. I vividly recall asking each of the nine members in our group what they were most looking forward to, and the majority agreed that our desert trek would likely be the highlight of the trip. I couldn’t help but share the same level of excitement.
Before mounting our camels, we prepared ourselves for the elements by wrapping scarves around our heads in traditional Berber style and invigorating ourselves with Moroccan mint tea. Stepping onto the sand, we approached the camels that would carry us through the dunes. Seeing a camel up close for the first time, I was amazed by their towering height. Their calm and confident demeanor helped alleviate any fears some in our group may have had. With the assistance of our Berber guides, we each mounted our camels, holding on tightly as they abruptly rose from the ground to an upright position. Sitting atop my camel’s hump, it was almost surreal to believe that I was about to embark on a real camel ride. It was a “woah” moment – an extraordinary experience.
Riding Camels Through The Desert
As we set off into the vibrant orange dunes, the continuous motion of the camels took us up and down, with the dunes stretching as far as the eye could see. There was no sign of any souls or buildings. Aside from occasional squeals of surprise as the galloping camels jolted our bodies, the silence of the desert enveloped us. Despite the tranquility of the Sahara, I was overwhelmed by the majestic power emanating from the towering dunes surrounding us. We all expressed our awe and marveled at the surreal nature of the experience. As we rode into the sunset, our shadows danced silently along the seas of sand, and the emotions within me were so profound that tears began to well up.
Drums Under The Sky
At dusk, we arrived at our desert camp, where our guides helped us dismount from the camels. We quickly realized that the two-hour camel ride would leave us with sore bottoms in the coming days, but we all agreed that it was undoubtedly worth it. The ride was truly unforgettable! Before settling into our tents, we rushed to the top of a nearby dune to savor the views during the last moments of light. After just a few days, it felt as if we had forgotten that we started this journey as strangers. We found ourselves sharing inside jokes, rolling in the sand, and capturing photos. As I sank my hands into the powdery sand, I expressed gratitude to the universe for gifting me these newfound friends to share this incredible experience with. We returned to the desert camp, and our first order of business was, of course, Moroccan mint tea. Looking into each other’s eyes, we clinked our glasses and gushed over the fact that we would be spending the night together in the Sahara. Sipping on our tea, the desert guide served us a traditional Tagine. It was the best Tagine of our trip, and I couldn’t help but think that the extraordinary setting had something to do with it.
Sleeping Under The Stars
After our meal, we gathered around a campfire for some traditional Berber music. It was just us, the warmth of the fire, and the sound of drums beneath the night sky. We danced, we sang, and we reveled in the atmosphere under the starlight. Millions of twinkling stars filled the pitch-black sky, creating a dreamlike ambiance. We all decided to forgo the tents and sleep outside, directly beneath the stars. If there was ever a place perfectly suited for sleeping.
