The camel trekking in Sahara was not in our original plan. In fact, we only booked our trip the day before we arrived in Morocco. We only booked one night as we didn't know what to expect. I thought that I would not like it as there were no facilities, but I was wrong basically. If there was one trip that I would love to do over and over again apart from my trip to Santorini, it would be this one. Honestly, when we travel, we always book the cheapest flights and accommodations we can find. I would really love to travel a lot cheaper though, and I know that backpacking is my best option. But I honestly can't tell you at this moment if I am ready for it. It's there for consideration, but I need to think about it. After all, if some of the people I know could do it, then I could. But if you are looking for tips on how you can travel cheap in the Philippines, Asia, Europe or anywhere in the world, you can read these blogs which are also my favourites : We Are Sole Sisters, Pinay Travel Junkie and Nomadic Experiences. For in reality, traveling shouldn't really be expensive.
So let's to go back to Sahara, shall we? After two days and one night of traveling around Morocco, we finally arrived at the edge of the dunes in Merzouga.
The more beautiful photos on this blog were taken by Arief.
Our trip to Sahara was in May 2010. It was hot, but perhaps this would be the best time to travel in the desert.
That was me in my turban. It was so surreal and I was really overwhelmed by the fact that I never dreamt of going anywhere near the Sahara. But at that time I knew that something I never dreamt of was about to happen and I knew that it was going to be one of the best travels in my lifetime.
It was my first time to ride on a camel and oh boy, it was so much fun. I just didn't like it when I first got on top of it and it stood up. I felt like I was going to fall down. But our guide was so nice and he helped me all the way through. He probably noticed that I was so scared so he put me in front.
From the moment our journey began, I knew I was in for an experience of a lifetime!
If you have seen our previous travel photos, we always made sure that we took as many photos as we could as we are never sure when we could go back to the place again, if we ever do. The Sahara trip was not different. However, we were all riding the camel and our guide would not necessary stop to take photos of us. I don't think he would have done that anyway. So, luckily we were traveling with someone who was willing to make sacrifices for the sake of that "money shot". He got off the camel and took some of the best travel photos I have ever seen in my albums.
According to our guide, the dunes apparently reach up to 150 metres high.
We arrived at the camp two hours later just in time for the sunset.
There was actually a better view than where we were, but it was too late when we realized.
That night the weather was not that good. It rained so unfortunately we were not able to sleep under the stars. It would have been really nice. The moon came out after a while though. And also, it was chilly in the night so I'm glad I brought a cardigan with me.
There was actually a family living in the camp and somehow I was amazed by some of the things I saw.
This was how they prepared our food in their humble kitchen. The food was really amazing.
But be careful when you eat the food because there is a possibility that you would be eating bugs and flies with it.
After dinner, we went under the moon and was entertained by our guide and his friends.
Our Bivouac tent..
In the morning at 5am, we had a traditional berber breakfast of bread and butter with honey, scrambled eggs, orange juice and berber whiskey (mint tea).
Then we were off to watch the sunrise.
Sadly, our adventure of a lifetime had to end...
Hayyyy, I wish I could go back to the Sahara one day. And when I do, I would like to stay two nights just to have an access to the toilets. Haha. I am glad I didn't eat much because when Vanessa asked where the toilet was, our guide said "Toilet? No problem. It's everywhere". Then he said we have to dig a hole and that's it. Vanessa held her urine all night.
I only started traveling three years ago and in that short span of time I have learned quite a few lessons: Get lost to discover hidden beautiful places. Take risks to experience extraordinary things. Travel with strangers so you make new friends. And finally, sacrifice your convenience in order to have an experience of a lifetime.
Next time, I will try backpacking. :)
And if you have not added Sahara on your Bucket List yet, you better do now otherwise you will miss out.
tintin x
