4X4 TOUR ERG CHEBBI  desert Merzouga

The 4×4 excursion in Merzouga desert gives you the opportunity to explore the surrounding desert by visiting the villages and fossil Carrier in addition to nomad Family. drive to explore the tiny villages around Erg Chebbi dunes such as Hassi Labied, Merzouga, and Khamlia. In Hassi Labied you will have a stop at the garden where you will view the canal irrigation system. Near Merzouga, you will have the chance to see Dayet Srji lake that forms in springtime which attracts flocks of pink flamingos and wildlife; Bird-watchers will enjoy this peaceful area. On our way to Khamlia we expect to meet locals showing their desert foxes.

In Khamlia, known as the village of black people who were slaves coming from Sudan you will be hospitably welcomed with a cup of tea while enjoying their spiritual Gnawa music. We will visit a Nomad family, who are living under Berber tent and who are taking care for herd of cattle, goats and camels. You will have the chance to visit the sites of black volcanic rocks.

MERZOUGA SAND-BATH IN SUMMER

The sand baths in Merzouga in the Sahara desert is an ancient Berber treatment for curing ailments affecting the joints, muscles and tendons. It can be done during the hottest months of July and August. For the preparation of the bath, a hole is dug in the sand the size of the person taking the bath and about 20cm deep. The hole is left open for half an hour to allow the desert heat to penetrate into the sand. Once sufficiently hot, the person lies in the hole and is “buried” in the sand, obviously leaving the head free. The person spends typically from 10-30 minutes in the bath, during which water is available for quenching thirst!

COOKING LESSON IN MERZOUGA DESERT

Merzouga is an optimal destination for special food of the region. Restaurants riads and hotels offer classes in cooking Tagine, as well as a number of other dishes. Chefs and cooking professionals are at your disposal to show you how to make the authentic of Morocco’s cuisine as Tagin; Couscous at the top. This special experience will give you an idea of the stylish Moroccan meals

QUADS AND BUGGY DRIVING IN MERZOUGA DESERT

Merzouga is an optimal destination for quad and buggy driving in the desert.

Whether you are a beginner or pro driver, come try this unique adventure.

After the presentation of equipment, briefing of your professional instructor and an introduction to handling the quad, we leave for quad/buggy trip into the desert dunes.

GNAWA MUSIC IN KHAMLIA VILLAGE / DESERT

Gnawa music is a rich repertoire of ancient African Islamic spiritual religious songs and rhythms. Its well-preserved heritage combines ritual poetry with traditional music and dancing. The music is performed at ‘Lila’s’, entire communal nights of celebration, dedicated to prayer and healing, guided by the Gnawa Maalem and his group of musicians and dancers. Though many of the influences that formed this music can be traced to sub-Saharan West-Africa, its traditional practice is concentrated in Morocco.

A little about the people of Khamlia.

Khamlia village is in the south-eastern part of Morocco. Specifically in the shadow of the Erg Chebbi. For over a hundred years it has been inhabited by a mix of Berber, Arab and different tribes of Sub-Saharan origin. In Khamlia most is the Bambara tribe. Also famous as Gnawas, this is how they call the descendants of slaves from black Africa.

In the past the villagers living by working in the fields and oasis for rich farmers. We were herders of camels and goats. Now we are especially famous for our hospitality and our Gnawa music.

Khamlia Gnawa music or Gnaoua music has its origins in sub-Saharan Africa. Slaves from Senegal, Sudan, and Mali brought her there. The Gnawa music that we play in Khamlia is a type of very famous and special music. It is a mix of Bambara, Berber, and Arabic languages. Our group is “Groupe Des Bambara”. When we act and sing, we move our whole body except the head.

Gnawa music is a kind of sophistry. This is of great socio-psychological importance. Music plays an important role in our daily lives and in our festival part. Sometimes we use it to help cure diseases, and even to go into a trance and make contact “with the other world”!

SANDBOARDING IN MERZOUGA DESERT

Skating is commonly practiced on ice, but have you ever thought of trying it on the sand??

Sandboarding in the Merzouga desert is a board sport that involves riding across or down dunes while standing with both feet attached to a board.

We organize sandboarding activities in the desert dunes of Merzouga or Mahamid while you spend time in our bivouac in the Sahara desert.