STAR IN THE SAHARA
It’s time for your own Lawrence of Arabia
moment. That famous sea of sand dunes,
depicted to dramatic effect in so many
movies, is an adventurer’s paradise, offering
four-wheel driving, camping, quad biking
and countless off-road activities. Or, you can
choose to take the honeymoon-worthy
alternative in your own silk-lined Berber tent
at Erg Chigaga (desertcampmorocco.com).
It’s camping, but not as you know it. With
rich floor rugs, fine linens, king beds and
private ensuite facilities, these spacious
purpose-built tents are the last word in
rustic luxury. Solar powered lamps mean
that when darkness falls, dressing for
dinner is simple.
Erg Chigaga’s location is totally remote
and beautifully situated at the base of some
of the desert’s most jaw-dropping dunes.
Far from the tourist spots, it lies a couple of
hours 4x4 driving, and perhaps a camel trek,
from the nearest sealed road. You’re literally
miles from anywhere — but never fear
— you’ll be greeted on arrival with a glass of
chilled white wine in the most incredible
setting you’ve ever enjoyed a pre-dinner
drink. Guaranteed.
The main camp is set around a central
fireplace, with each tent linked to the bar
and dining tents by woven carpets —
although it feels fabulous to walk barefoot
through the super-fine yellow sand. Meals,
which are all included, are a communal
experience, cooked and served by local
blue-swathed Berber tribesmen. The star of
the show is Bobo, Erg Chigaga’s multi-
talented manager. Born and raised in this
incredibly remote place, Bobo’s boundless
energy and passion for the desert is almost
tangible. He strictly employs only locals,
pays them well and helps them develop
their hospitality skills. As a guest, this
makes the experience extra special,
stamping it as one that’s so far removed
from cookie-cutter package deals and
faceless five-star resorts.CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The
chicest setting for sunset drinks in the
desert. Another peaceful day dawns over
the camp.
TOP STOPS
Make Erg Chigaga your base in the Sahara —
friendly owner Nick will build you a bespoke
itinerary that ticks all your boxes, and will even
organise your driver to and from Marrakech. We
have it on good authority that his drivers are the
safest and most knowledgeable in the business
— handy when you’re bumping across the
infamous Black Desert that links the rolling
dunes with the main road.IN MOROCCO, IT’S
IMPORTANT TO DRESS
APPROPRIATELY. RESPECT THE
CULTURE AND COVER YOUR
SHOULDERS AND KNEES,
ESPECIALLY IF YOU DON’T
WANT TO BE HASSLED
IN THE CITIES.291 | bridetobe.com.auMOROCCO