Tour operators sometimes claim this is where Sahara begins.  Even if they are not quite right, it is difficult to argue such is the hypnotic power of this huge sandpit.

We arrived in the midst of a big sand storm and had to wait until the next day to discover the sheer beauty of the site.  One thing Merzouga is not however, is desert.  There are plenty of hotels and the place is famous amongst the rally-raid brigade, particularly spaniards, who seem to simply regard this place as a huge playground.   For us, the temptation to take the Pajero to the dune was great, however the fear of the troubles and embarrassment should we get stuck was even greater.  Instead, we opted for a camel ride to a camp in the middle of the dune.  Awesome.

 

Les tour-operators peu scrupuleux aiment raconter que c’est ici que commence le Sahara.  Meme s’il n’ont pas vraiment raison, c’est difficile de leur en vouloir tant le pouvoir d’attraction de ce gros tas de sable est important.