Unexpected places teach you. Bucketlist confession: I felt a strong pull and deep connection to the Sahara immediately. It’s one of my favorite places on Earth. And the Earth is freaking huge. My journey started in Marrakesh, Morocco. Two days later I headed for the Sahara solo. Bucketlist Travelhack™: Travel light.
The Sahara is a rare beauty about as big as the United States. It spans 11 countries. A once green savannah turned dust. It’s only 5,000 years ago (3000 BCE) that the Sahara fully transformed into a desert (a shift started 10,000 years ago). Bucketlist fact: There’s no place like the Sahara.
I’m not ashamed to say I glamped. I cherish blessings of this lifetime, like plumbing.
The vastness, the silence and sounds, the lush sand under your toes like grass— it’s magical. Bucketlist Saharahack™: Dip your feet in the sand. The moment you’re alone you’ll hyper tune into your senses. There’s no true focal point. Perhaps a sand dune, stones, or distant mountain. The desert’s illusions blow you away. So do sandstorms. Bucketlist Saharahack™: Wear the headscarf.
At dusk the sun melts into the Earth. Sunrise raises the golden desert. The waves of the Sahara are always carrying you towards the sky. Day or night, the Sahara sky is divine. A stargazer’s haven. Bucketlist Soulhack™: Look to the heavens when possible. Growing up in the Boogie Down I didn’t get enough stars. Bucketlist Parentinghack™: Children must see stars regularly. It’s an anti-anxiety and cognitive developmental hack.
The sites between Marrakesh and the Sahara are beautiful. I took my time traveling the High Atlas Mountains and Draa Valley. The Tizi n’Tichka Pass is a dramatic Bucketlist-must mountain road. I stopped at the world heritage site, Aït Benhaddou an 11th century village (rebuilt in the 17th century). It was in Game of Thrones (Yunkai), but not the reason to visit. It’s living ancient history. I experienced the Skoura Oasis, Dades Gorge, Todra Gorge, and the Berber fortress Kasbah Taourirt. Ouarzazate city (to Erg Chebbi) and Zagora town (to Erg Chigaga) are two gateways into the Sahara.
I’m a Traveler not a tourist
Once within the calm fierceness of the Sahara, I spent my time alone. Reflection, awe and peace. Bucketlist Healthhack™: Go to places that allow you to find peace within yourself. It’s the most wonderful knowledge you can bring back to your everyday.
I’m not ashamed to say I glamped. I cherish blessings of this lifetime, like plumbing. Bucketlist Survialhack™: Ignore those that insist you exist in a time period that is not your birthright. Conscious Travel™ doesn’t mean uncomfortable travel. I chose ethical guides, verified camels were loved and treat humanely, and the camp was sustainable. I’m a Traveler not a tourist™.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve definitely roughed it. Some journeys into the Sahara, like via Foum Zquid, require wild camping. I’d do it again to access a magical location. Like, Conundrum Hot Springs.
When given the option for a bed in lieu of a blanket that doubles as pants or some pseudo-plumbing, I’m wired not to resist. Bucketlist Lifehack™: Ditch identity politics and truly learn yourself through Bucketlist Conscious Travel™. The Sahara will gently teach you, just listen.
Bonne vie, Friends.