African adventures are not limited to wildlife safari. Spending a night in the glorious Sahara Desert is also one of the most thrilling experiences that will give you the most unforgettable time of your life. Resting amidst an endless sea of sand, under one of the clearest skies around the world, is the type of quiet adventure that will truly change your life. So, if you want to know what Sahara nights really feel like, you have come to the right place.
Sahara is the true example of desert wilderness. The vastness, serenity, and unmatched charm that you get from such a desert destination are incredible. And being able to spend the night in the Sahara is an experience that is on the bucket list of every adventurer and wanderer. So, if you have been looking for cheap flights to Africa from the UK and want to have some desert camping adventures this time, this is the perfect guide for you. Let’s talk about sleeping in a desert camp in the Sahara to give you an idea of what you should expect.
Setting the Mood With a Journey to the Camp
The journey to the camp is as memorable as a stay there. It sets the mood for the adventures and gives you a chance to warm up before your night in a hauntingly vast desert. The adventure begins as you set out on your journey. Most travellers head into the dunes in a 4×4 wheel or on camel trekking for added adventure. The journey usually starts from the nearby towns like Merzouga or M’Hamid.
The scenic beauty of the sky and the desert increases tenfold as soon as the sun starts to dip on the horizon. You will see the sky change in colour. The varying shades of gold, orange, and red are a mesmerising sight that will alter your brain chemistry.
Once you reach the camp, you will see that the sky has already turned an indigo dusk, but the stars will not show themselves just yet. One thing that you will notice as soon as you get out of your vehicle is the exceptional silence that you will not get anywhere else in the world.
Things That You Will See and Feel at a Sahara Desert Camp
Here are some things that you will see and feel at a Sahara Desert camp.
An Ethereal Stillness
Deserts are known for their ethereal stillness. As soon as the night falls in the Sahara, the temperature drops significantly. Therefore, one thing that you will not have to worry about during your desert camp in the Sahara is the desert heat. In winter months, you will be surprised how cold the weather can get at night in a desert, and the temperatures even reach freezing points at times.
But in addition to the crisp weather and cool breeze, you will feel the most stillness. There is no sound of traffic, even a faint hum of electricity, or a glowing city skyline, while you are at the desert camp in the Sahara. There is only the sound of wind brushing through sand that adds to the eeriness of the vast landscapes.
The Sky Feels Closer than Anywhere Else
Witnessing the most surreal skies in the desert is one of the main reasons travellers yearn to experience a desert camp. Because there is minimal to zero pollution in the Sahara Desert, the sky here is among the clearest in the world. He stars in the sky at night here, like spilt silver glitter dust, truly a sight to behold.
The constellations are sharp and bright. There is a high chance you will see multiple shooting stars, as they are quite common here. Travellers claim that this is an overwhelming experience. You feel like you are so small under such glorious skies and the exceptional vastness of the desert. But there is no denying that you will feel connected to the vastness of the desert here.
Luxury camps feature rugs laid out in the open for those who want to lie down and watch the sky all night. If you are staying in a traditional camp, you can simply climb up a dune nearby and lie down. This offers a more raw and surreal experience.
Inside a Sahara Desert Tent
In Morocco, there are various types of desert camps. Whether you want to stay in a Berber-style tent or a full luxury setup with a private bathroom and a king-size bed, you get it all here.
A typical traditional tent includes:
- Thick woven carpets
- Low lantern lighting
- Heavy blankets for cold nights
- Simple but comfortable mattresses
Luxury camps may offer:
- En-suite bathrooms
- Hot showers
- Proper beds with duvets
- Decorative furnishings inspired by Amazigh culture
No matter which comfort level you choose, you get a similar intimate, grounded desert camping experience. There is no plastic, noise, or rush surrounding you, whether you are in a traditional camp or a luxurious one. You only get sand, cloth, and wood.
The Soundscape of the Night
Although the desert is surprisingly silent, away from the chaos of the cities, numerous subtle sounds remain. You will hear;
- Wind shifting sand
- Soft flapping of tent fabric
- Occasional distant laughter around the campfire
- Traditional drum music if the camp hosts live performances
Not only that, but many desert camps in the Sahara also gather campers after dinner for a Berber music session. The drum’s echoes across the sands surely leave the visitors mesmerised. Once everyone returns to their camps, the desert becomes eerie and silent once again.
Feeling of Sleeping in the Desert
Many people are curious about what it feels like to sleep in a desert. Surprisingly, it feels very safe. You will surely feel a different kind of safety in the remoteness and isolation. Also, you will be away from the world’s chaos. There will be no social media, mobile phone notifications, or city noise in the desert. This helps your body relax as you drift away to sleep.
Many travellers claim that they have the deepest sleep of their lives in the desert. Some sleep deeply, while some wake up in the middle of the night to marvel at the sky once again and enjoy the stillness and silence of the desert.
Summing Up
Sleeping in a desert camp in the Sahara Desert is a grounding experience and promises the type of adventure that you might not get anywhere else in the world. You get to experience nature without barriers, which lets you slow down and reflect. You will surely enjoy the vastness and stillness of the desert. If you want to have a desert camp in the Sahara soon, it is time to contact Exclusive Flights and start planning your adventure with us.
Leave a Reply