Stargazing in the Moroccan Sahara Under Endless Skies

Reaching the Sahara felt like stepping into a different planet. After a long drive from Marrakech, we arrived at Merzouga, a desert town right at the edge of the dunes.

The Journey Into the Dunes

There’s nothing like sleeping under a sky full of stars in the Sahara. After a camel ride into the dunes, we sat by firelight and listened to Berber songs. The silence, the stars, the sand—pure magic. From there, we mounted camels just before sunset and began our slow journey into the golden waves of sand. The light shifted from warm orange to cool violet as we approached the camp. The silence of the desert was unlike anything I had experienced — it was both humbling and strangely peaceful.

A Night Beneath a Billion Stars

Once the sun dipped below the dunes, the desert came alive in a completely different way. Without city lights, the night sky turned into a galaxy of stars. Lying back on a blanket in the soft sand, I could clearly see constellations, planets, and even a few shooting stars. The air was crisp, the silence deep, and the Milky Way stretched above like a glowing river. Our Berber hosts brewed sweet mint tea, played traditional music by the fire, and shared stories of desert life passed down through generations.

Tips for Your First Sahara Stargazing Trip

If you’re dreaming of spending a night under the Sahara sky, here are a few tips to make your experience unforgettable:

1. Choose a remote desert camp
   The farther you are from towns or roads, the darker the sky. Avoid camps that are too close to Merzouga if you want a true stargazing experience.
2. Pack warm layers
   Desert nights can get surprisingly cold — even in summer. Bring a jacket, scarf, and socks.
3. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens
   If you’re into photography, a tripod will help capture the stars clearly. A wide-angle lens works best for shooting the Milky Way.
4. Don’t forget to look up
   It’s easy to get caught trying to take the perfect photo — but don’t forget to just lie down and soak in the view with your own eyes.
5. Respect the desert and its people
   Travel with ethical tour operators who support local communities and preserve the delicate desert environment.