Tom

• October 2021

Story

Hi, I went to Marrocco after passing my studies. I needed some time to relax after graduating. My mom joined me on this trip, she gonna write a testimonial herself below. She's good friends with Ahmed and Zaid for a long time. It was a very powerful experience. We went for 7 days, 6 nights. In the beginning i had a cold, so I was feeling a bit sick. Maybe it was psychosomatic: I never left civilisation before. It was amazing how much Zaid cared to help me getting better again. When i was feeling sick in the desert, I felt kinda helpless. That's why, it was very nice, that i could relay on the guides so much. Later, i felt better ... so was able to enjoy the experience - i just loved the sand desert and the starry night skies. In the stillness of the desert I could really focus on my thoughts, beleves, wishes, on who i am ...

Barbara

• October 2021

Story

I confess I'm a repeat offender! Ever since the first trek I have been fascinated by the landscape, the people and the camels in the desert. I made my first trip in March 2001 and since then I try to return as often as possible. My journey always begins in Marrakech, with immersion in the 1001 Nights Orient, knowing full well that after a few days, exhausted from the many impressions and encounters, I am happy to continue my journey over the High Atlas and at the end of the day in Sert near Zagora to meet my Berber family, who once again accompanies me on my way through the desert. Each trek begins with the selection of the camels. The Amediaz family owns their own dromedaries and uses other animals from friendly nomads as needed. These animals cannot be compared to the harassed camels found in tourist hotspots. Ahmed and Zaid Amediaz's family belong to a large Berber family who raise their dromedaries and know each animal and its characteristics very well. A typical desert day begins with a kettle of warmed (!) water that you find at your sleeping place. That means breakfast is waiting! Time to pack up your sleeping bag and warm up with a warm tea or coffee. Desert nights can be chilly. A place to sleep can be in the open air with a pad, sleeping bag and blankets. If that is too adventurous for you, there is a tent available. However, this takes away the pleasure of marveling at the incredible starry sky and often many shooting stars when falling asleep. After breakfast we pack and then the hike through an impressive landscape begins. Whether stone desert or dunes, every environment has its own charm. You can walk or let your dromedary rock you through the desert. For me it's always a way of calming down. Let your thoughts wander and let yourself be carried away by the mood of the chamelies and the animals. Around midday our chamelies find a suitable place for the siesta, usually under a tree and soon there is tea, which you can enjoy twice as much after the warmth of the day, followed by a Moroccan salad or a wonderful omelette berbère. Then we rest until the greatest heat of the day subsides and we can ride on to camp for the night. It is an advantage to prepare camp for the night during daylight, but this should not prevent us from admiring the sunset over the sea of ​​dunes! In the meantime, our Berbers set up the kitchen tent and prepare dinner. If you think you can lose weight in the desert, you are wrong. Our helpers are masters at pampering us. When the bread runs out, they bake. How? In sand! That too is a great experience, especially when Zaid takes out his violin and delights us with his music. Anyone who thinks that traveling in the desert is monotonous sees a better lesson. There's always something to see, something to watch, something to laugh about. It gives a deep insight into the life of the residents. Especially in our fast-moving time, it is nice to adapt to the day and its temperatures. To take time for conversations and to have a muse to let your thoughts wander. Led by people who know life in the desert and let us participate in this terrific nature, care for and protect us and at the same time make sure that our traces fade and that no civilization waste remains! There is no better way to experience the desert! I am very grateful that I got to know the Amediaz family and that you always so generously welcome me and many other Trek enthusiasts into your family.