We begin the excursion directly from the Riad Ouzina TGM and enter the untouched wilderness of the dunes of Erg Ouzina, one of the least frequented Ergs [sand dunes] in the Moroccan Sahara. We mount a panoramic dunes and enjoy the views of the open desert from here. Our guide explains how the majestic dunes have formed, how people traditionally oriented themselves in the Sahara, and the importance of Erg Ouzina for nomadic life.
⇒ Meeting a nomad family:
Leaving the dunes behind, we visit a nomad family living in the Ouzina desert. This authentic and culturally respectful meeting allows us to get to know nomadic life up close, their traditions, their relations to animals and sustainable use of the scarce natural resources available here.
⇒ The Tajine mountain:
We continue our excursion towards the famous mountain relief in shape of the traditional Moroccan stoneware tajine, a geological formation emblematic to the Ouzina desert. From a panoramic viewpoint, our guide explains how wind and water have sculpted the mountain over the course of millenia, converting it into a point of orientation and nature symbol of the local landscape.
⇒ Tabkhot Oasis:
We now reach the Tabkhot Oasis, a place where water gives life to the desert. Here we find a traditional well and a palm grove, which the nomadic families of the area and their animals use in their daily lives. The oasis is also known for the many marine fossils present there, witnesses of a remote past in which this region was covered by the sea.
⇒ Jouijl Valley – Canyon and archaic force of nature:
Leaving the oasis, we enter Joujil valley, one of the most impressive and atmospheric landscapes of the excursion. Wandering inside Joujil canyon, we feel humbled by the archaic force of nature that shaped the inmense desert and the cliffs towering over us. Together with the acacia trees we find here, the rugged cliffs, sculpted by wind and ancient waterways, form a landscape of everchanging intense colours.
⇒ Panoramic view of dry lakes and great valleys:
From a natural viewpoint, we enjoy an exceptional panorama of two completely different landscapes. To our right, we see a dry lake, with the Ziz River valley and the mountain ranges in the background. To our left, the Erg Ramlia sand dunes, the Ghris River valley and an extensive acacia forest. Here, we learn about the trajectories of the two rivers Ziz and Ghris, which originating from the Atlas mountains traverse the Sahara and disappear underground close to Ramlia before disembarking underground the desert without reaching the sea.
⇒ Amazigh village and Ramlia oasis:
We continue our excursion towards the Amazigh village Ramlia, an inhabitated oasis where life follows the rhythm of the desert. We stroll around the village, share traditional tea or coffee and get to know the daily life of its inhabitants, their culture and Amazigh hospitality.
⇒ Historic race tracks Paris–Dakar rally:
After the visit to Ramlia, we continue our route on the mythical tracks of the Paris-Dakar rally, which for many years passed through this area of the Sahara desert. Following these historic race tracks allows us to feel the vastness of the Sahara and to understand the hardships of life in this landscape. We feel the silence, beauty and freedom ingrained in the nowadays still locally used dirt road.
⇒ Return through the Dry Lakes and the dunes of Erg Asgin:
As we begin our return to the Riad Ouzina TGM, the Paris-Dakar rally tracks lead us across another dry lake, with explanations about its origins and about the importance of water in the long history of life in the Sahara desert. From here, we cross the dunes of Erg Asgin, stopping one last time to soak in the desert panorama with views on the Tajine mountain now from within the dunes, before we continue through dirt road and dunes until we reach the Riad Ouzina TGM.
⇒ Return to the Riad and traditional lunch:
Around 3pm, we return to Riad Ouzina TGM, where we conclude the excursion with a traditional Moroccan lunch served on the terrace of the Riad, surrounded by dunes and silence.
⇒ Sunset in the dunes (recommended):
After a short relaxing break, we recommend you go up the dune just next to the Riad Ouzina TGM and enjoy the unique Ouzina desert sunset, with intense colors reminding of fire and with its atmosphere of absolute peace.
