Exploring Morocco’s hidden corner of the Sahara: Travel Photography
Merzouga, a captivating town nestled in the southeast of Morocco, calls to travellers with its stunning desert landscapes and vibrant Berber heritage. During a recent project there, I had the opportunity to capture the iconic Erg Chebbi sand dunes, revealing the untamed beauty of this enchanting region.
The journey to Merzouga spans approximately 560 kilometers (348 miles) from Marrakech, offering a glimpse of Morocco's diverse terrain and rich Berber culture. Traversing the undulating landscapes, I was blown away by the enormous Atlas Mountains, stunning canyons and the picturesque charm of small Berber villages scattered along the way.
Upon my arrival in Merzouga, I was hit immediately by the intense heat but also the boundless allure of the desert. While the desert embodies an arid expanse and rugged mountains, it's the golden hues of the sand dunes that define the landscape. The ever-shifting patterns of the dunes, sculpted by the winds, create a symphony of light and shadow, leaving a unavoidable sense of timelessness.
Capturing the essence of the desert requires a delicate dance with the elements, as the interplay of light and shadow and the shape-shifting effect of the wind creates an ever-changing picture. I found myself obsessed with the contrast between the stark, sun-kissed terrain and the ethereal play of light, rendering each frame a testament to the raw, unbridled beauty of this arid expanse. Golden hour hits different in the desert and the captivating oranges of sunset enhanced the visual narrative, infusing each photograph with warmth that mirrored the desert's embrace.
As the day unfolded into dusk, the desert transformed once more, adorned at first in the fiery palette of the setting sun, only to morph into a tranquil, much cooler setting - the ethereal blue hour, my favourite time to shoot.
During my time in Merzouga, I had the privilege of immersing myself in the rich tapestry of Berber culture, as the warm hospitality of the locals offered a genuine glimpse into their age-old traditions and way of life. The intricate patterns of their vibrant textiles and the rhythmic melodies of their traditional music infused the desert air with a sense of timeless heritage, underscoring the enduring legacy of the Berber people in this hidden corner of the Sahara.
My journey in Merzouga was not just a photographic expedition; it was an immersive odyssey into the heart of the Sahara's hidden embrace. As I bid farewell to the captivating desert landscape and the warm hospitality of its people, I carried with me a profound reverence for the timeless allure of the Sahara and the enduring spirit of the Berber culture that graces this awe-inspiring corner of Morocco
