Author name: Apostolos

Home / 5 Hidden Desert Camps in Merzouga for an Unforgettable Sahara Experience Skip the typical tours and sleep under the stars in authentic Berber-run desert camps. Focus on eco-friendly, immersive options Camp Al Koutban – A Literary Retreat in the Sand Tucked between golden dunes, Camp Al Koutban is a minimal, candle-lit camp run by a Berber family.It’s ideal for travelers who seek solitude, creative inspiration, or a slower rhythm.The name, meaning “the books,” isn’t random—there’s a shaded corner tent filled with second-hand novels in English, French, and Arabic.    Why stay here? Completely offline: no Wi-Fi, no distractions Fire-lit poetry and storytelling nights A perfect spot to journal or write that book you’ve been meaning to start Pro tip  Bring your own book to donate and exchange with others. Dar Ahlam – Eco-Conscious Desert Living Dar Ahlam is a hidden eco-camp known for its sustainable philosophy and small environmental footprint. With just a handful of tents, solar power, and composting toilets, it offers comfort without compromise. Meals are made fresh daily from seasonal local ingredients. Highlights: Environmentally responsible and plastic-free Guided fossil walks and visits to nearby nomad villages Offers yoga mats and sunrise meditations in the dunes Perfect for: Travelers who care about sustainability and local impact. Sahara Wild Camp – No Website, Just Word of Mouth Possibly the most low-key spot on this list, Sahara Wild Camp doesn’t appear on Google Maps. It’s passed from traveler to traveler through recommendations and guided visits. Hidden behind a curve of high dunes, the camp blends into the landscape and moves slightly depending on the season and wind.   What makes it unique: Hosted by nomadic families with rotating locations Berber bread-making and mint tea rituals Limited to 6 guests max — bookings only via local guides   Tip  Ask for Lahcen at the main square in Merzouga for directions. Azalay Nomad Camp – Comfort Meets Silence Looking for a balance between comfort and authenticity? Azalay Nomad Camp is a small luxury-style camp that avoids the commercial vibe of the bigger touristic operations. Located off the main camel trail, it offers peace and stargazing with very little light pollution. Standout features: Hot showers and real beds in each tent Stargazing with telescope and guided sky talks Local music nights around the firepit For travelers who  Want a peaceful, semi-luxury experience without losing the connection to nature and culture. Camp Nomadic Soul – Total Digital Detox No Wi-Fi. No signal. No screens. Just sand, stars, and traditional Berber hospitality. Camp Nomadic Soul is for those ready to unplug completely. Here, you wake up to camel bells, sip tea slowly, and watch the sun set in silence.   What to expect: Handwoven tents and locally crafted rugs Sunrise hikes on untouched dunes Daily meals cooked on open fire with local ingredients   Best for  Creatives, deep thinkers, and anyone looking to slow down fully. Final Thoughts In a world of overbooked tours and Instagram-driven itineraries, these hidden desert camps in Merzouga offer a rare chance to experience the Sahara in a more grounded and intimate way. Whether you’re journaling under the stars, learning to make traditional bread, or just listening to the wind between the dunes, you’ll find something in these places that no hotel or group tour can offer.

Nomad’s Guide to Chefchaouen Skip the typical tours and sleep under the stars in authentic Berber-run desert camps. Focus on eco-friendly, immersive options Home / Where Work Meets Serenity Tucked into the foothills of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen isn’t just a postcard-perfect town with blue-painted streets — it’s a hidden gem for remote workers and slow travelers looking to balance productivity with nature.   If you’ve ever dreamed of replying to emails in a rooftop café surrounded by mountains, then this Moroccan paradise might just be your next base.  Where to Work Though Chefchaouen is a small town, it surprisingly offers decent Wi-Fi in key locations. Here are some reliable places to work remotely:   Café Clock – A creative hub with great food, cultural events, and strong Wi-Fi.  Chez Hicham – Centrally located with a relaxing terrace and good internet connection.  Hotel Casa Perleta (for guests) – If you’re staying here, their inner courtyard is peaceful and has solid Wi-Fi for video calls.  Mobile Hotspot Option – Consider grabbing a Moroccan SIM card (e.g. Maroc Telecom) with a good data plan.    Where to Hike  Chefchaouen’s location makes it a perfect launchpad for short and long hikes:  Ras El Ma to Spanish Mosque (Easy – 45 mins round trip) Perfect for sunset. A short uphill walk with panoramic views of the medina and valley.  Akchour Waterfalls Trail (Moderate – Half day) Just a 45-minute drive from town. Hike to the famous Bridge of God and the refreshing waterfalls. Bring water and snacks.  Jebel El Kelaa Trek (Challenging – Full day) For seasoned hikers. This trail rewards you with sweeping views of the Rif range.  Where to Stay Stay somewhere inspiring and practical for work. These are a few cozy picks: Dar Echchaouen – Mountain views, reliable internet, and peace.  Riad Gharnata – Right in the heart of the medina, with quiet corners for working.  Casa Sabila – Friendly owners, fast Wi-Fi, and a great rooftop Final Thoughts: Work-Life Balance in Blue Chefchaouen isn’t a typical digital nomad hotspot — and that’s the beauty of it. Here, you can slow down, focus, and reconnect with your surroundings. Whether you’re scheduling Zoom calls in the morning or hiking through lush valleys in the afternoon, this is the kind of place where “Work, Hike, Repeat” becomes your daily mantra. 

5 Things to Do in Morocco You Absolutely Can’t Miss If you’re planning a trip to North Africa, Morocco should be at the top of your list. This vibrant country is filled with culture, history, flavors, and landscapes that feel like they belong in a movie. Home / Explore the Souks and Fes Wander through the colorful souks of Marrakech or Fes Medina—two of the most iconic places to visit in Morocco.   Get lost in a maze of stalls selling spices, textiles, lanterns, pottery, and more. Haggling is expected, so embrace the local style and have fun with it. Spend the Night in the Sahara Desert One of the most unforgettable experiences in Morocco is riding a camel through the dunes of Merzouga and camping under the stars. Traditional Berber tents, sandboarding, and drumming by the fire make this a must-do. Enjoy Moroccan Mint Tea Rituals Known as “Berber whiskey,” Moroccan mint tea is more than just a drink—it’s a cultural experience.   You’ll find it everywhere, from mountain villages to high-end riads.   Always accept a cup; it’s a sign of welcome and friendship. Visit Ancient Medinas & Historic Cities Don’t miss the winding alleys of Fes el Bali, the blue-washed walls of Chefchaouen, or the bustling heart of Marrakech Medina.   These UNESCO sites offer a real taste of Moroccan history and local life. Experience a Moroccan Hammam If you’re looking to unwind, a traditional hammam in Morocco is the way to go.   Local bathhouses or high-end spas offer deep scrubs, steam rooms, and full-body massages.   Your skin will thank you. Final Thoughts: What to Do for an Authentic Experience If you’re wondering what to do in Morocco beyond the guidebooks, just follow the rhythm of local life. Take your time, engage with people, and stay curious. Whether you’re staying for a week or a month, these 5 experiences will make your trip deeply memorable.

Living Like a Local in Marrakech: A Guide to Authentic Moroccan Experiences Marrakech isn’t just a destination. It’s a mood, a soundscape, a whirlwind of scents and colors that you can’t quite explain until you’re there. Here’s your essential guide to experiencing Marrakech Home / Explore the Souks Like a Regular The medina’s winding alleys can feel like a maze, but locals don’t rush — they flow. Skip the postcard stalls and head to the artisan corners of the souks where cobblers, lantern-makers, and leatherworkers still shape goods by hand. Don’t be afraid to haggle — it’s expected and part of the fun.   Local tipVisit early in the morning to see vendors open up, clean their stalls, and chat over mint tea.  Visit a Traditional Hammam Forget fancy spas. Go where the locals go: communal hammams. For just a few dirhams, you’ll experience a centuries-old bathing ritual. Bring black soap (savon noir), a scrubbing glove (kessa), and your best attitude for being scrubbed until you shine. Recommended spotHammam Mouassine — authentic, clean, and popular among locals. Eat Where the Streets Smoke Djemaa el-Fna may be buzzing, but the real flavor hides in backstreets and food carts. Skip hotel buffets and opt for: Tangia slow-cooked in the coals of a hammam Maakouda (crispy potato fritters) from roadside vendors Fresh orange juice from the market, dirt cheap and wildly refreshing  Try Café Clock or Riad BE — friendly Wi-Fi, chill vibes, and great Moroccan fusion bites. Sleep in a Riad, Not a Hotel To really soak up the essence of Marrakech, book a stay at a riad — a traditional Moroccan home with an inner courtyard. Think mosaic tiles, hidden plunge pools, and rooftop views over the medina. Top pickRiad Yasmine — photogenic, peaceful, and locally owned. Final Thoughts: Marrakech Isn’t a Checklist It’s a feeling. And it rewards those who embrace the unexpected. So pack light, walk slow, smile wide, and remember: the best travel moments often happen between the “must-sees.”