An Evening in the Desert, Episode 13

The Colors of Morocco

Shariq Ali
Valueversity

After resting in our room for a while, we came down and sat in the hotel lobby.
There were only a few minutes left until four o’clock in the afternoon.

Today, we were heading to the Agafay Desert to witness the sunset. The tour included a desert evening, a camel ride, dinner, cultural dances, and performances by local entertainers.
Our guide, Jamal, remained in constant contact with us through WhatsApp. The vehicle that would take us there was due to arrive shortly.
A few minutes later, we left the hotel and took our seats in the tour car. Alongside Jamal, Sarmad was at the wheel. Apart from Mona and me, there was also a twenty-two- or twenty-three-year-old Malaysian student of Chinese origin named Juliet, who was studying law in Leeds. She turned out to be a very pleasant and courteous young woman.

After a brief introduction, we quickly became acquainted, and our journey began.
Marrakesh is not a particularly large city. In terms of population, it feels comparable to a medium-sized city in Pakistan or India, but its standards of cleanliness and urban organization appeared noticeably better. The clean roads and orderly surroundings created a very pleasant impression.

On the way, we were taken to a Berber village for evening tea, where tourists from many different countries had already gathered.

Along with tea, visitors are introduced to the Argan tree and the products made from it. Argan oil is used to produce a variety of creams, beauty products, and other items.

Local women play a central role in this industry, which forms an important part of the region’s economy. Like many other tourists, we also purchased a few items there.
This small Berber village offered a charming glimpse into local life through its narrow lanes, small shops, and traditional atmosphere.

The tea arrangement itself was quite interesting. Small pieces of local bread were placed on a platter, accompanied by different kinds of honey and peanut-based spreads served in small bowls.

The bread was dipped into the honey or spreads and enjoyed with Moroccan mint tea. This simple yet delicious refreshment was served to us as well.
After enjoying our tea, we returned to the vehicle and continued our journey toward the Agafay Desert.

Evening was gradually descending. The sun was moving toward the western horizon, though there was still plenty of daylight. The urban landscape slowly faded away and gave way to a desert panorama. Before long, we had left the paved roads behind and were travelling along dusty, unpaved tracks.
The reddish earth stretching into the distance, bathed in golden sunlight, created a captivating scene. In the background, the red hills of the High Atlas Mountains could be seen.

This magnificent mountain range extends across Morocco’s southern horizon, and its snow-capped peaks are sometimes visible even from Marrakesh.
In the light of the setting sun, the colors of the mountains appeared even richer and more striking. In some places, the earth was so red that it felt as though we were travelling not on Earth but across the surface of Mars.

The vehicle moved silently forward while the desert scenery continually changed around us. With every passing moment, we seemed to be venturing deeper into the heart of Agafay.

Eventually, we arrived at a large open area where numerous tourist vehicles were already parked.
We were welcomed in traditional Moroccan style and dressed in local attire—a flowing gown and a blue desert scarf—so that we could feel part of the environment.

The next activity was a camel ride. Although the ride itself was not particularly long, sitting atop a camel in the desert was a unique and memorable experience. Several photographs were taken along the way.
A short while later, we arrived at the venue where the evening’s main program was to be held.

The desert restaurant consisted of simple yet beautiful single-storey structures built from mud and stone and decorated in traditional style.
Round wooden tables and seating arrangements had been placed in the center. Each table was adorned with lanterns and flowers, while the surrounding desert stretched endlessly into the distance.

There was a simple elegance to the setting that made it especially attractive.
As we settled into our seats, various refreshments were served.

Holding our drinks, we watched the vast desert before us and the changing colors of the sky. The sun slowly descended toward the horizon. The golden light gradually transformed into shades of orange and then deep red. The silence of the desert and the shifting colors of the sky seemed almost to be speaking to us.

As the sun finally disappeared below the horizon, local musicians began playing soft melodies in the background.

The combination of music, desert landscapes, and sunset created an atmosphere of extraordinary beauty.

As darkness deepened, bonfires placed throughout the camp were lit. The stars emerging overhead and the fires glowing below enhanced one another’s beauty.

The flickering light of lanterns and bonfires created an atmosphere that was both mysterious and romantic.

In this enchanting setting, dinner was served.
Traditional Moroccan dishes, rich in flavor, were presented in earthenware pots in which they had been steamed. The variety of accompaniments beautifully reflected Moroccan culture and hospitality.

After dinner, the cultural program began. Local musicians and performers entertained the guests with traditional music and dance.
A little later, an entertainer appeared on a small stage set some distance from our seating area. With burning torches and flames, he performed a series of astonishing feats that were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

During the communal cultural dance, many tourists became so caught up in the excitement that they joined the local performers.

This vibrant gathering, filled with music, joy, and celebration, continued for several hours.
Eventually, this memorable evening in the Agafay Desert came to an end, but its colors, sounds, and scenes will remain alive in our memories for a long time to come……
To be continued