“Who Wants to Ride Camels in the Sahara?”
About 18 months ago, I sent out a simple email to some of my travel-loving friends:
"How would you like to ride camels in the Sahara Desert with us?"
The responses were immediate. Hands shot up, emails flooded in, and just like that, we were off to the races. What began as a slightly audacious idea quickly turned into the adventure of a lifetime.
I had previously worked with Cindy Stephan of International Culinary Tours on my podcast Travel Connections, and I knew she was the real deal — an adventurer with deep knowledge and unmatched experience. As fate would have it, our kids even went to the same elementary school. I trusted her completely. I had a feeling this would be a trip to remember, and oh wow... was it ever.
Honestly, it’s hard to know where to start. There were so many unforgettable moments that one post can’t possibly contain them all. So here’s a quick overview to whet your appetite — and yes, more stories are on the way.
Marrakesh: Where the Magic Begins
Our journey started in Marrakesh, a city that doesn’t just live — it pulses with energy, color, and history. For those unfamiliar with the geography, Morocco sits in North Africa, not to be confused with the southern region of the continent, where safaris reign. Morocco is the land of spice markets, ancient medinas, desert caravans, and yes — camels.
So why Morocco? For one, it’s surprisingly accessible. It’s home to the majestic Atlas Mountains and Mount Toubkal, the second-highest peak in Africa. But what truly makes Morocco extraordinary is its warmth, not just from the sun, but from its people. Add in world-class cuisine, historic cities, lush gardens, and surreal desert landscapes, and it’s easy to see why this destination stays with you forever.
Sleeping under the black velvet sky of the Sahara was — without exaggeration — one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of my life.
Enter Moktar: A Nomad's Wisdom
One of the most remarkable aspects of our trip was our guide, Moktar. A true son of the desert, Moktar grew up as a nomad in the Sahara. By the age of five, he was already tending goats under the same wide sky we would later camp beneath.
Moktar’s stories captivated us — tales of life without electricity, of cooking meals before sundown, of waking before the camels to keep them from wandering off. He spoke with such humility and humor that it gave all of us pause. His world — so different from my own cushy upbringing in suburban Southern California — felt at once foreign and deeply human.
Listening to Moktar was like stepping into another time. His presence made our experience not just a tour, but a soulful connection to a way of life most of us had only imagined.
Off the Beaten Path — with Cindy’s Help
Cindy Stephan met Moktar years ago, and together, they orchestrated a seamless journey for us. Their close relationships with local communities gave us access to experiences few tourists ever encounter. We didn’t just see Morocco — we felt its heartbeat.
From hidden villages to spontaneous roadside mint tea, we were constantly immersed in something new and beautiful. We even visited filming locations for Gladiator and Game of Thrones — a little Hollywood magic in the middle of our desert escape.
Into the Sahara
Then came the crown jewel: our desert trek.
We traveled in 4x4s deep into the Sahara, where we spent two magical nights glamping under the stars. Think spacious tents with Moroccan décor, real beds, private bathrooms, and delicious tagines — a luxurious spin on nomadic living.
And the camels—oh, the camels! I had dreamed of this moment for so long. That first ride was surreal, the slow, swaying rhythm carrying us into the dunes like something out of a dream. We rode camels three times during our stay, and each time felt just as thrilling as the first.
Before each ride, our guides wrapped our heads with traditional shushes — long cloths tied skillfully to protect us from the sun and sand. For a little while, we could pretend we, too, were nomads.
The Adventure Continues...
Every day in Morocco brought new sights, smells, stories, and surprises. Cindy and International Culinary Tours created something truly special — not just a vacation, but a deep, personal journey.
More details (and unforgettable moments) are coming soon. I’ll be diving deeper into specific experiences in upcoming posts and podcast episodes — be sure to check out Travel Connections on Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and YouTube.
And if this kind of immersive travel speaks to your soul, stay tuned — we’re heading to Tuscany in 2026 for another extraordinary journey. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.