Auberge Salama

Mustapha was a kind, knowledgeable guide who taught us a lot. We drove from this location, took a relaxing, wonderful camel ride, and then went on to the desert campsite. I was surprised by how lovely the tents were. The place was stylish and well situated, and we could walk into the desert at night. It was very quiet, perhaps because other places were far away. The music, hospitality, and delicious food left us very satisfied.

The location is handy, but the rooms face a noisy square. I knew the hotel was old, which is normal for these cities and prices, but the room's comfort and cleanliness were disappointing. The mattress was awful and the bed sloped toward my head. The bathroom was the worst part: the shower drained badly and flooded, and so did the sink. Still, if you're after somewhere cheap and well located and don't mind rough edges, I'd recommend it.

Hassan from Skoura (Kasbah les Nomades) suggested Salama hostel, and we were glad we came. On arrival we were wowed, the hostel is beautiful, and the staff were so attentive and caring. Following their advice, we spent a day in the desert with our young guide Mohamed. He gave us a wonderful day, and our children were over the moon. Many thanks!

Mustapha made our luxury bivouac night in the Merzouga desert feel warm and authentic from the beginning. He shared stories about the area and the Berber culture he represents, looked after everyone's comfort, answered our questions patiently, and sang Berber songs by the fire. His kindness and enthusiasm made a great experience even more special. The tents were spacious and beautifully decorated, with a comfortable bed, private bathroom with hot water, and even electrical outlets. Dinner was a feast of traditional food, including delicious tajine, followed by Moroccan tea around the fire beneath an incredible starry sky. It felt like time had stopped, away from everyday noise and stress in the quiet desert. We woke to sunrise over the dunes and a delicious breakfast. This was far more than a night away, it was an immersion in the Sahara's culture and magic. Highly recommend Mustapha and the experience, and thank you for memories we'll keep.