There are so many experiences you can have when visiting Morocco, each more fascinating and engaging than the last. Yet there’s one that might seem unusual, not conventionally seen as pleasant. But I’ll change your mind.
I’m talking about the possibility of finding yourself in the middle of a sandstorm during your Sahara Desert excursion. The watchword is “don’t panic”, and everything will turn out fine if we learn how to behave in a sandstorm.
Saharan sandstorms: what they are
Morocco is a country where winds, when they blow, often do so with great force. But the Berber people are used to dealing with them and know how to take shelter. So the Saharan sandstorm is a very common weather phenomenon, and its effects often reach Europe, especially southern Italy.
These storms happen every year and lift millions of tons of light, fine dust that settles everywhere, even thousands of kilometers away, causing many respiratory problems.
Sandstorms usually form in spring, due to greater air instability, because in those months the sun radiates more energy. The ground is warmer and temperatures are higher, so warm air rises into the atmosphere, where it condenses at lower temperatures and forms cumulonimbus clouds. Put simply, that’s the kind of cloud that forms when the atmosphere is unstable and where the lightning behind thunderstorms is born.
When one cumulonimbus meets others, its power grows and it pushes cold air downward, creating strong winds that, on reaching the ground, lift masses of dust traveling at up to 90 km/h (about 55 mph). In arid areas with little vegetation, like desert regions, this phenomenon is very common and can appear suddenly, lasting anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
But while this information might sound scary, you should know (and it’s not just me saying it, but ecosystem scientists) that sandstorms are a natural phenomenon that’s very important for the planet’s health. Saharan dust is a powerful soil fertilizer because it’s rich in phosphorus, so it’s essential for plant survival.
Sandstorms: how to behave
During a sandstorm, visibility drops almost to zero, so it’s very hard to get your bearings and find shelter. But part of my mission as a tour operator is teaching travelers on my tours how to behave if they find themselves in this seemingly alarming situation.
If you follow the instructions of the local experts, nothing will happen that could put you in danger. On the contrary, it will be an experience to face with a great spirit of adventure, and a story to tell when you get back home.
Cover your head, face and eyes
If you’re in the desert when a storm forms and you need to move to a sheltered spot, it’s essential to protect the most exposed parts of your body as much as possible. The famous scarf or foulard I always recommend packing in your bag for Morocco lets you immediately cover your head and face, including your nose and mouth, to filter the air and reduce the amount of sand you breathe in.
Of course, you’ll also need to protect your eyes with sunglasses, because desert sand is very fine and can cause serious irritation.
Stay in the camp
If you’re already inside the camp, don’t try to go out. The curiosity to look outside and see what’s happening is surely strong, but your safety comes first: stay in your tent and make sure all the openings are tightly closed. I still recommend covering your face inside the tent too, to avoid inhaling sand or getting it in your eyes.
In any case, you can relax: desert tents are designed to withstand sandstorms, and the locals know the emergency plans to put in place if there’s any trouble.
Wait for the storm to pass
Most of the sandstorms I’ve found myself in lasted just a few minutes, so all you need is patience: wait for it to pass before leaving the tent. To continue the excursion, though, you’ll have to wait a bit longer, because even if the storm seems to be dying down, it’s safer to wait until the wind has completely calmed and visibility is back to normal.
Stay calm
You might be tempted to look for a shelter you think is safer than a tent, but you already know that moving during a sandstorm is risky. It’s much better to stay calm, especially if there are children traveling with you, and wait for the sandstorm to end.
Drink plenty of water
During a sandstorm, the temperature can rise because of the hot wind. The wind and sand can also dehydrate you very quickly. So I recommend staying well hydrated, sipping water often. And at the camp you’ll surely find tea to quench your thirst.
After the storm
Once the storm has passed, remember to wash your face thoroughly and shake out your clothes to get rid of every trace of sand.
If you follow these rules, a sandstorm won’t be as terrifying as you might think. Morocco is a safe country and I’m certainly not going to put you in danger, also because I always make a point of checking the weather forecast before taking my travelers into the desert, and I avoid starting an excursion if conditions aren’t favorable.
That’s also why I advise against DIY tours or renting a car: rely instead on experienced local drivers who know the area very well, how to get around and what advice to give you. Plus, experienced guides are always in touch with me and with each other to find safe alternatives in real time if roads are closed due to weather, such as sandstorms, torrential rain and snow.
Lisa
