Berber Culture in Morocco

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Written by Hassan, host at Hotel Les Roches Merzouga — hosting Sahara travellers since 2004.

When you travel with us, you travel with Berbers — the indigenous Amazigh people of North Africa, whose roots in Morocco go back thousands of years, long before the Arab arrival. Understanding a little about Berber culture makes a desert trip far richer.

Who are the Berbers?

'Berber' (the people's own name is Amazigh, meaning 'free people') refers to the indigenous inhabitants of North Africa. In Morocco they form a large part of the population, with strong communities in the Atlas Mountains and the desert south.

Language

The Berber language, Tamazight, is now an official language of Morocco alongside Arabic, written in the distinctive Tifinagh script you'll see on road signs.

Music & the Gnawa of Khamlia

Music is central to desert life. Near Merzouga, the village of Khamlia is famous for hypnotic Gnawa music, performed by descendants of sub-Saharan peoples — a highlight of many 4x4 excursions.

Hospitality

Berber hospitality is legendary: mint tea ('Berber whisky') is poured for every guest, and sharing food is a point of pride. At our desert camp, the dinners, drumming and welcome are all part of this living tradition.