Gnawa Music in the Village of Khamlia
Visit the village of the Gnawa at the edge of the dunes, listen to their hypnotic drums and learn the story of their music.
Khamlia is a small village of earth houses at the southern end of Erg Chebbi, founded by families who came from Mali, Sudan and the south of the Sahara with the caravans. They kept their music, the Gnawa, a mix of African rhythms and Sufi chants that UNESCO has recognised as part of the heritage of humanity.
In a house of the village, the musicians welcome you with tea and play for you with their big drums, the guembri bass lute and the metal castanets called qraqeb, dressed in white and dancing in circles. Afterwards they explain the meaning of the songs and invite you to try the instruments. Easy to add to a 4x4 tour or a quad ride.
Highlights
- Live Gnawa music in a village house
- UNESCO intangible heritage
- Story of the Saharan caravans
- Try the drums and qraqeb
- Combine with a 4x4 or quad ride
Included
- Private 4x4 vehicle
- Local driver-guide
- Pick-up at your hotel in Merzouga
- Mint tea
- Bottled water
Not included
- Lunches
- Tips
Good to know
Up to 6 people per 4x4. Bring cash if you want to buy fossils or crafts; the souk of Rissani is busiest on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
No payment is needed to book: you pay on arrival in cash (dirhams or euros). Free changes if the weather is not good.
Questions
Are these activities good for children?
Yes, all of them. Sandboarding and stargazing are favourites of families, and children love sharing a morning with nomad kids.
When is the best time for the stars?
On the nights around the new moon, when the sky is darkest. With a full moon the dunes shine silver, which is also beautiful, but you see fewer stars.
Can I combine several activities?
Of course. A classic day is a nomad visit in the morning, sandboarding in the afternoon, a camel ride at sunset and stargazing after dinner at the camp.
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