Tiziri Camp Interview with Amed: Sahara Hospitality in Merzouga

What makes this hotel—and its surrounding destination—different from anywhere else in Africa?

Amed

Tiziri Camp is located in the heart of the Sahara Desert near Merzouga, surrounded by the beautiful Erg Chebbi dunes. What makes the experience special is the combination of the vast desert landscape, Amazigh culture, traditional hospitality, and the feeling of being completely immersed in nature.

At Tiziri, guests do not simply stay in a hotel—they experience the desert itself. From arriving by camel and watching the sunset over the dunes to enjoying traditional food and music under the stars, every part of the stay is connected to the landscape and local culture.

What local traditions, ingredients, art, or experiences do you incorporate into the guest experience?

Amed

We try to make the experience genuinely local. Guests can enjoy traditional Moroccan and Amazigh dishes, Moroccan mint tea, local music around the fire, sandboarding, camel rides, and excursions into the desert to meet nomadic families.

Our camp also reflects the local style through Moroccan carpets, traditional decoration, craftsmanship, and the use of natural elements. We want guests to experience the Sahara through its people, food, traditions, and landscapes.

Can you share a memorable story about a guest, employee, or community member that captures the spirit of this hotel?

Amed

One of the things we remember most is how many guests arrive expecting simply to see the desert but leave feeling emotionally connected to it.

We have had guests who were initially nervous about sleeping in the desert or riding a camel. After watching the sunset from the dunes, sharing tea, listening to traditional music, and looking at the stars, they told us that it became one of the most memorable experiences of their lives.

For us, that captures the spirit of Tiziri: creating moments that guests remember long after they leave Morocco.

What is the first thing you want guests to feel when they walk through the door?

Amed

We want them to feel welcome, relaxed, and connected to the place.

Many guests arrive after a long journey, so our first priority is to make them feel that they can slow down, enjoy the moment, and forget about their daily routine. We want them to feel that they are not simply customers, but guests in our home.

Which is your favorite room in the hotel, and what makes it special to you?

Amed

It is difficult to choose just one because every suite has its own view and atmosphere. What I particularly love about all our tents is that they allow guests to enjoy the comfort of a private suite while still feeling connected to the desert.

Waking up and seeing the dunes from your tent is something very special. The silence and the changing colors of the desert throughout the day make every tent unique.

How do you balance international hospitality standards with an experience that feels genuinely local?

Amed

For us, good hospitality means combining comfort and professionalism with authenticity.

We provide the standards international travelers expect—comfortable suites, private bathrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, good food, and attentive service—but we do not want the experience to feel like a hotel that could be anywhere in the world.

The desert, Amazigh culture, Moroccan hospitality, local cuisine, music, and traditions are at the heart of the experience.

How do you maintain consistently high standards across every part of the guest experience?

Amed

It starts with our team. We communicate closely, pay attention to small details, and listen carefully to guest feedback.

We also believe that hospitality is personal. We try to anticipate what guests may need rather than waiting for them to ask. From the moment they arrive at the meeting point until they leave the desert, our team works together to make the experience smooth and comfortable.

What is your ideal day in the area, from morning until evening?

Amed

I would start early with sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, followed by breakfast and Moroccan mint tea.

During the morning, I would explore the desert and visit a nomadic family to learn about their way of life. After lunch, I would spend some time relaxing at the camp or exploring the dunes.

In the late afternoon, I would take a camel ride to a quiet place to watch the sunset. Then I would return to camp for a traditional dinner, Amazigh music around the fire, and finally sit outside under the stars.

That is the perfect Sahara day for me.

What do you do to help employees grow into future leaders?

Amed

We give our team responsibility and encourage them to learn different parts of the operation. Hospitality is a team effort, so everyone needs to understand the importance of communication, problem-solving, and taking care of guests.

We also encourage team members to share their ideas and take initiative. When someone shows responsibility and passion for the work, we give them more opportunities to lead.

What is the most important leadership lesson that working in hospitality has taught you?

Amed

The most important lesson is that hospitality is about people before anything else.

A beautiful camp and a great location are important, but what guests remember most is how they were treated and how they felt.

I have learned that a good leader needs to listen—to guests, to employees, and to the local community. You need to stay calm when unexpected things happen, support your team, and always look for a solution.

In the Sahara, we also learn an important lesson from the desert itself: things do not always happen exactly as planned, so you have to be flexible, patient, and positive.