While staying with my nomad friends at Erg Chigaga in the Moroccan Sahara desert, I felt a calling to climb the dunes after sunset. With no light pollution in any direction, I knew that it would truly be an otherworldly experience to stargaze into the heavens.

So, at dark, I wandered into the dunes alone, bringing only my camera and a bottle of water. Given that there is no artificial light anywhere, one can easily get lost. In the dark, all dunes look the same.

When I arrived at the top of the tallest dune, I looked up and witnessed the brightest stars I have ever seen. I’ve done my best to capture it here, though I must warn you: Words, and in this case, even pictures, can’t describe seeing the sight with your own eyes. Within a few hours, the moon began to appear above the horizon, illuminating the mountains of sand. I encourage everyone to stargaze in the desert at least once in your life. It will change you.

This concludes my four-part Morocco travelogue. My thanks to the wonderful friends and guides who welcomed me into their country: Karim, Youssef, Tarek, and Brahim. See my adventures in 3D in Issue 3 of WMB 3D, available now on iPhone, iPad, Android phones & tablets and in Limited Collector’s Edition print.