Leaving our local village we headed south east toward the boarder with Algeria. Through the mid atlas the landscape was very rocky, with canyons dotting the landscape. The amazing power of water became evident as we neared a massive oasis, the water channelled underground far from the high Atlas Mountains in the distance. Often the river valley would be lined by old villages, abandoned due to flash floods and the invention of concrete and reinforcing.
Driving along dry plains we encounter the town of Merzouga which is in the shadow of the infamous Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Glowing red and purple as the afternoon passed, the edge of the Sahara was an awe inspiring view.
At this point our ford transit van decided to do some off roaring through roads covered in golden sands. A little off putting considering bikers were ripping past on BWM Paris-Dakar inspired motorbikes. A few hair raising moment later we arrived at a small Berber guest house on the edge of the desert.

Camels are interesting animals; a myriad of smells and sounds evolve from the camel train as it sat waiting for its foreign riders. Saddles were large blankets dropped over a metal frame, comfortable to start but quickly testing ones stamina. As they stand up, they lurch to and fro; but soon settle into a gentle rhythm. An amazing feeling walking into the Sahara as the sun slowly sets in the west.
Quad bikes and 4 wheel drives some what ruin the last section of the trip. An attempt by the local community to Ban them from the area seems to be gaining pace; since they destroy vegetation, unsettled wildlife the area and ruin the shape of the dunes.
Arriving at our Berber camp was great, traditional tents set up around mattresses. Some mint tea, lying on a dune watching the shooting stairs was unforgettable. A Targine later, some traditional and after a long day, off the bed our tents.
We had comfortable sleeping quarters but a sand storm raged outside, meaning star watching was limited for those who braved the sandblasting. The bugs and bettles also made for a few screams and fast moving feet.
A early morning at 530, we walked up the apex of a massive dune to observe the sunrise. An amazing sight seeing the huge sun rise up over the horizon; the temperature rapidly climbing as we made our way back to camp.
The camels were ready lined up outside the camp, chewing their cud from the previous day. An amazing orchestra of sounds and smells. The ride back was great as our shadows danced around the dunes