Day 40 – Merzouga

Our day started as usual and we soon set off at around 10:00am. We made the 10km journey down to the large town of Tinehir. We had all agreed that we needed to stock up with provisions…. meat, vegetables, bread, drinks etc We parked on the roadside where the vans were guarded for us and we had to pay the fee on our return.

First stop was a bank and then the markets. It wasn’t long before all had purchased everything on the remembered shopping list…. Tina had done her usual trick of writing out a list and forgetting it. We loaded a local lads porter trolley with all the bags and we soon returned to the vans. The girls would have loved to stay longer to explore but we had no time as we needed to get on the road to Merzouga.

The road was tarmac all the way and we made good time. We were making our way to a recommended Auberge some 10km north of the town right next to the sand dunes. We turned off the main road on to yet another stoney but level road and our speed dropped to around 10mph which made it slow progress.

Eventually we arrived at our chosen destination and we were not disappointed. We are parked up and all have electric hookup. We took a look around the hotel and it is stunning. The area around the swimming pool is superb. When we first arrived there were many camels and 4×4 vehicles ready to take there occupants out into the desert. The sand dunes are so close that you feel you could touch them.

This evening we chose to have dinner in the restaurant. We had a soup starter followed by Chicken, Beef, Rice and vegetables which you helped yourself to. There was more if you needed it. This was followed by the fruit bowl and coffee. Some drummers who were also hotel staff entertained us. A superb evening costing 300 MAD (£21) per couple. Truly good value and great company.

Our next few days will be in the sunshine and more relaxing …..