Our tour began in Marrakech. This was a chance to discover some of the most interesting historical sites, as well as experiencing the vibrant life of the Medina, and the stunning colours and aromatic heavy spice scents of the Souk. We then boarded our four wheel drives and headed off for the Atlas mountains. Once again we were lucky enough to travel with geologist, Colin Reader, well known to many AWT passengers. (Seen below trying to make sense of the geology)

Our first major stop was at the ruins of a delightful Kasbah and the still working salt mine of Telouet. Later the same day we entered the World heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, famous for appearances in many modern films and TV shows.

Into the Draa Valley and a rare opportunity to examine a Stromatolite field, where Colin was in his element and many photos were taken.

We visited our first rock art site at Foum Chenna, and this was followed by a drive to the stunning rock art site of Ait Ouazik, dating back some five thousand years. Wonderful images of ostrich, rhino, elephant, oryx, antelope and geometric designs cut into boulders running along a low hill side ridge.

A wonderful night in M’Hamid, the last town on the road before the desert, which was and still is, an important market place for nomadic and trans-Saharan trade. We picked up some supplies and then headed to the dunes where we had a picnic lunch before arriving at our camp in the Erg Chigaga. Plenty of time to walk on glorious sand dunes before dinner.