Morocco

---

Erg Chigaga Camp

Camp outside the Erg Chigaga dunes in southern Morocco (Feb 2018)

I did not have to walk far to find untouched sand

Late afternoon seemed to be best for taking photos with the shadows hitting the ripples in the sand

I followed the tradition of camp to have a sundowner, bringing a celebratory drink to the top of a dune for sunset

Nick and Bobo's camp. They take care of everything from the time you arrive in Marrakech with a personal driver across the country. Getting to the dunes from Mhamid still requires a driver so it seemed best to go with this group. The camp is located on the more isolated eastern side of the dunes. More info on their website

Comfy mattress and unlimited peanuts and coke, luxury in the desert

I woke early to explore some more before breakfast, by the time I got back to camp a sandstorm had begun

The wind started to calm on the return drive from visiting a nomad in the area

The "green place" or "great lake" the name dependent upon the amount of rainfall in the nearby mountains. These are likely loose translations into English by the guide. Rucola plants were abundant here during my visit in February

The dunes above the "green place", this area was more touristy and had more camps, bike tracks are visible in the sand here

The view from the tallest dune in Erg Chigaga

We had a fun group, covered a wide range of topics at mealtimes- the secret tunnels of the Royal Mansour, what it's like to be a Jeopardy champ, and which animals have sphincters.

The stars were also one of highlights of being in the Sahara, the doctor in the group enjoyed night photography. I gave it my best attempt using one of his tripods

The final morning I fit in a camel ride before the full day drive back to Marrakech.

---