25-26 April 2023, Merzouga
Riad Chorroq R419 [DH220]

It is nearly 7pm and 35 degrees in Merzouga; the temperature is set to remain in the 30s until 10pm. I am literally wilting in the heat. Also, everything at our somewhat isolated and only partially-built accommodation is covered in a layer of dust. We learned an important lesson riding west Africa. Sand and wind make dust. It ain't dirt - get over it!
We love local transport in Africa. Our Alnif host waved down a local bus, an old Mercedes, driving in the wrong direction this morning, gesturing to the two of us sitting on the verandah drinking fresh orange juice. When the driver passed by again on his return run some 20 minutes later, he stopped to collect us, seating us in the best seats, the pair directly behind the driver's seat. These are easiest to access and get welcome fresh air from the two front windows, the only windows that seem to open.
When we arrived in Rissani, an unexpectedly vibrant desert town, the driver's factotum asked one of the passengers, a young woman, to show us where to get the collective taxi to Merzouga, her final destination. She walked us through the pleasant souk (market) to the taxi rank, then went off to do her shopping, delayed by her kindness to us.
Merzouga sits at the edge of Sahara dunes. Most visitors explore these via camel or quad bike. We don't plan anything as onerous or expensive, happy to see and perhaps get a touch of the dunes in the cooler early hours.
A good day of simple pleasures.
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Early morning in the dunes…