Sahara Desert, Morocco - Gnaoua music and Bedouins.

 Early morning on the sand dunes.

One of the sitting areas near the bar.

Today we travelled in groups of four in 4WD vehicles with local drivers. Our young man named Mohammed, spoke several languages and was very happy to answer all questions put to him. 

First stop was Khamlia village where we enjoyed mint tea and were entertained by the local Gnaoua people. Their music is a mix of Berber, Sufi and sub Saharan religious songs and rhythms and they combine it with acrobatic dancing. These people have come from further south in Africa and been welcomed into Morocco to make a new and better life.

On through the desert terrain to a deserted village near the Algerian border which has been taken over by the Army.  The mosque is pictured here.

There were many Bedouin camps across the stony desert and we were able to visit a Bedouin woman and see her home and baby. Driss asked her many questions on our behalf and she answered all of them openly. She has four children, two of them go to school and her husband works in Merzouga town. She also told us that she delivered her babies by herself in her tent. We are constantly reminded just how lucky we are.

We continued on, driving through some of the sandy dunes rather than the rocky parts. A bit of excitement for those of us not used to this. We saw goats and camels, and lots of children who ran out to wave to us. It is school holiday time now.

Lunch was at a delightful spot amongst the palms, a tented area with carpets on the floor in Tissirmine. These places all provide sooo much food, lots of variety and lots of food.

Returning home, we learnt more from Mohammed about being a young person in Morocco.

 A lucky photo amongst the many missed opportunities along the bumpy ride.

What a great day we have had today.

The camel ride has been postponed until very early tomorrow morning due to high demand! The camels are actually dromedaries, one humped Arabians who are light weight and swift.

By late afternoon the temperature had reached 24 degrees. Our first COVID people are starting to test negative and our outstanding guide Driss continues to care for us as his family. We have been blessed to have him.

The restaurant at Kasbah Tombouctou has been outstanding too. Such a range of choices and all so very tasty. The French pastries and other desserts were very popular after eating so much fruit.