The river rises in the Atlas Mountains, flows south east from Ouarzazate then at Mhamid heads west to the coast.

We did find them open enough to stock up with fresh milk, butter and fruit / veggies.

We met up with Ian and Janice again.

There's a constant flow of tourist traffic to the dunes (and back).

This medina houses about 1,000 people.

Just guessing, the caravans to Timbuktu would have passed this way.

About 50 days as the camel flies.

We think we've seen a sort of derrick arrangement somewhere else but our memories are fading.

We know that north of Merzouga there is an area of Khattara - based on Quanats, the Persian underground waterways connecting wells.

We were left wondering how the wells around this medina were administered.

Woven fences to help stabilise the dunes.

Now we know what happens to the palm leaves that aren't burned.

We've had 5 days rest at Mhamid.