when we started

some of the typical landscape we saw

<-- Here's what it looked like on the map. A discontinued line (I've higlighted it in green). Anyhow, you'll see for yourself on the pictures that there is no trace of a road (nor even a track most of the time), and all these rocks, dunes and hills, they all look the same to you and me.

Hassan, fortunately, did a great job of guiding us through the desert and through the dunes (because we had to drive over a few - that was the most exciting bit).  We drove for 8-9 solid hours by 60°, we only stopped for 1-2 hours around lunchtime - for food - water - change of oil (;-)) - and, most of all, a quick rest. The heat is just killing when you're in the middle of nowhere with no shade, and everything around is just expanses of dust roasting under the sun. We made it just after sunset in Zagora and had to decline our guide's offer of a cheap night at the campsite, instead we headed for "La Palmeraie" air-conditioned and with a swimming-pool (a bargain at €20/night), blimey, we were desperate for the pool!

Well, I'll stop the talking now, I've prepared an interactive album for you to follow our tracks, so you can see what we saw. -->