The ancient way to travel across the formidable southern desert of Morocco is still the most effectual and romantic. For centuries Camels have roamed these tracts of Saharan seas ascending and descending the sculptured dunes, ever changing from the breath of determined winds. Appropriately known as 'ships of the desert' they still haul merchandise between berbers camps today, masterful at travelling vast distances over treacherous sinking sand, their strong, flexible web of toes preventing them from submerging beneath the dunes.
If one is searching for a place to vanish, or escape from the conventional streams of life, the closer you trek towards the Algerian border the further isolated one becomes, this is certainly off the beaten track & tourist brochures. Our striking berber guide introduced the Howells to their camel 'Smile' who initially seemed rather more inclined to flaunt her leathery tongue than flash us any enamel. Saffron has surprising composure around animals, self assured as long as Mummy & Daddy are at arms length, so she introduced herself almost immediately, stroking the Camel's long, slim nose. She then expressed a sudden urge to ride the knobbly kneed beast, so the stage was set for a compelling photo shoot as the warm African sun ebbed slowly over the dusty pink horizon.
