Camel Ride into a Saharan Sunset

 Spending the night in a tent in the Sahara had some travelers feeling a little anxious. Having done a bit of research, I knew that we weren't exactly going to be roughing it. Indeed, it was a beautiful tent compound. Carpets covered the sand so that walking wasn't difficult. We each had our own "room" with a heavy flap for a door. Carpets covered the floor and we had a regular mattress bed with nightstands, and a small couch at the end. We also had a private bathroom with a flush toilet, sink set in a cabinet, and a hand-held shower.  (I didn't get any good photos of the bathroom facilities.) It was all very comfortable and clean.

The entry area and "living room."

The carpeted "hallway" that led to our rooms.

The dining "room" complete with a coffee machine to select latte, capucchino, etc.

Our queen-size bed.

Settee and coffee table (light coming through open flap). Bathroom entry on the left.

Tent #9.

The staff was so helpful and made us feel comfortable getting on and hanging on as the camel gets up and down. Once you're up, the seat is comfy and there are handlebars to hang onto.

Bob's camel had a lot to say (or complain about). He was the only one and it was funny.

To get up, first the camel rocks forward to get up on his hind legs, pitching the rider forward. Then he gets up on his front legs, pitching the rider backward. (below) To sit down, it does the opposite with front legs first and back legs next. (Papa Mostafa gives encouragement.)

Up and ready to roll.

We're riding a camel on the Sahara Desert to watch a sunset!

The sunset was a little wimpy, but it didn't affect the adventure in the least.

When we got back to our tents, there was music, dancing, and dinner to greet us!