130 Kilometers Through the Desert — El Similete

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Seeking Shade in the Sahara — El Similete

Wednesday, November 17

Mohammed's and Achmed's acquaintances help load the dromedaries before disappearing into the dunes on their mopeds. We then set off on the march toward El Similete — not a town, but the name of a region. You might think it could get boring, but it doesn't. The desert with its ever-changing landscapes and vegetation casts a magical spell over us.

Night Camp at El Similete

A tree amid towering sand dunes in the Sahara.

Brush in the Sahara on a high sand dune.

Towering sand dunes in the Tunisian Sahara.

During a short rest, some of us — myself included — climb onto the dromedaries. We are now moving through the higher sand dunes. Walking becomes more strenuous, but the increasing beauty of the landscape more than makes up for it. I feel like part of an incredibly beautiful masterpiece. You might also think the desert looks the same everywhere — but in truth, I have to slow down while photographing, or the memory card fills up in no time!

Single towering sand dune with sharp wind ridge and wavy ripples in the golden evening light of the Tunisian Sahara — A single towering sand dune with a sharp wind ridge and wavy ripples in the golden evening light of the Tunisian Sahara

Endless dune field of the Tunisian Sahara in warm evening light — sand hills to the horizon — Endless dune field of the Tunisian Sahara in warm evening light — sand hills stretching to the horizon

Jumping into the sand dune. — Freedom...

Photographer on a towering sand dune in the Sahara. — Photo frenzy

We then ride on briskly to our next camp, El Similete. Once again we prepare a crisp salad and experience a windy afternoon in the Sahara. The sand blows across the dunes — indescribably beautiful, and freezing cold by evening.