The lines of camels awaiting outside the building were unlike anything seen in the rows of 4 x 4s. Our Berber guides informed us that this was not a short camel ride; rather, it was our “transport” to camp before we got on the animals.

We were in for a two-hour journey, so they were right! You might not be able to tell from my glamorous photos, but riding a camel can be difficult and uncomfortable. Nevertheless, the surreal views offered made the journey absolutely worthwhile.

The warm December sun cast a line of shadows next to the never-ending parade of animals as we rode through the mountainous sand. We even developed a bond with our camels, who each moved through the stillness with their own personality.