Wednesday 11th March, Erg Chagaga Camp to Jebel Bani

We had showers in camp last night and everyone was feeling refreshed and ready to go this morning as we set off to tackle the largest sand dune - Chagaga - one of our challenges on this trek. On route we passed through a nomadic village with tents where we rested for a few minutes before starting the long climb up the soft sands of this monster dune.

The temperature was in the 30's again but a strong wind was cooling us although it would prove to be a problem later in the day. We followed the line of some natural ridges and slowly made our way towards the top. It was very heavy walking due to the soft sands and we seen some good examples of team work. At the top the wind speed was high and we were all getting blasted by sand so it wasn't a pleasant place to stop for too long although the views across the desert were stunning. Vicky's hat blew away and one of the local crew ran after and saved the day.

After we descended we meet up with the camelmen and refilled our drinks bottles before our onward trek to the next camp site at Jebel Bani. The route followed a dried up river bed and we all got covered in sand due to the windy conditions and needed googles and our sashes to keep the sand out. Eventually we reach lunch in a sheltered spot under some trees.

The afternoon started to take us out of the dunes and soft sand and back onto the harder but easier walking Hammada terrain. We camped near a nomadic camp and managed to meet many of the local children fortunately the wind died down and we enjoyed a nice sunset and sunrise at this camp.