Morocco desert adventure

All together now ... from left to right (top row) Mark Adams, Elliot Smith, Gerard Willis and Paul Bondsfield, (bottom row) Steve Adams, Julie Willis, Izabella Osowska, Nichola Saville, Ian Hamilton and Anna Pickard. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

It's hot and dry as the expedition arrives in Ouarzazate. Their base in town is the Hotel Lavalle. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

Some walking boots get a thorough workout in the Sahara. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

Seeing the light on a Kasbah visit. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

Treated to a Berber meal. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

Ian Hamilton, one of the three Guardian Unlimited readers who won the chance to bring a friend and join the expedition. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

Home from home: the jeep that will transport the group on their Saharan adventure. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

Cracked desert surface with mirage in the distance ... honest. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

Tyre tracks, before the blow-out meant the group had to dig the vehicle out of the sand. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

One of the expedition's drivers, Mohamed, changes the tyre. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

Mohamed hopes for better luck, hanging this charm in his cab. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

On the move once more. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

Pottery tagine pots on sale at Tamegroute. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

Kasbah at Tamegroute. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

Paul Bondsfield stands alone on the dunes. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk

Packing up the final camp. Photograph: Elliot Smith/guardian.co.uk