During our day trip in the desert near our camp, we had lunch at Maison Acacias, a hostel and restaurant situated in a small oasis.

African blues by Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré and Toumani Diabaté suit the mood here – try “Ruby” and “Kala Djula” first – they are all good.

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We got to Tissardmine after a 2-3 hour drive off-road northbound from our camp on mostly solid rocky terrain.  There were several stops along the way but the straight-line distance is less than 100 km.

We formed a 2-car caravan (see earlier post here about what we did earlier in the day), there were no paved roads, just tracks in the sand. Our SUV did get stuck in the sand and required the more experienced driver from the other SUV to get us out.

The oasis is the site of a small traditional Berber village with 15 or so houses. If you know where to look, Tissardmine is visible on Google map.

Lodgings (top photo) and entrance to the cafe (below).

This big dining room could be a place where tourists scattered in different campsites gather for a drink or dinner in the evening, if they know this maison and can find it. Notice the pillar that is made by stacking earthen urns.

Although two couples arrived after us to have lunch, the place was very quiet and peaceful. I don’t remember if they have internet access.

There were rooms on the other side of the parking area, but unoccupied. It was the low season afterall. There was a roof terrace which afforded a view of the desert.

Lunch was relatively simple. Everything was fresh and cool.

Grilled meat smelled great.

An idyllic, truly remote, desert hideaway. I(Chris) felt relaxed just by looking at it.

For all of us, it is safe to say that Maison Acacias must be the remotest place where we ate lunch.

A second part of the story on roaming the desert is coming up next.