Among the striking white sandstone building around Zerzura lies a more worn-down building, walled off behind a gate. The sandstone appears to be faded with time, piles of sand among the exterior like no one has been here for ages. Pillars next to the building’s entrance stand as grim figure, with an almost skull-like pattern carved into each top. This seems like a place of grim demeanor among all the life in the city.

Next to the gate that begins the queue, there is a sign (in both English and Arabic) that reads, “For those seeking a golden opportunity, join us inside. Beware of traps.”

Stepping through the gate, guests wind their way through a courtyard of stone blocks and cracked statues (an area which can be more intricate in path on busy days). Weaving among the stonework, they pass through the menacing entrance and walk into a dark tunnel. As they head through the tunnel, branching paths appear to lead off into the distance (thanks to forced perspective). There are even a few paths that have a metal fence or stone wall blocking their path, the results of traps set off. Eventually, they find themselves in an antechamber.

Following the stone markers that guide the path, guests work their way through the chamber. The sandstone walls are covered in carvings, depicting the rise and fall of the former tyrant king who had taken control of Zerzura before being defeated. Most striking are the carvings of a figure with a human-like upper torso and smoke-like lower torso who appears at a few points among them. That is the carving of a djinn.

Guests head down another tunnel and emerge into a room with various tunnel entrances (our loading area). Digging tools are scattered all around, and a fresh piece of parchment is stuck to the wall with some rocks forcefully shoved in. The sketches on the parchment suggest a maze, with notes on paths drawn through the maze. One path has a circle drawn around its endpoint, with the note “King’s Tomb and treasure must be this way” hastily written. A wooden cart awaits to pick them up. Once inside, guests take a turn into a particular tunnel.

Heading down the tunnel, we pass by more carvings and hieroglyphics depicting images relating to the former King. One of the hieroglyphic figures comes to life, looking around before flying away as we pass a passageway where a trio of treasure hunters stand in the distance. One has a lamp and the other two wield shovels and pickaxes, as they argue. “I’m telling you, this is the way! Just a turn or two to the King’s Tomb, and we’ll be rich!” “And I’m telling you, we’re going in circles!” We leave them arguing, as we turn down another passageway. Statues hold out their hands, as if trying to stop us. However, a booming voice is then heard. “If what you seek is treasure, there is none here! Turn back or suffer the consequences!”