When I did this trip last September large parts of the road had been upgraded and this shortened the journey time considerably. There were also long stretches of road either under construction or newly completed but not yet open so I suspect journey times will continue to fall. We did experience some stretches of appalling road but the coach was modern and the driver skilled at steering round potholes.
We did stop every couple of hours for 'comfort' breaks- all places had limited and basic toilet facilities. it was only at the first stop, when we arrived after another coach did some of the party feel the need to go alfresco and hide behind the sand dunes.
The scenery may not be pretty but it was varied along the route and there was plenty to see or speculate about.. When things got a bit samey - either side of the lunch break, the tour guide invited questions and so we learnt about the education , healthcare and welfare systems of the country.
The trip passed quickly and is probably not such an adventure as it was when Roger did it so don't let it put you off. If there wasn't so many other places to see in the world I'd happily go back
HTH
