They are all travelling from Spain to Ely's father Joseba (Enrique San Francisco) who lives in Tombuctu, Mali, and is on his deathbed.

[2][3][4][5] As the plot begins, Tocho, a rough, alcohol-infused citizen of Bilbao, Spain, receives a letter telling him that Joseba, an old friend, is dying in Timbuktu.

Deeply touched and nostalgic, Tocho travels by coach to France where he enlists another old friend, Jean Pierre, the owner of a vineyard, to join him on a trip to say goodbye to their beloved Joseba.

With fond memories of their youthful adventures, Jean Pierre and Tocho agree to recreate the journey with Ely in tow.

There is an encounter in the middle of the Tanezrouft with a French trafficker who has a grudge against Jean Pierre, who stole one of his trucks many years ago.