Road between Dakhla and Awsard

I have an upcoming trip to Spain in February and planning a side trip to Dakhla area for 3-4 days to look for/photograph desert wildlife. I'd be renting a car and mainly driving the Daklha-Awsard road both day and night. Wondering what the road conditions are and whether it's safe to self drive at night or even during the day for that matter. Also, are there any places to stay in Awsard or should I plan to come back to Dakhla after every drive?