Sahara Desert Trek, Morocco 2024

Marrakesh – Sahara
If staying in Marrakech we set off early, crossing the Atlas Mountains and following
ancient caravan routes into the Sahara, stopping for lunch in Ouarzazate on the way
(journey time approx. 9 hours including stops.) If starting in Ouarzazate the journey to
the desert takes approximately 4-5 hours. This afternoon we will arrive in the desert and
be welcomed by the rest of the trek team and the camels before commencing our trek,
stopping overnight to camp under the stars of the Sahara. Approx. trek distance: 5km.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Camping
Approx Trek Distance: 5km

SAHARA DESERT
Our trek continues through the desert as we traverse sand dunes and rocky, lunar
landscapes for the next two days. We are aided by our local Berber team comprising of
the guides, cook and camel owners (the camels are our porters, carrying our luggage
and equipment). Each day you enjoy the varied Saharan landscape and learn about
how important it is to respect and comply with the forces of nature in the desert. On average we will cover 15-20km per day but this will vary. As the trek progresses we learn how the nomadic people of the Sahara live: from cooking to sleeping out under the stars and reading the magnificent Saharan night sky.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Camping
Approx Trek Distance: 15-20km per day

SAHARA DESERT/OULAID DRISS/MARRAKECH
This morning it’s a final trek back to the village where you will bid farewell to your team of camels and the local Berbers, and head back overland to Marrakech (journey time approx. 9 hours).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Hotel
Approx Trek Distance: 5km

MARRAKESH
After a good night’s rest we spend two days assisting at the community project. Typical
tasks include decorating, refurbishment, gardening or generally working to improve the
environment. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to get involved.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Hotel

MARRAKECH / LONDON
Some free time this morning to explore the exotic city of Marrakech before flying back to London (subject to flight times).

N.B. This itinerary may change due to unusual weather, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary but we cannot be held responsible for changes that occur outside of our control. In all circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest of the group’s health and safety.

The trek is rated moderately challenging for someone of a good fitness level. The terrain is a mixture of hard, flat sundried plains, dried up ancient riverbeds, wide sandy dune fields and hard rocky outcrops. Temperatures pose a specific challenge with temperatures historically reaching 35°C. You must be of a good fitness level before departure, to ensure fast recovery each day.

Temperatures can range from 25°C to 35°C during the day and drop to around 0°C at night however you must be prepared for variations to this which are out of our control.  Weather during the trek will be dry but there may be some strong winds. Rain, although very rare, is not impossible. Please note: the temperatures and conditions above are historically accurate but climate change can impact the seasons so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip which are out of our control. The guides will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and safety of the group.

To get to and from the desert requires long drives (approx. 9 hours including breaks) along winding mountain roads which offer stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. If you suffer from motion sickness you are advised to bring your usual anti-nausea medication with you. Regular stops are taken.

During the trek you will sleep in tents (two to a tent), or if the weather is good you can sleep outside under the stars; highly recommended! Foam sleeping mats are provided but you will need to bring a sleeping bag. Toilet facilities consist of a small toilet ‘tent’ covering a hole in the ground. There are no showers or bathing facilities in the desert so you must bring a pack of baby wipes.

During the trek meals are cooked by a chef who will prepare Moroccan dishes. Breakfast and lunch will be eaten alfresco, and evening meals will be in a mess tent at camp. Plates, mugs, cutlery and other equipment are provided. While staying in Marrakech (and Ouarzazate if applicable) meals will be at the hotel, the project or at local restaurants.

You must be 18+ to participate on this trek unaccompanied. It may be possible to participate if you are 16 or 17 years old but you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit. The ideal candidate would be fit, healthy and determined, open to adventure and adaptable to unexpected changes.

Most people find that this is far easier than they imagined, and we will give you as much support as you need to reach, and even exceed your target!

Each participant will be allocated a Helen & Douglas House fundraising staff member who will meet with you and help you to create your fundraising plan. Materials such as collection buckets and tins, sponsorship forms, email banners, balloons and banners can also be provided to help you achieve your target.

Here are some suggestions for how you could meet (and actually exceed!) your fundraising target: