In October 2023, working as Expedition Leader for Action Challenge, I lead a group of 14 people on an expedition to Morocco.
For photographs of this expedition see Morocco – October 2023
This expedition is arranged by Action Challenge
Sahara Desert Trek
Take On The Rolling Dunes Of The World’s Largest Desert
This all-inclusive 8-day Moroccan challenge takes you into the heart of the Sahara Desert. Over 5 days of trekking, you will follow dried riverbeds from oasis to oasis, climb shifting sand dunes and camp in Bedouin tents underneath a blanket of stars. Expect hot sands, cool nights, and a brilliant celebration dinner in exotic Marrakech on your final night.
78Km trekking over 5 days
The Challenge
Stunning Scenery, Magical Marrakech
The Sahara is the world’s largest and most famous desert. For 5 days, we will trek from camp to camp through the hot sands, with rolling sand dunes surrounding us to the horizon. The trek will follow ancient riverbeds and routes used by camel caravans for centuries, past desert oases. Each night, we settle in to a traditional Bedouin camp, where we enjoy Moroccan feasts around the campfire. The clear desert air and lack of clouds offer up spectacular views of the stars above, which we can enjoy in the desert silence. Back in Marrakech we explore the atmospheric souks and the bustling Djemaa el-Fna square before celebrating our Saharan adventure with a delicious feast and partying into the night!
- Enjoy an 8 day all-inclusive trip with 5 days of trekking
- Follow ancient trading caravan routes into the heart of the desert
- Camp on the banks of Oued Mzouaria
- Climb the first dunes of Ait Ourir
- See the impressive cliffs of the southern Drâa
- Trek Djbel Bani’s rocky plateau
- See the wonders of the Saharan night sky
- Shop in the Souks of Marrakech
Days 1 & 2 – Arrive Ouarzazate / Dunes of Rad Nkhal
Avery early flight from London sees us into Marrakech by mid-morning before our overland transfer to arrive at night in the city of Ouarzazate – an ancient staging town situated in the heart of the Draa Valley, whose name is derived from the Arabic meaning “the door of the desert”. Ouarzazate is also know as the Morocco’s Hollywood, and you may recognise scenes from Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia that were all filmed in the town. Here we retire to our hotel and prepare ourselves for the challenge ahead.
Day 2, we transfer to M’Hamid, where we load our camels and begin our trek to our first camp, set amongst the rolling dunes of Rad Nkhal. Tonight we enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner by a campfire under huge African skies.
Meals: D Accom: Hotel (day 1)
Meals: BLD Accom: Tent (day 2)
Days 3 & 4 – Ait Ounir Dunes / Tel Attin Wells
We start trekking early, making the most of the morning’s cooler temperature. Together with our guides and camels, we trek past the impressive dunes of the southern Drâa valley and over pristine wind-smoothed dunes. We climb the dunes of Ait Ounir to arrive in tonight’s camp, shaded by the Tamarisk trees, an ideal canopy for dining under!
Today we head north towards Djbel Bani, trekking over dried out river beds which snake through the emptiness of the desert. After lunch we continue to Erg Smar and the wells of Tel Attin and in its tranquil oasis we set up our camp for the night.
Meals: BLD Accom: Tent
Day 5 – Mzouaria
Our desert adventures continue across flat sun-baked desert rock as we head for Mzouaria. Here we pause for a relaxing lunch under the shade of the ubiquitous Tamarisk trees. We continue our hike on the impressive rocky plateau known as the Djbel Bani foothills, which form the southern tail of the Anti-Atlas mountains. Tonight we camp on the banks of Oued Mzouaria.
Meals: BLD Accom: Tent
Days 6 & 7 – Ouled Driss / Ouarzazate / Marrakech
Today we have a half day trek back towards M’Hamid via the Erg Lihoudi dunes. We then transfer back to Ouarzazate where we have a celebration dinner and an early night to prepare for our time in Marrakech.
This morning we transfer to Marrakech and spend the afteroon in one of Morocco’s most exciting cities, exploring the famous souks, bustling medina and Djemaa el-Fna square. Tonight, we mark our achievements with an evening of celebrations!
Meals: BLD Accom: Hotel (day 6) Ouarzazate
Meals: BLD Accom: Hotel (day 7) Marrakech
Day 8 – Arrive in London
This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to London. When we arrive back in London we bid farewell to our newfound friends.
Meals: B
