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Sahara Desert Trek 2024

When:

23 – 30 November 2024

Where:

Sahara Desert, Morocco

Registration fee:

£395

Sponsorship:

£3,000 per person

Are you tough enough to tackle the Sahara Desert Trek 2024?

The Sahara Desert Trek 2024 is an experience like no other. Over the course of five days, traverse 100km through Morocco’s rugged terrain, encountering towering peaks, breathtaking gorges, vast dunes, and serene oases. As night falls, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing expanse of Africa’s starlit skies and embrace the warmth of authentic Berber hospitality.

Venturing beyond the confines of the Jebel Saghro region, your expedition begins atop the Maider El Kbir plateau, then ascends the heights of Jebel El Mrakib, offering unparalleled panoramic vistas. Meandering through gorges, the trail leads to the dry bed of the Rhris River, leading onward to an oasis adorned with tamarisk trees. 

The journey culminates with days spent trekking alongside the meandering Tikertouachene River, before reveling in the triumph of reaching journey’s end in Ouarzazate.

Prepare for a trek that is as demanding as it is rewarding—a transformative experience that will challenge your limits and leave an indelible mark on your soul.

What to Expect

The Sahara Desert Trek is graded as challenging. During your Sahara Desert Trek you will be:

  • Trekking between 17-27km per day.
  • Trekking a total distance of 100 kms over 5 days.
  • Suffering exhausting temperatures during the day and freezing at night.
  • Punishing your feet over hard, rocky terrain and hot sand.
  • Camping each night with very basic facilities.

Itinerary

Day 1: International departure from London

Meet the rest of the team at the airport for the long-awaited departure to Morocco. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local Charity Challenge leader and will be transferred to a local hotel for the night.

Day 2: Ouarzazate to Mharech Dunes (approx. 6 hrs drive; then 9km/2 hrs trekking)

The day starts in a 4×4 as you head via the Tizi n’Tinifift pass to Achbarou, the ‘Door of the Desert’. From here it’s onwards along the Draa Valley until Tansikht. Enjoy the panoramic views of Saghro, a volcanic massif, before reaching Mecissi where you’ll leave the tarmac road and venture off-road for 25km. After the bumpy journey, you’ll appreciate leaving the vehicles behind and hiking into your first desert camp at Mharech.

Day 3: Mharech Dunes, Rhris riverbed to Mharech Gorge (approx. 30km/7-8 hrs)

A traditional Berber breakfast will provide the much-needed fuel for the toughest day of trekking. Prepare for a true desert experience as you face four hours of undulating sand dunes before descending onto the flat dry bed of the Rhris River for lunch. 
After a well-earned break from the midday sun, you follow the riverbed past nomadic communities to a camp beneath the Mharech Gorge. 

Day 4: Climb Jebel El Mrakib to Tafrouat camp (approx. 23km/6-7 hrs)

Be prepared for another long and challenging day. The route cuts through a dramatic gorge, into two low flat bottomed valleys. 
From here it’s a spectacular climb over the multi-coloured sand covered rock of Jebel El Mrakib. On a clear day, you will experience spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding plains, dunes and mountains. In the afternoon, the beautiful orange dunes are replaced by the open expanse of the plateau, leaving our overnight camp exposed to the desert winds.

Day 5: Tafrouat camp to Bouzaine camp (approx. 24km/6-7 hrs)

Today covers around 24km, starting from the crisp, broken mud of the dry Rhris River. It’s then back onto the low dunes, tackling a variety of rocky and sandy terrain.
Tonight’s camp lies at the bottom of the Bouzaine dunes, home to some of the biggest dunes in the region and perfect for a photo or two. 

Day 6: Bouzaine Dunes to Announ Baadi (approx. 16km/6-7 hrs)

The final day of challenge follows the path up and over high sand dunes, passing many Acacia and Tamarisk trees along the way. Weaving around the small dunes and onto the plains, the trek aims for the palm groves of the local nomadic villages and into the final camp.
Once the finish line is crossed it’s time to celebrate with the team and guides. 

Day 7: Return to Ouarzazate (approx. 6-7 hrs drive including stop for lunch)

Rest those weary legs on the transfer back to Ouarzazate. The vehicle passes along the Tafilalet Road via Tineghir and the Kasbah trail, for a final night in Morocco. 

Day 8: International departure to UK

Expect to feel elated and emotional as you head for the airport for your international flight back to London, arriving later the same day.

Payment Option

Self funder option

The full cost of this challenge is £1,860.00 plus the air tax and fuel element contribution (capped at £100.00). You will be required to pay the non-refundable registration fee of £395.00 at the time of booking, and 10 weeks before departure (14/09/2024) you will be required to pay the final balance of your challenge costs (£1,465.00), plus the air tax and fuel element contribution. You will receive fundraising advice and sponsorship forms and be asked to raise as much as you can for The Lewis Moody Foundation. As you have covered the full cost of the challenge, 100% of this fundraising will be retained by The Lewis Moody Foundation.

Registration fee: £395. The registration fee of £395 is payable directly to event organisers Charity Challenge.

Remaining cost of trip:
£1,465.00, plus the fuel element of air taxes (capped at £100). Paid 10 weeks before your challenge.

Fundraising option: £3000.


If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the events team events@thebraintumourcharity.org or call 01252 237867.