The Challenge

Join Isabel Hospice on this incredible charity challenge. Experience the stunning landscape of the Sahara desert as you drive and then trek through this inhospitable yet enigmatic environment, getting to know the life of the nomadic tribes which still wander with their camel trains across the lonely lunaresque dunes. Each night you will have the chance to sleep under the stars (weather permitting!), eat incredible food cooked in the traditional Berber way and fall asleep to the sound of the crackling campfire and the gentle snores of the camels.

Do Something Different...

After your trek, spend two days helping on a range of tasks at a hospice. The hospice is based in Marrakesh and there are many activities you could be involved in during your time helping there. There is a rundown courtyard in need of renovation so patients can use it to enjoy the fresh air, socialise and meet with family and friends. There is also lots of redecorating needed, some gardening, building book shelves to create a library area and many other activities. Your help will go a long way to improving the lives of the patients and the staff at the hospice and you will leave feeling as if you have really made a difference.

Itinerary

Day 1: London/Marrakech Depart London for Marrakech. On arrival meet your guide and transfer to a central hotel for the night. If time permits, pay an introductory visit to the project this afternoon. Meals: Dinner

Day 2-3: Marrakech Spend two days assisting at a local hospice. Depart Marrakech around 2pm on Tuesday for the journey across the High Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate where we stop for the night (journey time approx. 4 hours). Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Sahara Desert Complete the journey, today over the Low Atlas Mountain Range and into the arid scenery of the Sahara desert (journey time approx. 3 hours). Late this morning we meet up with our trekking team, consisting of local Berber guides and their camels, and start the trek (approx 10km). Sleep overnight in tents or under the stars (weather permitting). Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 5-6: Sahara Desert Spend 2 complete days out in the Sahara. Each day you will walk at the pace of the camels as we traverse sand dunes and a rocky, almost lunar landscape, passing the occasional oasis and mile after mile of natural beauty, a million miles away from daily life in the UK! Each night fall asleep to the sound of the crackling fire and the soft grunts of the camels! (approx average distance covered 20km per day) Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 7: Sahara Desert/Ouled Driss/Marrakech This morning it's a final trek back to the village (approx distance 5km) where you will bid farewell to your team of camels and the local Berbers, and head back overland to Marrakech (journey time approx. 7 hours). Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 8: Marrakech/London Some free time for final sightseeing and shopping before transferring to the airport to fly back to London (depending on flight time).

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

Want to hear what other people thought of this tour? Click here for testimonials.