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The Sahara 100km Challenge for Taff-Ely Foodbank 2027

20th Nov 2027 - 28th Nov 2027

9 days/Morocco /Moderate to Challenging

Overview

Trip Summary | The Sahara 100km Challenge for Taff-Ely Foodbank

Support Taff-Ely Foodbank  and immerse yourself in an extended trek in the vast and mesmerising Moroccan Sahara.

On this 100km challenge you’ll be trekking approximately 20km each day across dune fields, vast sun-baked plains, rocky outcrops, through villages and palm groves. You will be at one with the elements, experiencing the heat of the sun each day, and marvelling at the brightness of the stars as you camp out each night. With just your teammates, and the support of the Berber guides, cooks & camels, you’ll settle into a routine of early mornings and early bedtimes, enjoying the simplicity of life as you traverse just a part of this amazing desert, enjoying simple freshly cooked food each day and sleeping under canvas or under a blanket of stars each night.

Fitness Requirements

This trek is moderate to challenging and suitable for those with a good level of fitness. While the terrain is mostly flat, walking on soft sand and tackling dunes adds extra physical effort, especially over long consecutive days.

The biggest challenge on this adventure is the heat. Temperatures in the Sahara can historically reach up to 40°C, which can make even steady walking more demanding. Being well-prepared physically will help you manage the conditions comfortably and recover effectively each day.

We recommend building strong cardiovascular fitness and stamina before departure, along with regular walking on varied terrain. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience and make the most of this incredible desert adventure.

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The Sahara Desert offers a surprisingly varied landscape. While much of the terrain is flat and open, you will also cross areas of soft sand, undulating dunes, and ancient dried riverbeds. Walking on sand can be more demanding than firm ground, and the dunes provide the greatest changes in gradient throughout the trek.

Underfoot conditions can shift quickly, from a compact desert floor to loose sand, so expect a mix of steady walking and sections that require more effort. The environment is dry and exposed with little natural shade, adding to the remote and adventurous feel of the journey.

Overall, this terrain is rewarding, atmospheric, and immersive, a true desert experience.

Temperatures typically 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. 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 that are beyond our control. The guides will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the group.

The trek is rated moderate to challenging for someone of a good fitness level. You will be trekking long distances over consecutive days and spending 5 nights camping in the desert with minimal home comforts. 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 and can reach 35°C. You must be of a good fitness level before departure to ensure fast recovery each day.

All meals are freshly prepared by your dedicated trek chef, who will serve up hearty and delicious Moroccan dishes to keep your energy levels high throughout the challenge. Expect nourishing meals inspired by traditional Berber cuisine, using local ingredients wherever possible.

Breakfast and lunch are enjoyed alfresco in the desert, taking in the dramatic surroundings, while evening meals are served in a communal mess tent at camp. This is a great time to relax, refuel, and share stories from the day with your fellow trekkers.

All plates, mugs, cutlery, and cooking equipment are provided, so you can simply sit back and enjoy the food and experience.

During the trek, you will camp in the desert, sleeping in shared tents (two people per tent). If conditions are suitable, you also have the option to sleep outside under the stars, a truly unforgettable experience and highly recommended. A sleeping mat and tent are provided; you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.

Before and after the trek, you will stay in comfortable hotels (in Marrakech and Ouarzazate, if applicable), with en-suite facilities. This allows you to relax and refresh before heading into the desert, and again at the end of your adventure.

During the trek, basic toilet facilities are provided in the form of a small private toilet tent set up over a simple ground toilet. There are no showers or bathing facilities in the desert, so we recommend bringing biodegradable wipes and hand sanitiser to stay fresh while camping.

This is a true wilderness experience, and while facilities are basic, they are clean, private, and designed to make the journey as comfortable as possible in a remote environment.

This challenge is open to adults aged 18 and over. Participants aged 16 or 17 may be able to join if accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit; enthusiasm, preparation, and a positive attitude are far more important.

The ideal participant is fit, healthy, and motivated, with a sense of adventure and the ability to embrace new experiences. Flexibility and an open mind are key, as conditions in the desert can be unpredictable and plans may occasionally need to adapt.

You will be supported throughout the journey by professional English-speaking Berber guides, whose deep knowledge of the desert, local culture, and trekking routes is invaluable. They are first-aid trained and will be with you every step of the way to ensure your safety and enjoyment.

In addition, you will be accompanied by a support team, including cooks and camel handlers who transport the camp equipment and supplies. A Different Travel Company UK tour manager will also travel with the group to provide further support and ensure the trip runs smoothly from start to finish.

Any luggage that is not needed during the trek can be safely stored at the hotel for the duration of the trip. This allows you to carry only the essentials while trekking, with the peace of mind that your remaining belongings are secure and will be waiting for you upon your return.

Any day-to-day items that you do not need to carry yourself, such as spare clothing, toiletries, or sleeping gear, will be transported in a separate bag to your next accommodation or campsite by camels, so they are ready and waiting for you at the end of each day’s trek.

During the trek, you will only need to carry a small daypack containing essential items for that day, such as water, snacks, a basic first aid kit, sun protection, and any personal items you may need.

Visit here to find the kit list relevant to this trip.

Itinerary

The Sahara 100km Challenge for Taff-Ely Foodbank 2027

Day 1 (Satureday 20 November 2027):

UK to Marrakech
We fly together to Marrakech, where we are met by our guide and transferred to our hotel for the night. Depending on flight arrival times, we may start the journey to the desert today and stay in Ouarzazate tonight (approx. 4-5 hours).
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 (Sunday 21 November 2026):

Marrakech to 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 at Nisrate and will be welcomed by the rest of the trek team and the camels before commencing our trek, stopping overnight to camp under the stars.
Approx. trek distance: 10km.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 3–6 (Monday 22 – Thursday 25 November 2027):

Sahara Desert
Our challenge starts in full today as we spend the next few days out in the Sahara, with only other trekkers and the support team for company! Each day we will enjoy the varied Saharan landscape and learn how important it is to respect and comply with the forces of nature in the desert. On average we will cover 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.

Day 3: Nisrate to Tidri
We’ll leave the final dunes of Nisrate behind and follow an irrigation canal before reaching the Ksar Sidi Saleh palm grove, which was once renowned for its cultural importance in the area. The Tidri dunes are our next challenge, and we should reach these tonight.

Day 4: Tidri – Oued Naam
Headacross a rocky landscapre dotted with acacia trees and reach the Regabi dunes one the banks of the Draa river. We pass through Regabi village with its stunning palm groves and head towards the Oued Naam dunes.

Day 5: Oued Naam – Oued Latach
Traverse rocky and lunar landscapes today, as always, you’ll be supported by the team of Berber guides who will share their knowledge of the area, its flora, fauna and life in the area. You’ll learn about the importance of respecting the forces of nature in this vast desert.

Day 6: Oude Latach – Erg Chegaga
The high dunes of Erg Chegaga are today’s goal, a magnificent landscape as the dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. Tonight we reach our final camp, ready for tomorrow’s sunrise and the final push to the end of the challenge
Approx. trek distance: 80km over 4 days.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 (Friday 26 November 2027):

Erg Chegaga – Erg El Ghoul – Marrakech
It’s a shorter trek day today as we take on the final leg of our challenge before bidding farewell to the trek team and head back to Marrakech (approx. 9 hours’ drive). After a most welcome shower, we’ll have dinner at the hotel.
Approx. trek distance: 10km.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 (Saturday 27 November):

Marrakech
Today is day at leisure to explore Marrakech – lose yourself in the souks, watch the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city from a rooftop café, or relax by the pool. This evening we’ll head out to a local restaurant for a celebratory meal.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 9 (Sunday 28 November):

Marrakech – UK
Depending on flight times, you may have some free time this morning to explore the exotic city of Marrakech before transferring to the airport for the flight back to London.
Meals: Breakfast

Optional trip extension

There is also the option to extend your stay after the trek to explore more of Morocco. See Costs + how to pay tab for more details.

N.B. This itinerary may change due to weather, the ability of the group and so on. We do our best to keep to the itinerary but we cannot be held responsible for changes that occur outside of our control. Your guide and tour leader has the final say in the interest of the group.

Costs & How to pay

Registration fee: £395 and then either…

Sponsorship: Fundraise £2,330 for Taff-Ely Foodbank

or

Self-funded: Pay £1,305 trip costs* and £1,025 sponsorship for Taff-Ely Foodbank

SPONSORSHIP

This option is for those who wish to raise sponsorship to cover both the costs of the trip (accommodation, food, guides etc.) and a donation for Taff-Ely Foodbank. There is a minimum sponsorship amount for each trip that you are required to raise in order to participate.

  • A non-refundable registration fee of £395 is payable at the time of booking.
  • You must then fundraise a minimum of £2,330  to be paid to the charity.
  • 80% of the minimum sponsorship (£1,864) must be paid to the charity by 28 August 2027.
  • The remaining 20% (£466) must be paid by the date of departure.

SELF-FUNDED

This option is for those who choose to pay some of the trip costs (accommodation, food, guides etc.) themselves while still raising some funds for the charity.

  • A non-refundable registration fee of £395 is payable at the time of booking.
  • You are then asked to pay £1,305 towards your trip costs to the charity/Different Travel by 28 August 2027.
  • You must also fundraise a minimum of £1,025 for Taff-Ely Foodbank by the date of departure.
  • Any fundraising cannot be used to pay for your trip costs.

*NB the final trip costs are based on the overall group size and are subject to change. This is the most you would be required to pay.

OPTIONAL TRIP EXTENSION

2-night shared occupancy (twin or triple) extension: £200

  • Two additional nights’ accommodation* with breakfast plus a return airport transfer based on 2 people sharing a twin room.

*You will be accommodated in the same hotel as is used for the group during the main trip. This is TBC but is likely to be Hotel El Andalous or similar.

  • Payments for any additional arrangements must be received before they can be confirmed.

2-night single occupancy extension: £270

  • Two additional nights’ accommodation* with breakfast plus a return airport transfer in a single occupancy room.

*You will be accommodated in the same hotel as is used for the group during the main trip. This is TBC but is likely to be Hotel El Andalous or similar.

  • Payments for any additional arrangements must be received before they can be confirmed.

Independent extension: £45

  • Fly home on any date of your choosing (subject to flight schedules). Please specify your preferred date in the booking notes section.
  • You will need to arrange your own accommodation and airport transfers for your additional days.
  • The cost is £45 plus any difference in cost in the flight airfare on your chosen return date.

NB. Optional trip extensions are subject to availability and flight costs.

  • Payments for any additional arrangements must be received before they can be confirmed.

What's included

  • Flights from the UK
  • Local transfers and transport in Morocco
  • Accommodation in 3 star hotels, tents and sleeping mats on trek
  • English-speaking local guides
  • Support staff, camels and camel handlers on trek
  • All meals as specified
  • Different Travel UK tour manager

What's not included

  • Any necessary vaccinations
  • Drinks, laundry and personal expenses
  • Spending money (tips and gratuities, souvenirs)
  • Transport to/from UK airports
  • Personal trek kit
  • Travel insurance

Have a question?

If you’ve a question about this challenge that you can’t find the answer to within the given information then complete this quick form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.