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Ayrshire Hospice Trek the Sahara 2027

15th Oct 2027 - 22nd Oct 2026

359 days/Morocco /Moderate

Overview

Trip Summary | Sahara Trek & Community Project 2028

Support your favourite charity and take on an unforgettable trek across the Sahara Desert before spending two days supporting a community project in Marrakech. Combining adventure with hands-on volunteering, this unique charity challenge offers a remarkable insight into Morocco’s landscapes, culture and communities.

What to Expect

You’ll spend two full days and two half days trekking through ever-changing desert terrain, including ancient dried riverbeds, rolling dunes, occasional oases and vast sun-baked plains. The journey is both rewarding and awe-inspiring, offering moments of challenge, tranquillity and breathtaking natural beauty.

Life in the Desert

Each night you’ll camp beneath the expansive desert sky, giving you the chance to experience incredible star-filled nights, weather permitting. Gather around the campfire, share stories with your fellow trekkers and enjoy the peace of the Sahara after dark.

Authentic Berber Experience

Your local Berber support team will guide you through the desert and prepare delicious traditional Moroccan meals. Their warm hospitality, expert knowledge and deep connection to the region will make your time in the Sahara even more memorable.

Supporting a Community Project

After completing your trek, you’ll spend two days assisting at a community project in Marrakech. The project supports a residential home for adults and teenagers who are unable to live at home, providing 24-hour care alongside education, training and supplementary therapies. Depending on the centre’s priorities at the time of your visit, tasks may include painting and decorating, creating garden or relaxation areas, and helping to improve the overall environment for its residents.

Make a Difference

By joining this challenge, you’ll be raising vital funds for your chosen charity while also contributing your time and energy to a valuable local project. This makes your Moroccan adventure not only a memorable personal challenge, but also a meaningful opportunity to support communities both at home and overseas.

Find out more about Charity Challenges

Fitness Requirements

This challenge is moderately demanding and suitable for those with a good level of fitness. While much of the desert terrain is relatively flat, walking on soft sand and crossing dunes requires additional effort, particularly over consecutive days.

One of the greatest challenges may be the heat. Temperatures in the Sahara have historically reached up to 40°C, making even steady-paced walking feel considerably more demanding. Following the trek, you will also spend two days assisting with a community project, which may involve practical activities such as painting, decorating or gardening.

We recommend building your cardiovascular fitness, strength and stamina before departure, together with regular walks on varied terrain. The fitter you are, the better prepared you will be to manage the desert conditions, recover each day and contribute fully to the community project.

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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.

The Sahara Desert has an extreme desert climate, characterised by significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. You can typically expect daytime temperatures of around 26°C, dropping to approximately 2°C overnight, so layers are essential for comfort and warmth after sunset.

The climate is dry, and conditions are usually clear, though strong winds can occur. Rain is rare, but not impossible; desert weather can be unpredictable, and variations do happen.

Please note: the temperatures and conditions above are based on historical averages for this time of year; however, climate change means weather patterns can vary, and unseasonal conditions may be experienced. If weather conditions require any changes to the itinerary, your expert guide will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the group’s safety and enjoyment at all times.

This trek is rated moderately challenging and is best suited to participants with a good base level of fitness. The terrain is mostly flat, but walking on soft sand requires extra effort, and the dunes provide the biggest changes in gradient along the route.

The most demanding element of this challenge can be the heat, with desert temperatures historically reaching up to 40°C. Consecutive days of trekking in these conditions can be physically tiring, so good preparation is key.

We recommend training in the months leading up to the trip to build stamina, strength, and confidence walking on varied surfaces. Being well-prepared will help you recover quickly each day and make the most of this inspiring desert adventure.

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

Ayrshire Hospice Trek the Sahara 2028

Day 1 (Friday 15 October 2027):

London to Marrakech
We fly together to Marrakech where we are met by our guide and transfer 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 instead (approx. 4-5 hours).
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 (Saturday 16 October 2027):

Marrakech to Sahara
If staying in Marrakech we set off early, crossing the Atlas Mountains and following ancient caravan routes into the arid Sahara desert, stopping for lunch in Ouarzazate on the way (journey time approx. 9 hours including stops.) If starting in Ouarzazate the journey 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 into the vast and arid Sahara desert, stopping overnight to camp under the stars of the Sahara.
Approx. trek distance: 5km
Overnight: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 3 – 4 (Sunday 17 – Monday 18 November 2027):

Sahara Desert
Our trek continues through the desert as we traverse sand dunes and rocky, lunar landscapes for the next three 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.
Approx. trek distance: 15-20km
Overnight: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 (Tuesday 19 October 2027):

Sahara to Marrakech
This morning it’s the final leg of the trek back to the village where we bid farewell to the trekking team and head back to Marrakech (approx. 9 hours’ drive) for dinner and an overnight stay at a central hotel.
Approx. trek distance: 5km
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 – 7 (Wednesday 20 – Thursday 21 October 2027):

Community Project: Giving Back in Marrakech
The next two days will see you giving back to the community as you volunteer your time at a local project. You will visit a residential home that supports vulnerable adults and teenagers who are unable to live at home.
This centre provides vital 24-hour support, education, and training. You will spend your time assisting with various tasks to improve the living environment, which may include redecorating, painting, or gardening.
It is a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in the local community while staying at a hotel in the heart of Marrakech.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Hotel

Day 8 (Friday 22 October 2027):

Marrakech to London
Enjoy some free time to explore the exotic city of Marrakech before your flight back to London (subject to flight times).
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

Non-refundable registration fee: £395

and then either…

Sponsorship: £2,670

or

Self-funded: £1,335 trip costs* and £1,335 sponsorship for Ayrshire Hospice

SPONSORSHIP

This option is for those who wish to raise sponsorship to cover both the costs of the trip (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc.) and a donation to Ayshire Hospice. 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 £2,670 for Ayrshire Hospice.
  • 80% of the minimum sponsorship (£2,136) must be paid to the charity by 23 July 2027.
  • The remaining 20% (£534) must be paid by the date of departure.

FLEXI

This option is for those who choose to pay the trip costs (flights, 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 £1,335 trip costs* to the charity by 23 July 2027.
  • You must also fundraise a minimum of £1,335 for Ayrshire Hospice.
  • 80% of the minimum sponsorship must be paid to the charity by 23 July 2027.
  • The remaining 20% must be paid by the date of departure.

*NB the final trip costs are based on the overall group size and are subject to change. This is the most you will have 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.

  • You must pay £100 at point of booking to confirm the arrangements.
  • The remaining £100 is due 10 weeks before departure.
  • 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.

  • You must pay £135 at point of booking to confirm the arrangements.
  • The remaining £135 is due 10 weeks before departure.
  • 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

  • Return flights from the UK
  • Airport taxes and charges
  • 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
  • Access to travel app
  • 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.