#TeamAcorns Sahara Trek 2025

Itinerary

Acorns Children’s Hospice Sahara Trek Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday 18 October 2025):

UK 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 (approx. 4-5 hours).
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 (Sunday 19 October 2025):

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 and be welcomed by the rest of the trek team and the camels before commencing our trek, stopping overnight to camp under the stars of the Sahara.
Trekking: Approx. trek distance: 5km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 3–4 (Monday 20 – Tuesday 21 October 2025):

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

Day 5 (Wednesday 22 October 2025):

Sahara to Marrakech
This morning it’s the final leg of the trek to a small village where we bid farewell to the trek team and head back to Marrakech (approx. 9 hours’ drive).
Trekking:  Approx. trek distance: 5km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6-7 (Thursday 23 – Friday 24 October 2025):

Marrakech
After a good night’s rest we spend two days assisting at the community project. Typical tasks include decorating, refurbishment, gardening or generally working to improve the environment. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to get involved.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 (Saturday 26 October 2025):

Marrakech to UK
Depending on flight times, have some free time to explore Marrakech before your flight back to the UK.
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: £350
and then either…

Sponsorship: £2500

or

Flexi: £1,525 trip costs and £975 sponsorship for Acorns

NB. Bookings on this trip are now subject to availability and may be subject to flight surcharges.

SPONSORSHIP OPTION

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 Acorns. There is a minimum sponsorship amount for each trip that you are required to raise in order to participate.

• A registration fee is payable at the time of booking.
• A total of £2,000 (80%) must be paid to the charity by 23 July 2025.
• The remaining £500 must be paid by 18 October 2025.

FLEXI OPTION

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 registration fee is payable at the time of booking.
• Trip cost balance of £1,525 is payable to Acorns by Tuesday 1 July 2025.
• You are also asked to fundraise a minimum of £975 for the charity.
• A total of £780 (80%) must be paid to the charity by 23 July 2025.
• The remaining £195 must be paid by 18 October 2025.
• Any fundraising undertaken cannot be used for your trip costs.

OPTIONAL TRIP EXTENSION

2-night shared occupancy (twin or triple) extension: £180

• 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.

2-night single occupancy extension: £225

• 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.

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.