Sahara Desert Trek for Fight for Sight

The minimum age is 18. The ideal candidate would be fit, healthy and determined, open to adventure and adaptable to unexpected changes.

You may join this challenge if you are visually impaired; however, if you usually use a guide dog or require assistance, you may wish to bring a guide to help you. Your guide will be required to pay full price and book as a participant.
Alternatively, you can book a Moroccan helper (not a tour guide) to act as a guide at an additional cost of £330 plus an optional tip of approximately £75pp.

You will be accompanied by professional English-speaking Berber guides who have an excellent knowledge of culture and hiking in the region. The guides are first aid trained and will support you throughout your journey. You will also be accompanied by a team of support staff including cooks and camel handlers, a Different Travel Company UK tour manager and a representative from the charity.

Temperatures can 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 which are out of our control. 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 which are out of our control. The guides will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and safety of the group.

To get to and from the desert requires long drives (approx. 9 hours including breaks) along winding mountain roads which offer stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. If you suffer from motion sickness you are advised to bring your usual anti-nausea medication with you. Regular stops are taken.

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.

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.

During the trek you will sleep in tents (two to a tent), or if the weather is good you can sleep outside under the stars; highly recommended! Foam sleeping mats are provided but you will need to bring a sleeping bag. We have provided additional lighting at the campsite to aid those who are visually impaired.

Toilet facilities consist of a small toilet ‘tent’ covering a compostable toilet. There are no showers or bathing facilities in the desert so you must bring a pack of baby wipes.

During the trek meals are cooked by a chef who will prepare Moroccan dishes. Breakfast and lunch will be eaten alfresco, and evening meals will be in a mess tent at camp. Plates, mugs, cutlery and other equipment are provided. While staying in Marrakech (and Ouarzazate if applicable) meals will be at the hotel, the project or at local restaurants.

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.