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2nd Nov 2026 - 7th Nov 2026
6 days/Morocco /Moderate
This exclusive trek for supporters of St Nicholas Hospice Care offers a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking Moroccan Sahara while immersing yourself in the Berber way of life. Over two full days and two half days, you’ll traverse ancient dried-up riverbeds, rolling sand dunes, and expansive sun-baked plains. Each night, you’ll camp under a spectacular starlit sky (weather permitting) and enjoy delicious, traditional Berber cuisine prepared by the team. This adventure promises an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most stunning desert landscapes.
A moderately challenging trip. The terrain is generally flat with sand dunes representing the biggest variation in gradient; however the temperatures pose a specific challenge with temperatures historically reaching 35°C. You are advised to be of a good fitness level before departure to ensure fast recovery from each day’s exertions.
You will be guided by professional, English-speaking Berber guides who possess extensive knowledge of the region’s culture and hiking routes. The guides are trained in first aid and will provide support throughout your journey. Additionally, a team of support staff, including cooks and camel handlers, will accompany you, along with a tour manager from Different Travel Company.
It’s not just sand! The terrain is a mixture of hard, flat sun-dried plains, dried up ancient river beds, wide sandy dune fields and hard rocky outcrops.
Temperatures during the day can range from 25°C to 35°C, with nighttime temperatures potentially dropping to around 0°C. However, you should be prepared for possible variations beyond our control. The weather will generally be dry, although strong winds may occur. While rain is extremely rare, it is not impossible. Please note that the temperatures and conditions mentioned above are based on historical data, but climate change can affect seasonal patterns, meaning you may experience unusual conditions during the trip. The guides will assess the situation and make decisions to prioritize the enjoyment and safety of the group.
During the trek, meals will be prepared by a chef who will cook traditional Moroccan dishes. Breakfast and lunch will be enjoyed outdoors, while evening meals will be served in a mess tent at camp. Plates, mugs, cutlery, and other necessary equipment will be provided. While in Marrakech (and Ouarzazate, if applicable), meals will be taken at the hotel or local restaurants.
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 (recommended!). You need to bring a sleeping bag but sleeping mats and tents are provided. While in Marrakech (and Ouarzazate, if applicable) you will stay in hotels with en-suite facilities.
Toilet facilities consist of a small toilet ‘tent’ covering a hole in the ground. There are no showers or bathing facilities so you must ensure you bring a pack of baby wipes (ideally biodegradable).
The minimum age is 18. It may be possible to participate if you are 16 or 17 years old but you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit. The ideal candidate would be fit, healthy, determined, open to adventure and adaptable to unexpected changes.
The trek is considered moderately challenging for individuals with a good level of fitness. The terrain includes a mix of flat, sun-baked plains, ancient dried-up riverbeds, expansive sandy dunes, and rugged rocky outcrops. One of the key challenges is the heat, with temperatures historically reaching up to 35°C. It’s important to be in good physical condition before departure to ensure quick recovery each day.
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
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
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
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). Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight and overnight stay at a central hotel.
Approx. trek distance: 5km
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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
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.
Registration fee: £395
and then…
Sponsorship: £2,000
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 St Nicholas Hospice Care. There is a minimum sponsorship amount for each trip that you are required to raise in order to participate.
2-night shared occupancy (twin or triple) extension: £190
*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: £240
*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 + difference in air fare
NB. Optional trip extensions are subject to availability and flight costs.
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