KANTAR Sahara Desert Trek: Trek challenge to Morocco

Your challenge day by day

Day 1, Sat 27 Oct 2012

Day 1: International departure from London

Meet the rest of the team and a Charity Challenge representative at the airport for the long-awaited departure to Morocco. Upon arrival, the group will be transferred to a local hotel for the night.

Day 2, Sun 28 Oct 2012

Day 2: Ouarzazate to M’Harech Dunes (approximately 2 hours trekking)

The day starts in a 4x4 as we head via the Tizi n'Tinifift pass to Achbarou, the ‘Door of the Desert’. From here it’s onwards along the Draa Valley until Tansikht. Enjoy the panoramic views of Saghro – a volcanic massif. It’s a further two hours to Mecissi, before venturing off-road for 25kms. Together we trek into our first desert camp at M’Harech.

Day 3, Mon 29 Oct 2012

Day 3: M’Harech Dunes, Rhris riverbed to O’Hare Gorge (approximately 7 hours)

A traditional Berber breakfast will provide the much-needed fuel for the toughest day of trekking. Prepare for a true desert experience as we face four hours of undulating sand dunes before descending onto the flat dry bed of the Rhris River for lunch. After a break from the midday sun, we follow the riverbed past nomadic communities to a camp beneath the O’Hare Gorge where we overnight.

Day 4, Tue 30 Oct 2012

Day 4: Climb Jebel El Mrakib (approximately 6 hours)

Another challenging day, so be prepared. The route cuts through the dramatic gorge, into two low flat bottomed valleys. From here it’s a spectacular climb over the multi-coloured rock of Jebel El Mrakib. In the afternoon, the beautiful orange dunes are replaced by the open expanse of the plateau, leaving our overnight camp exposed to the desert winds in the Palm groves.

Day 5, Wed 31 Oct 2012

Day 5: Rhris River (approximately 7 hours)

Today we cover around 27kms, starting from the crisp, broken mud of the dry Rhris River. It’s then back onto the low dunes for most of the day, tackling a variety of rocky and sandy terrain. Tonight’s camp lies at the bottom of the Bouzaine dunes, some of the biggest dunes in the region.

Day 6, Thu 01 Nov 2012

Day 6: Bouziane Dunes to Announ Baadi (approximately 6 hours)

The final day of trekking heads straight up and over a dramatic ridge of high dunes, passing many Acacia and Tamarisk trees along the way. Weaving around the small dunes and onto the plains, we are aiming for the palm groves of the local nomadic villages and into the final camp. We’ve crossed the finish line and it’s time to celebrate with the team and guides.

Day 7, Fri 02 Nov 2012

Day 7: Return to Ouarzazate

Rest those weary legs on the 4x4 transfer back to Ouarzazate. The vehicle passes along the Tafilalet Road via Tineghir and the Kasbah trail, for a final night in Morocco.

Day 8, Sat 03 Nov 2012

Day 8: International departure to UK

Expect to feel elated and emotional as we head for the airport for our international flight back to London, arriving later the same day.

Important information

The itinerary is there as a guide and may change due to unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, the strength of the group, and so on. We will do our very best to keep to the set itinerary; however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your expedition leader will have the final say.

Important information about the Marrakech Extension extension

Day 8: Ouarzazate - Marrakech via Aït Ben Haddou which is a 'fortified city', or ksar, along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Overnight in a traditional Riad in the heart of the Medina on BB. Option to eat in at the Riad or outside at one of the many restaurants in the Medina.

Day 9: This morning we take a traditional horse and carriage half day tour of Marrakech, including the Saadian tombs, the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque and the Dar Si Said Museum. The half day tour finishes back at the famous Djemaa el-Fna square where we can lunch and you have the afternoon free to explore the Souks in the medina, watch the snake charmers in the square and buy any last minute souvenirs. Dinner at the Restaurant Fantasia chez Ali. Overnight Riad on BB.

Day 10: Morning free to explore the Medina and then transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Included

2 nights with bed and breakfast in Riad Sophia
Transfer from Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Aït Ben Haddou on 4WLD
A half day city tour of Marrakech with English speaking guide and horse carriage.
Dinner in restaurant Fantasia Chez Ali.
Transfer departure to the airport.

Excluded

Dinner and lunches unless mentioned above
Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
Tips

Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 8 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. All bookings will be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.

The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, We will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex.

*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.

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KANTAR Sahara Desert Trek

Sat 27 Oct - Sat 03 Nov 2012

In association with Kantar in aid of UNICEF UK