2025
2026

No departures found for 2024

Sat 02 Mar - Sat 09 Mar 2024

In aid of Spread a Smile

Spread a Smile

OVERVIEW

What to expect

ITINERARY

What you will do

COSTS

Ways to pay

ESSENTIAL INFO

All you need to know

Your challenge day by day

Day 1, Sat 02 Mar 2024

International departure from London

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

Accommodation: 4 star Hotel in Ouarzazate

1

Day 2, Sun 03 Mar 2024

Ouarzazate to Mharech Dunes (approx. 6 hrs drive; then 9km/2 hrs trekking)

The day starts in a 4x4 as you 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, before reaching Mecissi where you'll leave the tarmac road and venture off-road for 25km. After the bumpy journey, you'll appreciate leaving the vehicles behind and hiking into your first desert camp at Mharech. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Camping

2

Day 3, Mon 04 Mar 2024

Mharech Dunes, Rhris riverbed to Mharech Gorge (approx. 30km/7-8 hrs)

A traditional Berber breakfast will provide the much-needed fuel for the toughest day of trekking. Prepare for a true desert experience as you face four hours of undulating sand dunes before descending onto the flat dry bed of the Rhris River for lunch. 
After a well-earned break from the midday sun, you follow the riverbed past nomadic communities to a camp beneath the Mharech Gorge. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Camping

3

Day 4, Tue 05 Mar 2024

Climb Jebel El Mrakib to Tafrouat camp (approx. 23km/6-7 hrs)

Be prepared for another long and challenging day. The route cuts through a dramatic gorge, into two low flat bottomed valleys. 
From here it’s a spectacular climb over the multi-coloured sand covered rock of Jebel El Mrakib. On a clear day, you will experience spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding plains, dunes and mountains. 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. (B,L,D)

NB: Should you suffer from vertigo, on the ascent of Jebel El Mrakib there is some exposure to drops.

Accommodation: Camping

4

Day 5, Wed 06 Mar 2024

Tafrouat camp to Bouzaine camp (approx. 24km/6-7 hrs)

Today covers around 24km, starting from the crisp, broken mud of the dry Rhris River. It’s then back onto the low dunes, tackling a variety of rocky and sandy terrain.
Tonight’s camp lies at the bottom of the Bouzaine dunes, home to some of the biggest dunes in the region and perfect for a photo or two. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Camping

5

Day 6, Thu 07 Mar 2024

Bouzaine Dunes to Announ Baadi (approx. 16km/6-7 hrs)

The final day of challenge follows the path up and over high sand dunes, passing many Acacia and Tamarisk trees along the way. Weaving around the small dunes and onto the plains, the trek aims for the palm groves of the local nomadic villages and into the final camp.
Once the finish line is crossed it’s time to celebrate with the team and guides. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Camping

6

Day 7, Fri 08 Mar 2024

Return to Ouarzazate (approx. 6-7 hrs drive including stop for lunch)

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

Accommodation: 4 star Hotel in Ouarzazate

7

Day 8, Sat 09 Mar 2024

International departure to UK

Expect to feel elated and emotional as you head for the airport for your international flight back to London, arriving later the same day. (B)

8

Important information

B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

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.

Back to top

BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE

ATOL protected

We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6546. Many of the flight-inclusive challenges on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This ATOL protection only covers challenges that include flights booked by Charity Challenge and that originate in the UK. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate

Charity Challenge

Developed by IT Squad. Site design by Huddle Creative

Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Blog
charitychallenge:mercury1:status:ok
Version details
Version: 3.12.0
Build: 226302855a67e5cd6413848f32a6c8a37ac5c530-RR
Time: 2024-11-01 18:58
Session expired

Your session has timed out after 30 minutes of inactivity.

Please click OK to continue.

Share this page

Link to share:

https://www.charitychallenge.com/expedition/itinerary/3882/Sahara-Desert-Trek

Share link via:

Done