Trek of the Sahara 16 - 25 November 2012

As part of the Beaumond House 25th year anniversary celebrations, we asked for 25 intrepid trekkers who would join us on an exceptional experience that will be remembered for a life time. We have 50 participants who are all fundraising for Beaumond House and to share a special memory of a lifetime.

Due to the popularity of the Trek, we have worked with Travel & Trek to offer another chance to support Beaumond House in our anniversary year.

The Trek of the Sahara is a 10 day trip and includes time in the ancient city of Marrakesh, a wonderful drive to and from the desert and a trek of some quality in a very different, unique and challenging environment.

You can download the information pack HERE or please contact us fundraising 01636 610 556 for more information.

See how are February Trekkers are getting on - www.saharatrek.co.uk. The website features blogs and events from our trekkers.

Itinerary

Fri 16th Nov – Travel to London for your direct flight to Marrakesh (3 ½ hrs). The group will be met at the airport and transferred to your traditional Moroccan Riad (hotel) inside the Medina. It is just minutes from the famous Djemaa el Fna square. Your first experience of the square is one of a senses explosion; entertainers performing, a myriad of food stalls all lit up with the smells to accompany them, and the general melee of activity.

Sat 17th Nov – After breakfast, your drive down to the Desert begins. You will drive over High Atlas mountains and down to your overnight stop - Ouarzazate. This is a 5hr journey through some stunning mountain scenery. Ouarzazate is the gateway to the desert and home to many famous films (most notably ‘The Gladiator’). Your hotel is a typically Moroccan Oasis. Enjoy a tagine and a glass of wine before you reach the miles of glorious sand that await you the following day.

Sun 18th Nov – This 5hrs drive takes you through the Draa Valley. After a picnic lunch, you will eventually reach the end of the road, literally! M’Hamid is a Desert town and where you will meet your support team, complete with camels and handlers and your trek begins. The first section is fairly short to introduce you to the terrain and also allow you to set up your tents for the first time.

Mon 19th Nov to 22nd Nov – For the next 4 full days, you will trek further into the desert, experiencing what life there is (and there is more than you think) and the tranquillity that it can bring. Life is simple here. With no ambient light and the desert to absorb all sound, the evenings and nights are just so dark and quiet. It is quite eerie even just to sit on a small dune overlooking the campsite and just look and listen. The stars are so bright and it is very easy to spot the orbiting satellites as they speed across the skies above you.

Once you begin trekking, it will not be long before you wonder how your Guide is navigating; it all looks so similar with no landmarks to speak of. Until that is, you meet Eric. Eric is a 300m high sand dune and you will sit on top of it (eventually!) at least once. Some days are longer and more difficult than others and there is also the accumulative fatigue factor.

Fri 23rd Nov – Your final day of trekking. This will be a short 2hr trek back into towards where your transport will pick you up. You say goodbye to your support crew and head back to Ouarzazate. Once in the hotel, you can relax and have that well earned shower!

Sat 24th Nov – After breakfast, it’s back towards Marrakesh. We get you back as soon as we can which leaves plenty of time to get out into the Medina and experience the multitude of Souks. The bartering and market activity is something special. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal in any one of many restaurants or try your chance by eating on one of the street stalls.

Sun 25th Nov – You may have some time this morning, depending on the flight times.

The trek is free to supporters who raise a minimum amount of sponsorship (deposit required) or an expensed option is available for those that just want to enjoy a trip of a life time with no minimum sponsorship target.