|
Following on from the success of 2007, join us in 2008 on this long-weekend trekking Challenge, as we experience the beauty of one of the most breathtaking deserts in the World – The Sahara! Our Challenge is to trek for three days through this ever-changing landscape, and to climb to the top of the Chigaga Dunes, where we will witness the desert sun-rise. The days will be hot, and the trekking will be tough, but the rewards of conquering this desert and the pleasure of having the High Atlas Mountains as our backdrop will be worth it! This event is perfect for us with little time to take away from the UK – so join us…….
Put your best foot forward for your local Children’s Hospice!
|
|
 Day 1 – Wednesday
We depart the UK for our flight to Quarzazate, changing at Casablanca. Upon arrival, we will be met by our local guides and then transfer to our Hotel.
Quarzazate is a town south of the High Atlas Mountains created by the French in 1928, but is now the film centre of Morocco – the base for such films as “Gladiator” and “Alexander the Great”. As a relatively new town - it does not have a city centre, but has a large Glaoui Kasbah, which is well worth visiting. We have an early start tomorrow so an early night will be needed.
Day 2 – Thursday
Following a very early breakfast, we transfer at 7am from our Hotel and set off into the desert. Our driving route goes along the Draa Valley - a long, stunning palm filled oasis with rocky mountains and Hamada (rock desert) on each side. After approximately 4 hours drive, discounting photo and tea stops, we arrive at M’hamid – the gateway of the desert.
We’ll stop here and have an early lunch, before setting off into the dunes. After a couple of hours, we’ll finish our transfer and don our trekking boots for the beginning of our Challenge! It’s a short trek of about 2-3 hours to get us into the spirit of trekking in the desert. We end our trek at our camp in the Bougharn Dunes.
Day 3 – Friday
Following breakfast at camp, we set off with our camel trains and begin trekking! Our trek today winds its way through the dunes – there is no path to follow as the dunes continually change in the wind.
As the time of day changes, the colour of the dunes change – this is the true, Sahara landscape. Our camels will find the best way through the dunes and in the event of a sandstorm; we’ll protect ourselves by wearing a Seche (headscarf). This is traditional costume worn by the Touregs that cover the face, ear and neck and gives protection from the wind-driven sand – they’re also ours to keep as souvenirs from our Challenge.
Towards the end of our trek, we’ll look for the Nomads encampment and pay a visit to experience their unique way of life – they are very hospitable people and we may be asked to drink a strong cup of mint tea or coffee in the camp. Tonight’s camp is at the foot of the stunning Chigaga dunes.
6 -7 hours trekking
 Day 4 – Saturday
A very early start today before the sun rises – after waking we’ll have a very quick snack, and then commence our climb up to the top of the Chigaga Dunes (100m). Our climb will be in the dark, but the moonlight and starlight should shed a lot of light to lighten our way. Upon reaching the top, we’ll rest and wait for the amazing sun to rise over the Sahara – the sunrise makes the colour of the dunes change so much – this is breathtaking……..
After witnessing the sun-rise in the Sahara, we descend in the heat of the morning sun back to our camp, where we will have our breakfast. After a short rest, we push on with our desert challenge towards our camp at Sidi Ab-dribi, which is about 6 hours away. Our camp tonight is situated next to a marabout or shrine/holy place.
 Day 5 – Sunday
Following breakfast at camp, we push in to end of our trekking Challenge – it’s a very short walk to our waiting transport at Foum Zguid. We’ll wave goodbye to our camels and the breathtaking Sahara, and then transfer back to Quarzazate to our Hotel, where we will celebrate our achievements at our celebratory dinner.
Day 6 – Monday
Following breakfast, we transfer back to Quarzazate Airport for our flight back to the UK.
(Please note, this is a complex itinerary and subject to change) |
