Day 1 - 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: Hotel

Day 2 - Ouarzazate to Mharech Dunes

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

Approx. 6 hrs drive; then 9km/2 hrs trekking

Day 3 - Mharech Dunes, Rhris riverbed to Mharech Gorge

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

Approx. 30km/7-8 hrs

Day 4 - Climb Jebel El Mrakib to Tafrouat camp

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

Approx. 23km/6-7 hrs

Day 5 - Tafrouat camp to Bouzaine camp

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

Approx. 24km/6-7 hrs

Day 6 - Bouzaine Dunes to Announ Baadi

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

Approx. 16km/6-7 hrs

Day 7 - Return to Ouarzazate

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: Hotel

Approx. 6-7 hrs drive including stop for lunch

Day 8 - 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)

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.

B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner