Plans for Sahara Rocks were originally announced in 2019 and within months the trek was sold out. Due to the pandemic, the dates for Sahara Rocks have changed, but there are now additional places available on the trek. So why not book now for the experience of a lifetime?
When is Sahara Rocks? 8th – 14th November 2022
Why should you be part of Sahara Rocks? You’ll experience the beauty of one of the most breathtaking deserts in the world. Love Hope Strength aims to raise £35,000 for cancer care projects in Africa through this epic challenge, so you’ll be helping to save and change livesone step at a time.
What can you expect?
- Music – lots of it, provided by Love Hope Strength co-founder Mike Peters of The Alarm and friends (why not bring your guitar too? ‘Starman’ under the stars, anyone?)
- Camaraderie – the team spirit is what all trek participants say make these adventures so very special
- A four day trek through the ever-changing landscape, with the High Atlas Mountains as your backdrop
- A rewarding climb to the top of the Chigaga Dunes, the highest dunes in the Sahara, where you will witness the desert sun-rise
- Hot days walking alongside your guides, local Bedouins and cool nights, sleeping under the stars
- No putting up tents – the guides and the crew will put your tents up so you can relax after trekking and take in the beautiful scenery
How much will this cost me?
UK participants will pay a registration fee of £175 and you will need to raise a minimum sponsorship of £2,200. For this your flights, accommodation, food and trek guides are all included, as well as a donation to the Love Hope Strength Foundation.
90% of the minimum sponsorship (£1,980) must be received by the charity no later than 26th July 2022. Failure to do so may mean non-participation in the challenge. The balance of the challenge costs will be paid for you by the charity out of the sponsorship raised. All outstanding sponsorship (£220) must be sent to the charity by 25th October 2022.
US participants will pay a registration fee of £175 and you will need to raise a minimum sponsorship of $2,200. For this your accommodation, food and trek guides are all included, as well as a donation to the Love Hope Strength Foundation (flights not included).90% of the minimum sponsorship ($1,980) must be received by the charity no later than 26th July 2022. Failure to do so may mean non-participation in the challenge. The balance of the challenge costs will be paid for you by the charity out of the sponsorship raised.
All outstanding sponsorship ($220) must be sent to the charity by 25th October 2022.
Register your place now at: https://www.globaladventurechallenges.com/challenge/sahara-rocks
This is a 7 day challenge – what will happen during those 7 days?
(NB: details in this itinerary are subject to change).
Day 1: The start of the adventure!
UK (flight included) participants meet at a UK airport and depart on an our overnight flight to Morocco. The USA (flight not included) participants will meet at the airport. Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel in Ouarzazate. South of the High Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate is a town 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 instead, has a large Glaoui Kasbah which is well worth visiting. You’ll have an early start in the morning so there’ll be music and a relatively early night.
Day 2: M’Hamid to Bougharn Dunes
Following a very early breakfast, you will transfer from your hotel and set off for the desert. Your 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 a 4 hour drive (discounting photo and tea stops and your lunch at Ouled Driss), you will arrive at M’hamid – the gateway of the desert. You will then don your trekking boots before setting off into the dunes for the beginning of your challenge! To get you into the spirit of trekking in the desert you will have a short trek of about 2-3 hours today which will finish at your camp in the Bougharn Dunes, where you can expect more music and merriment!
Trekking distance – approx. 4km / 2 – 3 hours
Day 3: Bougharn Dunes to Chigaga Dunes
Today you set off with your camel trains and begin trekking through the dunes – there is no path to follow as they continually change in the wind. Your camels will find the best way through the dunes and in the unlikely event of a sandstorm you can protect yourselves by wearing a Seche (headscarf). This is part of the traditional costume worn by the nomadic Tuaregs that covers the face, ears and neck and provides protection from the wind-driven sand – they are also yours to keep as souvenirs from your challenge. Towards the end of your trek, you will try and find the nomads’ encampment and pay a visit to experience their unique way of life – they are very hospitable people and you may be asked to partake in a strong cup of mint tea or coffee. Tonight’s camp is at the foot of the stunning Chigaga Dunes, and yes, you can expect more music by the campfire.
Trekking distance – approx. 10 – 12km / 6 – 7 hours
Day 4: Chigaga Dunes to Erg Aghoual
A very early start today before the sun rises – after waking, you’ll have a very quick snack and then commence your climb up to the top of the Chigaga Dunes (100m). Your climb will be in the dark, but the moon and stars should be enough to light your way. Upon reaching the top, you’ll rest and wait for the sunrise over the Sahara, then watch the colours of the dunes change in the sunlight – a truly breathtaking sight! After watching the sunrise, you descend in the heat of the morning sun back to our camp, where you will have your breakfast. After a short rest, you push on with your desert challenge towards your camp at Erg Arghoual which is around 7 hours away on foot. Do you want more music? You’ve got it!
Trekking distance – approx. 10 – 12km/ 7 – 8hrs
Day 5: Erg Aghoual to Ouarzatate
Following breakfast at camp, you push on to the end of our trekking challenge – it’s a short walk to your waiting transport at Sidi Ab Nbi. You’ll wave goodbye to your camels and the breathtaking Sahara and then transfer back to your hotel.
This evening you will toast your achievements at a celebratory dinner!
Trekking distance – approx. 4km/ 2hrs
Day 6: Marrakech
You take an early morning transfer back to Marrakech, where we’re planning for you to learn more about how the money you’re raising will make a difference for people affected by cancer in Morocco. The rest of the day will be free so you can explore before one last evening of fun.
Day: 7
UK participants will transfer to the airport for the flight to the UK.
What is included?
- Return flights from London Airport to Morocco with all associated airport taxes and fuel surcharges
- Hotel accommodation on day 1, day 5 and day 6
- Transfers
- Tents and other camping equipment (you must bring your own sleeping bags and sleeping mats)
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner, see exceptions below)
- Camels to transport luggage, food, water and other supplies
- Drinking water for each participant
- Local English-speaking guides
What is not included?
- Lunch day 6 and day 7
- Travel Insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Sleeping bags and sleeping mats
- Visa (if applicable)
- Alcoholic drinks
Sound good? Then register your place here today!
globaladventurechallenges.com/challenge/sahara-rocks
Do you have questions you want answering before you register?
Think you’d like to do it, but not sure if you could raise enough or whether you’re fit enough?
For more information please email [email protected] or call +44 777 916 5404.