February 3, 2020

Mini Sahara Trek Challenge in 5 days Full Board

Written By Mustapha Amedioune

Day 1: Europe-Ouarzazate

Pronounced ‘Wazzazat’, this busy town on the edge of the desert, famous for its film studios, lies just south of the High Atlas Mountains. We transfer the short distance to our hotel. Night hotel.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Tazzerine

After an early breakfast, we load our gear into the waiting vehicles and set off for the desert. Our drive takes us over the low mountains of the beautiful Jebel Sarhro and then east, passing the small town of Nekob en-route to characterful Tazzerine, a small oasis town. On arrival at our start point, we have lunch while the cameleers load up the camels, then set off through beautiful landscapes of palm trees and small sand dunes. We make camp at the edge of the dunes for the night, enjoying the stunning night skies. Night camp.

Drive approx. 3 hours; trek approx. 3 hours

Day 3: Desert Trek

The full colour of the landscape erupts as the sun rises. Hot coffee and a good breakfast set us up for a good day’s trek. We break camp, load the camels and head off along a dry river, passing through small oases and low sand dunes. The views around us are amazing, with the colourful Jebel Sarhro mountains to the north, and the startling greenery of the palmery threading its way back towards Tazzerine. Leaving the river bed behind, we head out into the desert hills, walking through sand dunes. We pass occasional small tamarisk trees that manage to flourish in this harsh environment, providing a little shade. Continuing through the small dunes, we come to our camp in a sheltered spot among the hills. Night camp.

Trek approx. 6-8 hours

Day 4: Camp – Taghbalt- Ouarzazate

After another amazing night under the stars we set off on the last section of the route, continuing through the low hills until we emerge in open desert, with inspiring views of the barren mountains around us. The terrain becomes firmer underfoot as we walk over hamada, or desert floor, until we reach the small, remote town of Taghbalt. We meet our waiting transport and return to Ouarzazate for an evening of celebrations. Night hotel.

Trek approx. 4 hours; drive approx. 3 hours

Day 5:

An early transfer takes us to the airport, and we fly home.