Sarah’s Sahara Trek itinerary - 6 - 14 November 2010
My Trek for the Children of Morocco took place in the awe-inspiring landscape of the Sahara Desert.
The trekking route is designed to take in as much of the desert’s beautiful and varied scenery as possible, from huge sand dunes to arid, boulder-strewn plains. I will be walking well away from the established travel routes and along a trade route that is still used by the nomadic Berber and Toureg tribesmen, whom we hope to encounter along the way.
Day 1
I will arrive in Ouarzazate where a full Trek briefing will be given by the Expedition Leader.
Day 2
I begin my journey by coach into the Sahara Desert, before continuing in open trucks into the heart of the Sahara. I arrive at Oume Jrana and walk to the camp site. Here I will spend my first night in the desert beyond the glare of civilization and under the stars.
Day 3
My first full day of Treking following the Boukechba dry river valley. I will head towards the reg a typical Saharan feature, a boulder strewn plain, which teems with animals adapted to the arid desert. At dusk as I settle into my camp, many of the animals will emerge taking advantage of the cool night to forage and hunt. (Hopefully NOT in my tent!!!)
Day 4
After breakfast, cooked over an open camp fire, I will follow an ancient Nomadic trade route across a flat plain towards Tafraoute. From here I will head towards my camp near Jbel Zireg. I am hoping that we will meet a caravan of camels or herdsmen tending their goats.
Day 5
The most challenging day of the Trek, by climbing a steep ridge. On reaching the top of Jbel Zireg, the Trek continues along the ridge until I reach a huge sand dune to overcome. I continue over the plain across a dry river bed and enter a valley strewn with rocks and boulders. After clambering over these, I will reach an idyllic oasis setting, where I will camp for the night beside the date palms.
Day 6
The final day of trekking takes me across the Hamada – a bleak rocky plateau, where I might experience one of the famous desert winds!! I will camp in the small dunes of M’Harech where I will watch the Saharan sunset during my last night in the desert.
Day 7
Open trucks will take me back to Ouarzarate towards civilization and a hot shower (I hope!!)
Day 8
I will be briefed on UNICEF’S work in Morocco and have the unique opportunity to meet some of the children helped through UNICEF programmes.
DAY 9
My flight home!
