Can you imagine scaling sand dunes, battling scorching temperatures, and sleeping under the stars, all in the name of raising vital funds for Bolton Hospice?

Our 2025 Sahara Trek will give you the opportunity to do just that!

The trek in the Moroccan Sahara gives you an insight into this vast and diverse landscape as well the Berber way of life. You will spend two full days and two half days trekking across ancient dried up river beds, sand dunes and vast sun-baked plains. Camping each night gives you a chance to experience the stunning stars in the night sky and the traditional Berber cuisine cooked by the team is second to none. 

To help answer any questions you might have before signing up, we are hosting an information awareness about the challenge from 6pm on Thursday 11th July. You'll be able to meet supporters who took part in the hospice's 2024 Sahara Trek, as well as members of our Fundraising team. Please click here to register your attendance at the information evening. 

Before you depart, there'll also be the opportunity to hear from your Tour Manager and meet your fellow trekkers at both a welcome evening and a pre-departure meeting. You'll receive a comprehensive trip dossier, kit list, and full itinerary before your trip, and there'll always be someone on hand to answer any questions you might have.

Itinerary for Bolton Hospice’s 2025 Sahara Trek

Day 1 (Wednesday 8 October 2025):

UK to Marrakech
We fly together to Marrakech where we are met by our guide and transfer to our hotel for the night. Depending on flight arrival times we may start the journey to the desert today and stay in Ouarzazate tonight instead (approx. 4-5 hours).
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 (Thursday 9 October 2025):

Marrakech to Sahara
If staying in Marrakech we set off early, crossing the Atlas Mountains and following ancient caravan routes into the arid Sahara desert, stopping for lunch in Ouarzazate on the way (journey time approx. 9 hours including stops.) If starting in Ouarzazate the journey takes approximately 4-5 hours. This afternoon we will arrive in the desert and be welcomed by the rest of the trek team and the camels before commencing our trek into the vast and arid Sahara desert, stopping overnight to camp under the stars of the Sahara.
Approx. trek distance: 5km
Overnight: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Days 3 – 4 (Friday 10 – Saturday 11 October 2025):

Sahara Desert
Our trek continues through the desert as we traverse sand dunes and rocky, lunar landscapes for the next three days. We are aided by our local Berber team comprising of the guides, cook and camel owners (the camels are our porters, carrying our luggage and equipment). Each day you enjoy the varied Saharan landscape and learn about how important it is to respect and comply with the forces of nature in the desert. On average we will cover 15-20km per day but this will vary. As the trek progresses we learn how the nomadic people of the Sahara live: from cooking to sleeping out under the stars and reading the magnificent Saharan night sky.
Approx. trek distance: 15-20km
Overnight: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 (Sunday 12 October 2025):

Sahara to Oulad Driss to Marrakech
This morning it’s the final leg of the trek back to the village where we bid farewell to the trekking team and head back to Marrakech (approx. 9 hours’ drive). Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight and overnight stay at a central hotel.
Approx. trek distance: 5km
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 (Monday 13 October 2025):

Marrakech to UK
Depending on flight times, enjoy some free time to explore the exotic city of Marrakech before your flight back to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast

Optional trip extension

There is also the option to extend your stay after the trek to explore more of Morocco. See Costs + how to pay tab for more details.

N.B. This itinerary may change due to weather, the ability of the group and so on. We do our best to keep to the itinerary but we cannot be held responsible for changes that occur outside of our control. Your guide and tour leader has the final say in the interest of the group.

For more information on the trek and what's included please click see the FAQs below and a detailed overview here.