Join #TeamBrainResearchUK and take on the world’s largest hot desert to help fund life-changing neurological research.
This incredible challenge sees you journey across the flat desert floor, scattered with ancient fossils, before continuing on to the sweeping curves of vast sand dunes shaped by the wind. From the stark beauty of the daytime landscapes to the incredible star-strewn skies at night, the desert reveals both its demands and its rewards. With tough trekking conditions and an ever-changing terrain, the adventure builds to an unforgettable finale: descending one final dune, driving through the High Atlas Mountains, and celebrating your achievement in the souks of Marrakech.
On arrival in Marrakech, you’ll meet your transport and drive over the spectacular High Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate. Pronounced ‘Wazzazat’, this busy town, famous for its film studios, lies on the edge of the desert. — Drive approx. 4 hours
After an early breakfast, you’ll have a detailed briefing and then leave for the five-hour drive to M’Hamid, your starting point. The drive takes you over the low mountains of the Jebel Sarhro and down the ‘Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs’ into the desert. You’ll have a brief stop in Zagora to buy a shamla (native headscarf); you might also want to enjoy a last cold drink before the heat of the desert! On arrival at your start point, you’ll have lunch while the cameleers load up the camels. This late afternoon trek takes you firstly across flat open plain and then into Erg Lihoudi, your first taste of small dunes. You’ll then make camp at the edge of the dunes for the night. — Drive approx. 5 hours; trek approx. 3 hours
The full colour of the landscape erupts as the sun rises. Hot coffee and a good breakfast set you up for a good day’s trek. You’ll break camp, load the camels and head off across Erg Lihoudi, walking across the small dunes and around the larger ones. Amongst the dunes are small tamarisk trees that manage to flourish in this harsh environment. Continuing through the small dunes, you’ll see the Jebel Bani Mountains to the north and dunes to the south. After around four hours, you’ll stop for lunch in the shade of a large tree. During the afternoon you’ll walk out of the dunes and onto a flat rocky plateau where you’ll make camp near Oued Naam, close to a well. — Trek approx. 6 hours
Leaving camp behind you, you’ll walk across flat, open country with the camels not far behind. The surface is firm and stony; tough grass pokes through in places. You’ll skirt to the north of some low dunes, walking on both soft sand and stony plateau, where fossilised sea creatures can be found. The hottest part of the day sees you in the shade having lunch, with time to relax and refill water bottles. In the afternoon you’ll head across beautifully-formed low dunes to an area called Bouguern, where there are several large dunes and clumps of palm trees. The walking is tough and tiring; sand fills your boots, and your feet sink into the small dunes. After an hour you’ll see the large dunes in the distance and head for them. Distance is hard to gauge in the desert and it takes a further two hours to reach the dunes. Your campsite for the night is perched on a bluff overlooking the dunes. — Trek approx. 7 hours
After a good breakfast you’ll head off down a gully onto the desert floor. You’ll spend the morning crossing hamada, or stony flat desert. You’ll then have several short climbs and cross dry and dusty plains. There is very little vegetation around but you’ll find the only tree for miles to have lunch under. When the hottest part of the day has passed, you’ll set off across more hamada until you cross a ridge and have a spectacular view of Chegaga, the largest sand dune of the region. You’ll then camp below the dunes for the night. — Trek approx. 7 hours
Your last big challenge on this trek, reaching the top of Chegaga, is worth it for the incredible views, and the sense of achievement! The day starts with a spectacular dawn raid climb – a 100m height gain for sunrise. To the south are rolling dunes as far as you can see, to the north, hamada and the Jebel Bani. After taking in the view, you’ll have fun descending the dune along one of the narrow ridges. Regrouping at the bottom, you’ll load into Landrovers and drive the last bumpy section across the desert piste to the tarmac road. The exciting journey is great fun if a little bouncy! You’ll then transfer to the bus, and cross the stunning High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, where you’ll check into your hotel. Later that evening, you’ll head out to a restaurant in the heart of the souk, where you’ll celebrate in style! — Trek approx. 2 hours; drive approx. 8 hours
A transfer takes you to the airport, and you fly back to London.
21st – 27th February
10th – 16th October
20th – 26th February
9th – 15th October
Registration Fee: £199
Fundraising Target: £2,300
Raise at least 80% of your fundraising target 10 weeks before departure, with the final 20% within 2 weeks of your adventure finishing.
Registration Fee: £199
Payment Amount: £500
Fundraising Target: £1,300
Pay a contribution to your trip costs to lower your fundraising target. Raise at least 80% of your fundraising target 10 weeks before your challenge begins, with the final 20% within 2 weeks of your adventure finishing.
Registration Fee: £199
Payment Amount: £1,150
Pay the full amount of your trip costs, so all of the funds that you raise go to Brain Research UK, to help those affected by neurological conditions live better, longer.
Payment will be due 8 weeks before your challenge begins
For any questions or queries, please email events@brainresearchuk.org.uk or call us on 020 7404 9982.
