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actionchallenge in the Sahara Desert

trip highlights● Walk in the Sahara Desert● Camp on the banks of Oued Mzouaria● The beautiful Drâa valley● See the impressive cliffs of the southern Drâa● Trek Djbel Bani’s rocky plateau● See the wonders of the Saharan night sky● Shop in the Souks of Marrakech

● Activity: Trekking● Location: Sahara Desert, Morocco● Duration: 8 days / 5 days trekking● Difficulty: Moderate● Distance: 78 km● Group size: 15 -25

at a glance

Action Challenge have been leading inspirational team adventures across the world for individuals, private groups,charities and corporate clients since 1999. Our trips enable people to experience the world’s most exhilarating locations,often in aid of charity. At the heart of every challenge is team spirit and fulfilment; together we take on once-in-a-lifetimeadventures, achieve formidable goals and forge friendships for life.

An exhilarating journey across the rolling Saharan sand dunes as we hike from dune to oasis, past towering mountainsand along routes used for centuries by Bedouins and camel caravans. Spending a week trekking in the Sahara desertis a challenge with a difference.

The golden, silky sands of the Sahara rise up in giant dunes, rolling across the horizon. The stunning cliffs of the Draaloom large, the rocky plateau of the Djbel Bani rises up and scrub grows where it can. We trek along dried-out riverbeds,snaking their way through the emptiness of the desert and along ancient irrigation channels, still in use today. Togetherwe experience life in the desert and the excitement of seeing palms and Tamarisk trees shimmer in the distance, leadingus to tranquil oases and our desert camps.

After an exhilarating day of hiking the sun sets, the dunes take on their golden glow, and we gather together around thecamp fire to share delicious Moroccan feasts. Away from the noise and lights of cities, the desert’s peaceful night skyglistens with far-away constellations and shooting stars.

Back in Marrakech we explore the atmospheric souks and the bustling Djemaa el-Fna square before celebrating ourSaharan adventure with a delicious feast and partying into the night!

trekSahara Desert

October to April are considered theoptimum months for completing thischallenge. Temperatures will rangebetween 28 - 38 degrees during the dayand 10 - 15 degrees at night.

This fully-inclusive adventure to the Sahara Desert will begin as soon as you register!You will receive a challenge pack including a training guide, kit list and discounts for allthe essentials you may need. If you are raising money for a charity, we will sort out allthe formalities so you can concentrate on your own preparation and fundraising. Weoffer pre-challenge briefings and training weekends in the UK, where you can meet ourtrek leaders, members of your group and others taking part in challenges around theworld.

On the day of departure you meet your group and Action Challenge leader at the airportin London. Whether you’re joining the challenge on your own or with others, you willinstantly be made to feel welcome. As a team we will board our flight to Marrakech,ready to take on the Sahara Desert and the trekking adventure of a lifetime!

introduction

brief itineraryDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4

Arrive OuarzazateDunes of Rad NkhalAit Ourir dunesTrek to Tel Attin Wells

what’s included

Why not stay on after the challenge andexplore some more of Marrakech’shighlights?

Please email us for more information

Please visit our website for more details

· International flights· Action Challenge trek leader· Full support team, including local guides· UK medic· All accommodation· All meals, except in free time· Treated drinking water· All transfers in local vehicles· National Park entrance fees· Celebration dinner in Marrakech· Training weekends in the Peak District, Snowdonia & Brecon Beacons· Fitness and training guide· Discounts from UK retailers· Reduced rates at Nomad Travel Clinics and Masta Health

+44 (0) 207 609 6695 www.act ionchal lenge.com ask@actionchal lenge.com

We will be walking for over five hours perday at temperatures ranging from 25 to40 degrees Celsius with little respite inthe form of shade. A good level ofendurance will be necessary to deal withthe high temperatures.

Day 5Day 6Day 7Day 8

MzouariaOuled DrissHalf day in MarrakechArrive in London

trekSahara Desert

Breakfasts each morning will be in camp,lunches will be en-route and eveningmeals will be freshly prepared in camp intime for your arrival. In Marrakech, allmeals will be at the hotel or a localrestaurant, except in free time.

All meals are full of carbohydrates, proteinand nutrients to keep us well fuelled forour hikes.

We can cater for all dietary requirementsif informed in advance.

• Three nights in a 2-3* hotel• Four nights camping

All accommodation is on a twin/triple-share, single-sex basis and we will pairyou with someone of a similar age, wherepossible.

If you wish to share a room with someoneyou are travelling with, please specify thison your registration form.

itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrive Ouarzazate

DAY 2 - Dunes of Rad Nkhal

We arrive at night in the city of Ouarzazate – an ancient staging town situated in theheart of the Draa Valley, whose name is derived from the Arabic meaning “the door ofthe desert”. Here we retire to our hotel and prepare ourselves for the challenge ahead.

Meals: D Accom: Hotel

After an early breakfast, we head east to the mountains, crossing narrow passesbetween the snowcapped Atlas Mountains. We drive through the bustling town ofOuarzazate and Zagora, the original starting point for camel trains bound for Timbuktu.We arrive into Ouled Driss where we load our camels and begin our trek to our firstcamp, set amongst the rolling dunes of Rad Nkhal. Tonight we enjoy a traditionalMoroccan dinner by a campfire under huge African skies.

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Distance: 8 km / 3 hours

DAY 3 - Ait Ounir Dunes

We start trekking early, making the most of the morning’s cooler temperature. Togetherwith our guides and camels, we trek past the impressive dunes of the southern Drâavalley and over pristine wind-smoothed dunes. We climb the dunes of Ait Ounir to arrivein tonight’s camp, shaded by the Tamarisk trees, an ideal canopy for dining under!

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Distance: 16 km / 5 - 6 hours

DAY 4 - Tel Attin Wells

After breakfast we head north towards Djbel Bani, trekking over dried out river bedswhich snake through the emptiness of the desert.• After lunch we continue to Erg Smarand the wells of Tel Attin and in it’s tranquil oasis we set up our camp for the night.

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Distance: 16 km / 5 - 6 hours

If you decide that you would like to haveyour own room on the challenge, we canaccommodate this in the majority ofplaces.

Please email us for more information

trekSahara Desert

+44 (0) 207 609 6695 www.act ionchal lenge.com ask@actionchal lenge.com

A kit list will be sent to you on receipt ofregistration. Many everyday items can beused on this challenge, and we offer a kithire service to keep costs down.

DAY 6 - Ouled Driss / Ouarzazate

DAY 7 - Marrakech

Today we have a half day trek back towards the lush palmeraies of Oulad Driss via theErg Lihoudi dunes. We then transfer back to Ouarzazate where we have an early nightto prepare for our time in Marrakech.

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Hotel Trek time: 4 - 5 hours

This morning we transfer to Marrakech and spend half of the day in one of Morocco’smost exciting cities, exploring the famous souks, bustling medina and Djemaa el-Fnasquare. Tonight we mark our achievements with an evening of celebrations!

Meals: B Accom: Hotel

If you are planning on travelling toMarrakech before the challenge or wish toorganise your own flights, we do offer aland only option, with a significantdiscount off the trip price. You will berequired to meet your group at the hotelon day two of the itinerary.

Please email us for more information

• Alcoholic drinks• Drinks and food outside of meals, other

than water• Personal kit / equipment• Airline fuel surcharge / supplement as

applied by airlines.

DAY 8 - Arrive in London

Our desert adventures continue across flat sun-baked desert rock as we head forMzouaria. Here we pause for a relaxing lunch under the shade of the ubiquitousTamarisk trees.•We continue our hike on the impressive rocky plateau known as theDjbel Bani foothills, which form the southern tail of the Anti-Atlas mountains.•Tonight wecamp on the banks of Oued Mzouaria.

Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Trek time: 5 hours

DAY 5 - Mzouaria

This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to London. When we arriveback in London we bid farewell to our newfound friends.

Meals: B,L,D

+44 (0) 207 609 6695 www.act ionchal lenge.com ask@actionchal lenge.com

We run a number of training weekendsthroughout the year in the Peak District,Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. Theseare fully-inclusive - 2 night’saccommodation and all meals. We alsoorganise training days in London and theNorth and South downs. On both, you willget the chance to meet our mountainleaders and test out your kit and fitness!

trekSahara Desert

payment optionsATOL is a scheme that protects you fromlosing money or being stranded abroad ifyour travel company collapses. ActionChallenge is 100% ATOL bonded, whichprovides you with full financial protection.On receipt of your registration fee, you willreceive an ATOL certificate explainingyour protection.

@actionchallenge

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Action Challenge UK Ltd1 Gunnery TerraceLondonSE18 6SW

To book on to this challenge, please visitour website; www.actionchallenge.comfor a full list of prices and all availabledates.

+44 (0) 207 609 6695 www.act ionchal lenge.com ask@actionchal lenge.com

If you are a charity, business, school orprivate group with a minimum of 10people and fancy your own bespoke trip,please call us on +44(0 )207 609 6695or you can send us an email toask@actionchal lenge.comfor more information.

trekSahara Desert

First pay a REGISTRATION DEPOSIT. This secures your place, and is non-refundable if you cancel. You will be able to pay this upon completion of yourregistration form.

Once you have registered, there are 3 FUNDING OPTIONS for the balance ofthe trip cost:

Self Funded: You pay the registration deposit, then the full finalbalanceCharity Minimum Sponsorship: You pay the registration deposit,

andfundraise double the final balanceCharity Mixed Funding: A bit of both. You pay 50% of the trip cost

(including theregistration deposit), and fundraise to cover the other 50%

If you choose the self-funded or mixed-funded, you will have a final balance paymentdue. You can either:

Pay in full no later than 10 weeks before departure date; OrSet up a standing order to pay instalments, full balance due no later

than 10 weeksbefore departure

Please note:all options on our 'flights included' packages, you will also be invoiced

for any airline fuel surcharges 12 weeks before departure. See the Fuel Surcharges

page on www.actionchallenge.com for more information.

S T E P O N E - Registering for your challenge

S T E P T W O - Choosing your funding option

S T E P T H R E E - Paying your final balance