The Route...
The Challenge starts in Marrakech with a transfer over the Atlas Mountains to our hotel in Ouarzazate. We'll enjoy dinner here before getting an early night. Starting early the next morning full of excitement, we'll transfer to the start of our trek near Agdz in the shadows of Mount Kissane - from where we will follow the Draa Valley south. About 52 miles later, with a few up's & downs we'll cross the finish line at the stunning Nakhla Dunes near Zagora on the edge of the imposing Sahara Desert.
Trekking Day 1 - 0-42 km
Leg 1 – Afra to Ait Hammou ~ 11km
Setting off early this morning, the group will leave the river and begin trekking through an incredible lunar landscape before reaching the first rest stop to refuel.
Leg 2 - Ait Hammou to Taakil ~ 11km
Continuing south we re-join the river and skirt along the edge of the date palm plantations, passing through small mud brick villages as we go to our lunch stop.
Leg 3 - Taakil to Timasala ~ 10km
Our next leg takes us through one of the narrowest parts of the Draa Valley as we pass between 1,500m peaks.
Leg 4 - Taakil to Akhellouf ~ 10km
We leave the river again and re-entre the lunar landscape before veering back towards the river and our overnight Bedouin Camp.
Meals included: B, L, D
Trekking Day 2 - 42 - 84 miles
Leg 5 - Akhellouf to Aghallal ~ 13 km
Starting early, we begin our trek by passing through a number of small villages and palm plantations. Here we'll find our next rest stop with snacks and drinks.
Leg 6 – Aghalla to Beni Zoli ~ 10 km
Continuing our trek we veer away from the river, we'll walk through desert landscapes before arriving at the fortress of Beni Zoli for lunch.
Leg 7 - Beni Zoli to Tamjout ~ 10 km
Our route follows a network of irrigation canals through a patchwork of fields growing a profusion of fruit and vegetables.
Leg 8 – Tamjout to Nakhla Dunes ~ 10 km
The last 6 miles of the trek sees us leave the fertile fields and head out into the Nakhla sand dunes. Cross the finish line and celebrate our fantastic achievement with a glass of fizz and a medal. Wetransfer to our hotel in Zagora where we'll have a well-earned meal. It was from Zagora that the 52 day camel caravans to Timbuktu set off from - and a fitting end to our Saharan odyssey.
Map of the route: