Sahara Desert Trek and Project Challenge operated by Different Travel. ATOL 6706
The Sahara Desert Trek and Project
19th – 26th October 2013
About Morocco
Morocco has a diverse geography with both Atlantic and Mediterranean
coastlines in addition to a rugged mountainous interior. Although only separated
from Europe by the straits of Gibraltar, Morocco is a world away in terms of
culture and experience. The Sahara desert, an iconic landscape, is an adventure
lover's paradise and Marrakech, the main hub of the country and its busy
capital is a wild mixture of spicy aromas, entertainers, and the cacophony of
merchants in the bustling medina and peaceful mosques.
Berbers
The Berbers are an ethnic group indigenous to Northwest Africa whose culture can be traced back at least 4,000
years. The term Berber does not exist in their language; instead they
refer to themselves as Imazighen. There are thought to be between
14-25 million Berbers most of whom live in Morocco and Algeria.
Before the advent of Islam most Berbers were Christians. Now the
majority are Sunni Muslim and most live in the mountains, which can be
traced back to the days of Arab conquest when the Arabs took control
over the cities, but left the countryside to itself. There is a tendency in
Morocco to regard the Berbers as backward, partly because their
culture is strongest in the less-developed rural areas. Many of the
children in these regions drop out of school because they are taught in
what to them is a foreign language - Arabic. The Berber language is
still not officially recognised.
The Project
You will spend time helping out at a street child project which aims to restore
broken links between children and their families, provide support in the form of
shelter, clothing and food; social reintegration and much more. The project is
based in Marrakesh and there are many activities you could be involved in
during your time helping there such as painting a shelter, decorating, meeting
the children and teaching basic English and so on. Your help will go a long way
to improving the lives of the children and you will leave feeling as if you have
really made a difference.
The Trek
This itinerary takes in a remote section Sahara desert. The scenery is vast and diverse as we trek through
landscapes with vast sand dune fields, rugged stony ground, dried up
river beds, large rocky outcrops and even some wide gushing rivers!
Camping throughout the trek will allow you to get an understanding of
the Berber way of life as you taste some incredible local dishes, listen
to the traditional songs, dance in the Berber way and learn how to
cook bread in the sand! The trek is rated moderately challenging as
the terrain is generally flat but there are some sand dunes to contend
with! The trek is not a race and anyone of a good fitness level can
successfully complete this challenge. In Marrakech you will spend some
time at the project detailed above and also have the opportunity to
spend some free time in the chaotic souk and Djamaa El Fna Square
Marrakech is so famous for.
Sahara Desert Trek and Project Challenge operated by Different Travel. ATOL 6706
Itinerary
Day 1 (19th Oct): London / Marrakech / Ouarzazate
Fly from London to Marrakech. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and commence the
drive across the High Atlas Mountain range for an overnight stop in the village of Ouarzazate
(approx 6hrs drive). (Meals included: Dinner)
Day 2 (20th Oct): Marrakech – Ouarzazate / Oulaid Driss
After an early start, we leave Ouarzazate and continue our drive to Zagora (approx. 4hrs drive)
along ancient caravan routes and into the arid scenery of the Sahara desert. Here we will be
welcomed by the villagers and briefed about some of the local traditions. After lunch, we will
commence the trek into the vast and arid Sahara desert, stopping overnight to camp out under the
stars (weather permitting) either in local bivouacs or a Saharan camp site. (Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Days 3 – 4 (21st – 22nd Oct): Sahara Desert
Our trek continues through the desert as we traverse sand dunes and a rocky, almost lunar
landscape. 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!). Together, at a camel’s
pace we are able to appreciate the Saharan landscape and begin to understand just how
important it is to respect and comply with the forces of nature in the desert. On average we will
cover between 15-20km per day. As the trek progresses we learn how the nomadic people of the
Sahara live: from cooking (for example how to cook bread in the sand) to sleeping out under the
stars and reading the magnificent Saharan night sky. We spend our nights under canvas or out in
the open, under the vast African skies. (Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 5 (23rd Oct): Oulaid Driss / 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. 8 hours drive). A farewell dinner and overnight at a
central hotel. (Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 6-7 (24h -25th Oct): Marrakech
Spend two days helping on a range of tasks at the street child project in Marrakech. This could
include renovating a shelter, painting rooms or other tasks depending on the need at the time.
Day 8 (26th Oct): Marrakech / London
Enjoy some free time to explore the exotic city of Marrakech before your flight back to London.
(Meals included: Breakfast)
N.B. This itinerary may change due to unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our
best to keep to the set itinerary however we cannot be held responsible for changes that might occur outside of our control. In all such
circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest of the health and safety of the group.
Sahara Desert Trek and Project Challenge operated by Different Travel. ATOL 6706
Before You Go: A - Z of information on Morocco
A is for Arrival. British passport holders do not currently require a visa to enter Morocco.
A is also for Accommodation. You will stay in hotels while in Marrakech and Ouarzazate and you will be
camping during the trek. The accommodation is on a twin-share basis. In the event of there being an odd
number of people, a triple room may be provided.
B is for Begging. Begging can be seen in Morocco particularly in the large cities, such as Marrakech where you
may find people begging for money or food. Quite often these people are young children, mothers with babies
or people who have deformities. We do not recommend giving to beggars or children as it encourages reliance
on tourists. Please speak to your local guide for more information on ways to give appropriately or see
http://www.stuffyourrucksack.com
B is also for Boots. You will need to wear hiking boots so please ensure you have some well in advance of
departure so you can break them in properly. Make sure you try on lots of pairs before you choose some. You
would be recommended to wear your boots on the plane just in case there are any problems/delays with your
luggage. Comfortable boots are one of the most difficult pieces of luggage to replace/hire at short notice.
C is for Camping. For the nights during the trek we will be staying in tents (two persons per tent). There is also the
opportunity to sleep outside if you prefer. A qualified English-speaking guide, camel handlers, cooks and
Different Travel tour leader will be with the group for the duration of the trek. You should bring your own sleeping
bag; tents and sleeping mat are provided. You may, however wish to bring your own additional mat for extra
comfort.
C is also for Clothing. Morocco is still a very traditional nation, clearly reflected in their dress. As visitors, please
pay attention to your own dress as what you wear could offend locals or cause harassment. Legs and shoulders
are considered to be ‘private body parts’ in most parts of Morocco, and men and women should do their utmost
to keep these areas covered. Women are generally covered from wrist to ankle and men are covered elbow to
below the knee. This sort of covering will be accepted in most areas of Morocco and women not covered
sufficiently will often get harassed. In the cities Moroccan women may don short-sleeved tops with knee lengths
skirts, but it is not suggested that you follow this trend since these women often get unwanted attention. Both sexes
should stay away from sleeveless T-shirts, ordinary T-shirts (worn as underwear in Morocco) and shorts. Tight
clothing should also be avoided.
C is also for Clothing on the Trek. Non-cotton technical t-shirts and trousers etc. These non-cotton garments wick
sweat away from your skin. It is very important that you do not wear cotton layers next to your skin. This is
because cotton absorbs sweat and then it cools. Having cold damp fabric against your skin reduces your core
body temperature leaving you vulnerable to hypothermia – which is possible in the desert as nights are cold.
A long sleeved cotton shirt or kaftan is also helpful to keep the sun off your skin. Keeping cool also means
keeping covered up. It does get cold at night so thermals and a fleece are recommended.
C is also for Communications. Morocco’s international dialing code is +212. Hotels can add a hefty surcharge
to their telephone bills; it is best to check before making long international calls. Two mobile GSM 900 networks
cover the north of the country. Internet cafes are widely available in tourist areas.
C is also for Culture Shock: Morocco is geographically not far away from Europe but some commonplace ‘quirks’
can cause shock to the visitor. Haggling in the market place is expected, and prices are often 10 or more times
more expensive than they are worth! See B is for Begging, E is for Etiquette and H is for Haggling. In the market
place you may be approached by people trying to get you to enter their shop to look around. If you are not
interested, a firm ‘no’ should ensure you are left alone.
Sahara Desert Trek and Project Challenge operated by Different Travel. ATOL 6706
D is also for Day pack. Throughout the trek your daypack is your responsibility and you will be carrying your
own – so don’t make it too heavy. We recommend a 20-25 litre pack. It is likely to weigh around up to 6kg when
packed, so please take this equivalent with you during your training trips. You will need to carry essentials with
you as you will not have access to your main pack: personal first aid kit, waterproofs, fleece, sun hat, sunglasses,
sun cream, water bottle, toilet paper, wet wipes, packed lunch, camera. Try on lots of daypacks before you buy
and remember that it must have a hip belt and chest strap.
D is for Dehydration. This is a potential problem caused by diarrhoea or vomiting, or just the exertions of the
day. Day time temperatures can rise to 35C so it is wise to consume at least 2l of bottled water to avoid the risk
of dehydration. You must also bring a good supply of rehydration salts with you. You can buy the small packets
from chemists in different flavours and just add the powder to quantity of water mentioned on the packet. You
can also purchase electrolyte tablets which you add to your purified drinking water to turn it into a sports drink to
help prevent dehydration before it begins. A recommended brand is called Nuun and is available in outdoors
stores and online for around £4 for 12 tablets. See also W is for Water.
D is also for Dietary Requirements. The majority of special diets, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.,
can be catered for. Please ensure that you notify us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking or as
soon as possible.
D is also for Discount. Nomad Travel have kindly offered a 10% discount against any purchase of kit and
equipment online or in-store and 10% discount off vaccinations at their travel clinics. Please see below for a
voucher, of which the code can be used their online booking form or show the voucher at checkout in-store.
D is also for Drink. Mint tea and verbena tea is provided in many restaurants and throughout the trek. Bottled
water is widely available and is very cheap – you will be provided with bottled water on the trek. It is best to
avoid ice in drinks as it is not safe.
E is for Electricity. Two round prong plug sockets are standard in Morocco, so please take an appropriate
European style adaptor. Electricity is 220V-240V.
E is also for Environment. The wonderful environment of the Sahara is also a fragile one. We are extremely
environmentally conscious and aim to minimise our impact as much as possible. We encourage trekkers to travel
responsibly and take care to leave as little impact as possible. We are well motivated towards eco-friendly
practices and carry out all our garbage, apart from that which can be safely and easily disposed of at the
campsite. Our aim is to help protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to
enjoy.
E is for Etiquette. If you have the opportunity to visit a Moroccan’s home please remove your shoes at the door.
Also, it is a good idea to take a gift of some sort. If you are invited to join someone for a meal, you should
always eat with the right hand as the left is supposed to be used for the toilet. Any plans to visit mosques will
usually meet with failure as these are considered to be very holy places that only Muslims are allowed access to.
The main exception is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Traditionally, the men take to the streets and the
women are in control of their homes. This means that you will not often find woman in cafés or restaurants.
E is for Expenses. Porters/guides tips, laundry, drinks, personal spending money, personal equipment, souvenirs.
There are lots of ATMs in Marrakech if you wish to withdraw cash, but be aware that your bank may charge for
overseas withdrawals and transactions and some banks block overseas transactions so inform your bank before
departure.
F is also for First Aid kit. You should have a small first aid kit of essential items which is for your own personal
use. Your tour leader is not allowed to give you medication so you must ensure you have access to your own first
aid kit in your daypack. Suggested items to include: personal prescription medicine, painkillers, plasters/blister
spray, insect repellent (containing 50% DEET), anti-histamine tablets and cream, Imodium (loperamide),
Sahara Desert Trek and Project Challenge operated by Different Travel. ATOL 6706
rehydration sachets, throat lozenges, decongestant, lip balm with SPF, antiseptic cream, scissors, zinc oxide tape
etc.
F is also for Fitness. This tour is classified as moderate and a good general level of fitness is required. You
cannot be too fit for this challenge so everyone should start a programme of body conditioning before departure
including walking, cardiovascular workouts and work to improve both your stamina and your ability to walk up
and down gradients.
F is for Food. Moroccan cuisine has long been considered as one of the most diversified in the world. Typically a
meal begins with a series of hot and cold salads, followed by a tajine (a traditional fish, chicken or lamb stew
with vegetables served in a clay pot). Bread is eaten with every meal. Often a lamb or chicken dish is next,
followed by couscous (made from semolina) topped with meats and vegetables. A cup of sweet mint tea is
commonly used to end the meal.
H is for Haggling. When shopping for gifts in market places where there are no price tags on items it is expected
that you will haggle. The first price is sometimes up to 10 times more than the value of the item, but remember
that you should engage with the vendor to encourage rapport before haggling then only pay what you think is a
good price for the item, not trying to get the price as low as possible.
H is also for Head Torch. This is invaluable for finding your way to the loo at camp, reading in the evenings etc.
The Petzl Tikka headlamp is an example of a very high quality head torch but there are some very good
inexpensive head torches available if you shop around. Please ensure you take an LED torch, as ones with bulbs
are not bright enough, and bring some spare batteries.
H is also for Health. You are advised to seek medical advice at least 8 weeks before travelling to ensure that all
appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For general information on vaccinations, visit
http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk but your GP or travel health professional should be the first stop for an in
depth consultation tailored to your medical history.
Different Travel regrets that we cannot provide medical advice on recommendations on vaccinations you should
have. You MUST see your own GP or travel health professional for a personalised medical assessment. Please
note that failure to be adequately vaccinated and protected against diseases can sometimes invalidate travel
insurance policies as it is considered that you have not taken necessary precautions. If your GP does not specialise
in travel vaccinations, please contact the Nomad Travel Health Clinic. Different Travel and Nomad have teamed
up to offer you a 10% discount on kit and vaccinations (discount code given on booking).
H is also for Hygiene. You are advised to bring a large pack of baby wipes as it is not possible to wash during
the trek as there will be no running water available in the desert. However, there are some areas where you may
come across a river or other natural water source and time permitting you may be able to have a wash. Please
note that if you do have this opportunity it is vital that you use natural or biodegradable soap/shampoo so as
not to contaminate water which may be used for irrigation or consumption. Lush products are particularly good.
I is for Inclusions.
The price includes: Flights from the UK (including taxes), transfers in Morocco, accommodation on a twin share
basis in 3 star hotel in Marrakech, tents on trek, bottled water on trek, all meals per itinerary, expert Englishspeaking local guides, permits, all equipment on trek, camel handlers, project materials, Different Travel tour
escort. Not included: personal expenses, vaccinations, transport to/from UK airports, any visas required,
insurance, tips, drinks, souvenirs etc.
Sahara Desert Trek and Project Challenge operated by Different Travel. ATOL 6706
I is also for Insect Repellent. There are quite a few mosquitoes and you will want to take repellent with you.
DEET is the most effective repellent available. Despite what you would think, the higher the concentration the less
effective DEET is. The Department of Health recommends 50% DEET is the maximum that you should use ON
YOUR SKIN. You can use higher concentrations on clothing but test it first because DEET can melt plastic, stain
clothes and remove dye. Be careful when using any DEET product.
http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/catalog/browse/skin-protection/bugproof-deet-insect-repellent-100ml
I is also for Insulation mat. A good mat to sleep on during the trek is essential. A compressed foam mat is
provided for you, but you are welcome to bring your own mat for extra comfort and warmth.
I is also for Insurance. Different Travel will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. However,
certain risks are involved and should be recognised by participants. Thus, the purchase of short-term travel
insurance for our expeditions, such as a policy from Campbell Irvine, is mandatory. Travel Insurance is a cost
effective way to protect yourself and your equipment in the event of problems due to cancelled trips, delays,
medical problems, baggage loss or damage.
http://www.campbellirvine.com/asp/quotationChooseSTMT.asp?aid=111
L is for Language. Arabic is Morocco's official language, spoken by about three-quarters of the population. The
various Berber dialects are still spoken in rural areas but with less frequency. French is also a common second
language among the urban educated classes. Spanish is spoken as a second language by many residents in
northern cities like Tangier, Tetuan and Larache.
L is also for Luggage. You will need the following 3 luggage items.
1. A small daypack of 25-30 litres capacity which you will carry yourself during the trek. This should have a hip
belt and chest strap for optimal comfort. A ‘freeflow’ or ‘airflow’ pack is a worthwhile consideration.
2. A suitcase/large rucksack to hold your entire luggage (including your empty trek kit bag) for when you check
in on the airline.
3. A holdall for your trek luggage which will be transported by camel.
It would also be worth taking some combination padlocks to secure your luggage.
M is also for Money. The currency of Morocco is the dirham (Dh). At the time of writing there were 13 Dirham to
the Pound. You cannot buy Dirhams in the UK but there are many ATMs in Marrakech you can use to withdraw
cash. If you prefer to exchange cash you are recommended to take Sterling and change it to Dirhams. Euros and
US$ may be accepted for payment although using local currency often means a better bargain at the market!
Don’t change Pounds to another currency and then to Dirhams as you will lose out twice!
N is for Nibbles. High energy snacks, chocolate and sweets are essential during your trek. Dried fruit, nuts –
especially walnuts and almonds, Kendal mint cake, bananas, popcorn, energy bars such as Mulebar, Clif bars,
etc.
P is for Phone. You may get mobile phone signal at some points during the trek and you are likely to have good
reception in Marrakech and Ouarzatate. To charge your phone you can take a solar powered charge such as the
Power Monkey. Better still, switch off your phone and enjoy being out of contact!
P is for Photocopies. Remember to leave a photocopy of all your documents (insurance details, flight numbers,
passport, credit/debit cards etc) with a reliable person in the UK. Should you lose anything you can make a call
to retrieve your information. It is also recommended to scan these documents and email them to yourself too.
P is also for Photography. When taking photographs of the local people, it would be wisest to ask their
permission. Taking a photograph of someone without their permission – especially in rural areas can cause
offence. In contrast, taking photographs of someone you have become friendly with is usually very welcome.
Sahara Desert Trek and Project Challenge operated by Different Travel. ATOL 6706
P is also for Poverty. Although you may not come into contact with many instances of this, there are beggars and
homeless people in Marrakech which can be distressing. It is important not to underestimate the psychological
impact of viewing poverty, and a sense of helplessness and guilt that often comes from it. Some people respond
to such sights by feeling they must do everything they can to help everyone they can. The risk with this is that it
leads to disappointment and disillusionment as no one person can do everything. The secret here is to recognise
the signs (raised levels of stress, feeling emotional, guilty, frustrated and angry), and to set realistic goals about
what you can and cannot do. We also recommend that you avoid acting on impulse – especially when it comes to
giving away money. People may seem genuine, but very many people still regard tourists as ‘cash cows’ and act
dishonestly and unethically. Do check with your guides before giving money. The general advice is (i) question
everything you are told, (ii) don’t be afraid to say no, and (iii) check it out with your guides.
R is for Reading. Some good reading material to learn more about Morocco includes:
Lonely Planet Morocco (August 2011); ISBN: 978-1741795981; £16.99
Marrakesh Encounter: Encounter Guide, (September 2011); ISBN: 978-1741793161, £7.99.
Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook (January 2008); ISBN: 978-1740591874, £4.99.
R is also for Religion. Islam is the established state religion of Morocco. Almost the entire population is Sunni
Muslim. The monarch is the supreme Muslim authority in the country. About 1 percent of the population is Christian,
and less than 0.2 percent is Jewish.
S is for Safety. Incidences of petty theft such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching do occur in the larger cities
and tourist areas so common sense precautions apply (no flashy jewellery, keep wallets out of sight, don’t leave
bags unattended etc). In rural Morocco such instances are almost unknown.
S is also for Sleeping bag. You should bring a good-quality sleeping bag which has a comfort rating of 0C – 2C.
You don’t need to carry it yourself during the trek. Ensure that you are looking at the comfort rating not the
extreme rating as there is a major difference between the two. Extreme rating is the temperature the sleeping
bag will keep you alive, comfort rating is the rating that will keep you comfortable at night. You may wish to
bring an additional sleeping mat for camping for extra warmth and comfort (one is provided).
S is also for Sleeping bag liner. A cotton or silk sleeping bag liner is also highly recommended as it adds an
extra layer of insulation to your sleeping bag but also helps to keep it clean from sweat and dirt. You sweat
around 300ml in a sleeping bag each night and without a liner this will absorb into your sleeping bag and will
get very smelly. It is also handy to have if you get too hot and night and unzip your sleeping bag but want to be
covered by something.
S is also for Socks. It is important that the socks you choose are of good quality, non-cotton and will not slip down
or sag in your boots which is one of the main causes of blisters. During your trek you will be wearing your
breathable, waterproof boots and so you should wear socks to compliment these. Cotton socks absorb sweat and
hinder its evaporation, making them damp and therefore likely to rub against your feet, causing blisters. Socks
containing Coolmax (a brand of polyester), nylon, or Merino wool all have wicking properties. This means that
instead of the fabric absorbing sweat, it pulls it away from the skin for it to evaporate. Socks like these
compliment the breathability of your boots, and your feet will stay cool and you will avoid blisters.
S is also for Souvenirs. Morocco provides splendid opportunities for the shopper especially for spices, tea, cook
wear, carpets, decorative dinner sets, handicrafts in all types of medium, paintings and much more.
S is also for Sunglasses. These are so important! They will protect your eyes from the sun and sand. Make sure
yours aren’t going to fall apart, or bring a spare pair just in case.
T is also for Tickets (or e-tickets). These will be sent to you 2 weeks before departure.
Sahara Desert Trek and Project Challenge operated by Different Travel. ATOL 6706
T is also for Tipping. Please do remember to tip the guide, cooks and porters at the end of the trek. Consult with
your tour escort for suggested amounts.
T is also for Toilet. Your toilet tent will be erected over a hole dug into the sand. Please put used toilet paper
into a sealable nappy bag or sanitary disposal bag and put into the main trek bin bag. After you have used the
toilet, please cover your waste with sand to avoid smells and flies for the next person who visits the toilet tent!
Toilets at the hotels will be Western flushing toilets.
T is also for Towel. You won’t need this for the hotel as it is provided, but you may encounter some river crossings
where you can have a bit of a wash on the way. In this event, you will need a towel to dry yourself. A highly
absorbent but lightweight and fast drying trek towel such as
http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/catalog/view/travelproof-luxury-travel-towel-large is recommended.
W is for Water. All water on this trip is undrinkable; this includes the tap water at the hotel. You must not brush
your teeth or rinse your mouth with the tap water, only use bottled or purified water.
You must bring water purification. A highly recommended purification is ‘Biox Aqua Drops’ which contains chlorine
dioxide. This kills 99.9% of all known bacteria plus cysts such as cryptosporidium and giardia and doesn’t leave
water tasting of chemicals. You may also wish to consider powdered fruit juice, as this will make the purified
water taste better.
W is also for Weather. The Moroccan coastal climate is moderate and subtropical, cooled by the Mediterranean
Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The average temperature hovers at around 20°C. In the interior the temperatures are
more extreme - winters can be quite cold and the summers very hot. On the trek, temperatures may reach around
30°C in the daytime, and can drop to around 5°C overnight.
Z is for Zinc Oxide tape. When your boots start to rub against your feet, you can apply zinc oxide tape to the
hot spot to stop a blister developing. Prevention is better than cure!
Sahara Desert Trek and Project Challenge operated by Different Travel. ATOL 6706
Packing List
ESSENTIALS
HYGIENE
OPTIONAL
E-tickets
Passport & copy
Money/ATM card(s)
Books/ pack of cards
Wash bag
Shampoo and conditioner
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Antiperspirant / Deodorant
Camera + spare batteries
Video camera + charger
Spare batteries / chargers
Mobile phone + charger
LED head torch + spare batteries
Shower gel / loofah / Shave kit
MP3 player/iPod
Pen – for immigration forms
Sunglasses (preferably polarized)
Wet wipes and toilet paper
Hand sanitizer
Hiking pole(s)
Sewing kit
Toilet paper
Adaptor (European 2 round pin)
Plastic bags – various sizes
Sun block (high SPF)
Aftersun (e.g. Aloe Vera)
Feminine care products
Small travel towel (optional)
Diary/notepad
EATING AND DRINKING
Energy snacks
SLEEPING
Sleeping bag (comfort 3-7˚C)
Sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk)
FIRST AID KIT
2-litre water bottle (e.g.
CamelBak)
Water purification (optional)
Electrolyte tablets e.g. Nuun
(optional)
CLOTHING
Casual shoes for Marrakech
Trainers/flip flops for camp
Hiking boots
Trek socks & underwear
Non-cotton long sleeved top
Long sleeved loose shirt
Non-cotton t-shirts
Warm fleece or sweater
Lightweight trek trousers
Sun hat with wide brim
Warm hat for night
Gaiters (for the sand)
Casual conservative clothing for
Marrakech
Neck cooling ‘Cobber’ (optional)
Eye mask / Ear plugs
Prescription medicine
Warm pyjamas/thermals
Insect repellent (cont. 50% DEET)
Sleeping mat (optional)
Ibuprofen
Paracetamol
Plasters
Blister plasters e.g. Compeed
Imodium (loperamide)
Rehydration salts e.g. Diorylite
Antiseptic cream (e.g. Savlon)
Anti-histamine cream/tablets
Lip balm with SPF protection
Indigestion remedy (e.g. Gaviscon)
Nail scissors/ Tweezers
Throat lozenges (optional)
Decongestant (optional)
Zinc oxide tape (optional)
Spare glasses/contact lenses
LUGGAGE
Suitcase/rucksack for luggage
Daypack (25-30l)
Holdall (camels will carry this)
Padlocks
This list is not exhaustive; please use this as a guideline only. If there are any questions or queries regarding the
items on this list, please feel free to contact us on [email protected].
Sahara Desert Trek and Project Challenge operated by Different Travel. ATOL 6706