Explore 360

Sahara Desert Trek

  • Where?

    Morocco

  • Altitude

    300m

  • Duration

    10 days

  • Weather

  • Physical

    P2

  • Technical

    T2

  • P2 - This trip is challenging and a good solid fitness level is required. There will be prolonged walking over varied terrain and you should be training to comfortably walk for 6 to 8 hours, over undulating terrain, with a few punchy uphill climbs, carrying a pack up to 6kg in weight.

    Visit our Grading Information page for a full overview.

  • T2 - Consider this a trek, although there may be occasion to use hands for short sections of easy scrambling. No previous climbing or trekking experience is necessary.

    Visit our Grading Information page for a full overview.

  • Overview

  • Date & Prices

  • Pics & Vids

  • Itinerary

  • Kit List

  • FAQs

Overview

The Sahara Desert spans North Africa from Tunisia in the North to the southern border of Niger and from Mauritania in the West to the Sudan in the East. It’s colossal. At 9,200,000 square km, it would cover the whole of China. Mysterious and daunting, trekking in the Sahara is one of the great adventures of our time. Supported by camel, our challenge is to pick our way through the relentless desert with only the shimmering horizon before us.

The sparse beauty of the rolling dunes is captivating. Every day is different, with the dunes changing colour hour by hour. Unexpectedly we find fossils, meet desert dwellers at oases and see camel trains crossing the desert. We follow an ancient Berber route through vast hamada and arid sands on a hunt for the region’s  highest dune – Erg Chegaga, 300m. Along the trail we sleep in traditional Berber tents or under the stars, feast on Moroccan meals, and listen to haunting Berber music around campfires before continuing our trek each morning.

Accompanying you are the Sahara Berbers and a western guide. These “people of the sand” know the route intimately and take care of every detail allowing you to fully experience the magic of this incredible adventure.

Find out more
Sahara Desert Trek Sahara Desert Trek

Date & Prices

For private trips or bespoke itineraries inc. different dates, please contact the 360 office on 0207 1834 360.
A monthly payment plan is possible, please contact the office to chat through the options.

For private trips or bespoke itineraries inc. different dates, please contact the 360 office on 0207 1834 360.
A monthly payment plan is possible, please contact the office to chat through the options.

Departure & Return

Duration

Land Only

Flight included

Start: 10 October 2024
End: 19 October 2024

Land Only:  £1,545
Flight Included: £1,795

10 October 2024

19 October 2024

10 days

£1,545

£1,795

Start: 20 March 2025
End: 29 March 2025

Land Only:  £1,595
Flight Included: £1,845

20 March 2025

29 March 2025

10 days

£1,595

£1,845

Start: 09 October 2025
End: 18 October 2025

Land Only:  £1,595
Flight Included: £1,845

09 October 2025

18 October 2025

10 days

£1,595

£1,845

Please note that if 360 is booking your international flights, a supplement may be applicable to allow for changes

in transportation costs such as fuel.

Please note that if 360 is booking your international flights, a supplement may be applicable to allow for changes

in transportation costs such as fuel.

Included

  • International flights
  • Scheduled Riad / hotel nights, based on twin occupancy
  • All food while in the desert
  • Scheduled group restaurant meals
  • Group trekking and cooking gear
  • Airport transfers to and from hotel
  • Local guides and a 360 guide (depending on group size)
  • Monthly payment plan, on request

Not Included

  • Personal equipment and excess baggage
  • Staff/guide gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature: phone calls, laundry, room service, etc.
  • Unscheduled hotels, meals and alcohol
  • Single supplement, please see FAQ for prices
  • Visas where applicable
  • Airport transfers when not booking on with flights
  • Any additional costs associated with leaving the expedition early including any airline surcharges as a result of changing return airline tickets

Pics & Vids

Itinerary

DAY 1 : Depart UK

Fly from London to Marrakesh and transfer to our overnight hotel.

DAY 2 : Ouarzazate to Camp 1

The bus picks us up after breakfast and takes us south east towards the Algerian border until the road finally runs out on the edge of the dunes. We meet our local team, load up the camels and start walking towards our first camp. We spend our first night out in the desert, sleeping either in our Berber tents or just under the stars.

DAY 3 : Camp 1 to Sidi Naji

After breakfast we boot up and head out across the vast plateau, interspersed with dunes, snaking across dried river beds. After a stop for lunch we reach our night stop at the ancient Maribout (or tomb) of Sidi Naji, sitting poignantly alone in the vast expanse of desert.

DAY 4 : Sidi Naji to the High Dune

We leave Sidi Naji in the morning and have a slightly easier day walking through the sand to the great 80m high Erg Ezzahar, or “The Screaming Dune”. We reach it in time for lunch, then that afternoon we climb to the top to watch the sun set over the golden sands.

DAY 5 : Trek to Erg Sedrate

We start by climbing the dunes to reach a plateau which overlooks the Drâa Valley, walking amid the tamarisk and acacia trees before we reach our lunch spot at the ancient nomadic settlement of Essemar. After lunch we continue to Erg Sedrate where we will find our camp prepared for us amongst the dunes.

DAY 6 : Erg Sedrate to Erg Chegaga

We continue through the sand, through undulating dunes and over wind-carved ridges. We stop for lunch on one of these ridges before proceeding to Erg Chegaga. It is the highest dune in the southern desert and our ultimate goal on this expedition. The climb through the sand in the heat will be hard but worth every step. We finally reach its summit in time to marvel at another hypnotic sunset.

DAY 7 : Erg Chegaga to nomadic village

After breakfast we descend Erg Chegaga and find the Chegaga River. From a distance it bears the hallmarks of a verdant river valley but on arrival, we find a riverbed devoid of water. The walk along the bed amid the tamarisk and acacia trees provides welcome shade and a wonderful change of scene. We reach our final nightspot on the edge of a small nomadic village where we enjoy our last fantastic dinner in the desert.

DAY 8 : Nomadic village to Foum Zeguide (transfer to Marrakech)

Our final day, we make our way out of the sand on foot and meet our lorry which takes us across the Irikiplateau to Foum Zeguide, where our air-conditioned bus picks us up for the long transfer to our hotel in Marrakech. We’ll be taken to our hotel before heading out for dinner to celebrate our magnificent achievement of crossing deserts and climbing the biggest dunes in Africa.

DAY 9 : Free day in Marrakech

We have the whole day to wander the souks, the Medina and the squares of Marrakech before heading out in the evening for dinner in or around the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square.

DAY 10 : Fly back to UK

Today is free until its time to fly. We will transfer to the airport 3 hours prior to take-off!. Giving you 2 full hours at the airport for check-in and boarding.

These are subject to minor changes depending on flight arrival and departure times, weather, group dynamics and fitness and so on, but the itinerary outlined provides an excellent indication of the trek and what you will experience.

Kit List

Bags & Packs

Kit bag

A 80-120L duffel bag to transport kit. A duffel bag is a strong, soft, weather resistant bag without wheels but with functional straps for carrying. Suitcases and wheeled bags are not suitable

Drybags

Nylon rolltop bags (or even just large plastic bags) that keep fresh clothing and other important items like passports and iPods free of sand and dry in the unlikely event of a total downpour that seeps into your kitbag. Good for quarantining old socks

Daysack

Approx 30 litre capacity. Your day to day pack that you carry with your daily essentials (see FAQ’s later), fitted with shoulder straps and importantly a waist belt

Waterproof rucksack cover

To protect rucksack from rain

Padlocks

For use on your kit bag for the aeroplane

Sleeping Gear

3 Season sleeping bag

You should get a sleeping bag rated to -5C and choose a sleeping bag that functions within the comfort rating of this temperature. A silk sleeping bag liner will enhance this rating on the colder nights

Sleeping bag liner

Silk is best for keeping the bag clean and you a little warmer

Headwear

Warm headgear

This can be a warm hat, beanie, balaclava, anything to reduce the heat loss from your head

Wide brimmed hat

Keeps the sun off exposed areas like ears and the nape of the neck

Buff/Scarf

Buff or similar, to protect your mouth and face when the wind whips up the sand

Sunglasses

Worth spending money on good UV filters.  Julbo is our preferred supplier

Ski goggles

A bit of a luxury, but these could prove useful in the event of a dust storm

Sunblock

Buy the highest SPF you can find and lots of it

Lip salve

Sun cream will not work on your lips and they are very susceptible to burn without proper protection

Upper Body

Base layer

This is the layer closest to the skin and its principal function is to draw (wick) moisture and sweat away from the skin. You can also get thermal base layers for use at higher altitudes that provide an additional insulative layer while still drawing sweat during times of high exertion

Quantity: 2

Mid layer

These are typically lightweight microfleeces or similar technology that provide varying degrees of warmth and insulation without being overly bulky or heavy to pack

Light insulated jacket

A lighter jacket such as a Primaloft or lightweight down which can be worn at lower to mid altitudes is a great addition to your kit offering greater flexibility with layering

Hard Shell

These jackets are thin, highly waterproof and windproof and worn over all other items of clothing. You’ll find these made of Gore-Tex or other proprietary waterproof yet breathable technology. Inexpensive hard shells that aren’t breathable will prevent evaporation, making you sweat intensely and are not recommended

Long sleeved T- shirt

Long sleeved cotton T-shirts

Quantity: 2

Lower Body

Trekking trousers

These tend to be polyester so they dry quickly after a shower and weigh little in your pack. Consider perhaps a pair with detachable lower legs as an alternative to shorts

Shorts

If you don’t have zip-off trousers, you will find these useful in town if not in the desert

Shorts

If you don’t have zip-off trousers, you will find these useful in town if not in the desert

Waterproof trousers

Like the jacket, not essential but worthwhile to be on the safe side

Underwear

How many pairs you take is entirely up to you

Feet

Walking boots

3 season walking boots. Well broken in with mid – high ankle support

Gaiters

Light pair to keep the sand out of your boots

Trekking socks

Light socks that won’t make your feet too hot are best. Some people like a clean pair every day, others are happy to change every other day – that’s a personal choice

Spare laces

Just in case

Trainers

Trainers for camp and town, saves stomping around in heavy boots for the entire day

Hydration

Water bottles/bladder

Camelbaks are useful to keep water readily available, potentially in combination with Nalgene bottles

Water purification

Although generally all water is boiled some prefer to double up and add purification tabs as well. Always good to have in your bag

Toiletries

Wash kit

Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant etc. Moisturiser is useful too

Travel towel

Travel towels from the likes of Lifesystems are perfect

Wet wipes

Preferably biodegradable, these are great for washing when modern shower facilities become a thing of the past

Alcohol gel

A must have for good camp hygiene

Ear plugs

For protection against the inevitable snorers!

Insect repellent

For early stages and once back down

Toilet paper

Provided but a spare in your daysack may be useful if you need to hide behind a rock during the day

Nappy sacks or dog poo bags

Only needed to bag your toilet paper if you are caught short in between camps

Medications

Personal first aid kit

Blister patches, plasters, antiseptic, painkillers etc

Personal medication

Keep this in your rucksack

Miscellaneous

Head torch

We recommend Petzl head torches. Bring spare batteries.

Trekking poles

These tend to be a personal preference but help with your stability and can dampen the pressure on the knees coming down hill

Camera

Bring plenty of spare batteries and memory cards

Penknife (optional)

Sewing kit (optional)

Documentation

Passport

Don’t forget this! Your passport should have at least 6 months validity.  With your passport expiry date at least six months after the final day of travel.

Copy of passport

Just in case

Dental check up

We recommend you have a dental check-up before your trip. This is not a requirement and is more for your own peace of mind that there are no underlying problems that you may not have been aware of that may flare up whilst you are away.

Money

We recommend you take around $250 with you in small denominations. This will allow for tip money plus any extras such as satellite phone calls and emergency funds. Small denominations are recommended as it may be difficult to obtain change and it will be easier to divide tip money

Travel insurance

Copy of own travel insurance details.  And relevant contact numbers.

We have a partnership with True Traveller and would recommend that you contact them when looking for travel insurance for your trip with 360. However, it is vital that you ensure that the insurance cover they offer is suitable for you, taking your personal circumstances (items to be insured, cancellation cover, medical history) into account. Many other insurance providers are available and we do recommend that you shop around to get the best cover for you on the expedition you are undertaking.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip.  To include medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip.

FAQs

Food and Water

What is the food like on the trek?

All meals are of the highest possible standards and you’ll be amazed at the spread on offer. In fact considering that our cooks have to produce the meals they produce are nothing short of miracle. The meals are always fresh, nutritious and varied. We ensure that dietary preferences are always met and that the best local ingredients are used.

The underlying aim is to provide balanced nutritional meals packed with carbohydrates to refuel hungry bodies and to replenish stores for the next day of activity. On top of well-balanced meals you are provided with coffee, tea and snacks up arrival into camp. Do bring along any of your favorite snacks and goody bags from home if you want. Concentrate on high-energy treats like Jelly Babies to give you that sugar boost on an arduous day, or nuts which balance energy and salt continent in a sweaty environment.

Where does the drinking water come from?

For the first day bottled drinking water will be used. At further camps we will use locally sourced drinking water from wells or springs. These are usually fresh water but we also increase their purity by treating the water with purification tablets and by boiling it. We always ensure that our drinking water is 100% bug free. Be sure to bring your own purification tablets in case you decide to top up directly from wells along the way.

How often is fresh water available for replenishing during the day?

Before leaving camp in the morning you will fill your water bottles or camel bladder. If this runs low you will have ample more water to replace it with. For most walking days water can be replenished at the lunchtime site.

Accommodation

What will the accommodation be like?

Riads or hotels will be used at the beginning and end of the trek in Ouarzazate and Marrakech. You will be assigned to share with a room-buddy unless travelling with friends or a partner. Single supplements are available at an additional cost.

In the desert you will be sleeping in traditional Bedouin tents. These are large tents that sleep up to 10 people and have mat floor covering. Some people prefer to sleep on the dunes under the stars; while a little chilly, sand storms and the occasional scorpion may disturb what should be an idyllic night’s sleep. If a sandstorm does blow up, just come under cover.

How much is a single supplement?

A single supplement is £90 and covers 1 night in Ouarzazate and 2 nights in Marrakech.

Will the camp be set up or will we be staying at fixed camps at set sites on the way?

Our local camp crew will set up the Bedouin tents for you each night. We send them ahead to secure the best site and to get everything prepared before we arrive.

Will the toileting facilities will be “Au naturel”, or pit latrines?

The local guides will dig very deep long drops and put thrones on top of them, surrounding each one with a commodious tent. At the end of the day the long drop is filled in very thoroughly to send everything back to nature. It’s not nearly as bad as it sounds!

Out in the desert, well, you’re on your own on that one.

Health and Safety

What happens if there is a problem on the desert?

All our guides are in communication with each other by satellite phone and radio. Our local crew are all experienced in dealing with problems that may arise. Our guides are qualified to the highest standard of wilderness first aid and can handle emergencies with the highest level of competency. During the day camels will be available to carry people suffering from minor problems such as blisters.

We have a four wheel drive vehicle that supports us by carrying the equipment and we are in constant communication with it should more serious problems arise.

You advocate taking a small first aid kit, what should it contain?

We advocate a little bit of self-help on the trek. If you have a blister developing for instance then please stop, take off your boot and treat it before it becomes a problem.

Your own first aid kit should contain: a basic blister kit, rehydration sachets, plasters, high factor sun-protection, your own personal medication (sometimes the camels might get to camp after you and if it is carrying your medication you may not be able to take it according to the regime you are used to), basic pain relief (aspirin and Ibuprofen), a personal course of antibiotics if prone to illness. Foot powder in your socks every morning is great for preventing blisters, but keeping sand out of your socks will be the most important thing.

Generally the best approach to take when packing your first aid kit is to include such basic medications as if you would on a family or personal holiday.

Your 360 expedition leader carries a very comprehensive first aid kit which contains a wide range of supplies and medications. He is fully trained to use whatever is needed for any emergency that may arise. We advocate keeping this in mind when packing your own first aid supplies and keeping your own FA kit as compact and light as possible.

Do I need to have a yellow fever certificate?

No, you won’t need this however please check with your local practitioner nurse for the latest general vaccination requirements.

Kit

Is it possible to rent equipment before I go?

It is possible to rent kit in the UK. However, we recommend the use of personal equipment whenever possible if you will be doing many more expeditions. This is so you know your equipment as best as possible and we can’t guarantee the quality of rented equipment. If you think this will be your first and last expedition, then borrow or hire kit.

Should you wish to rent any equipment, please take a look at www.outdoorhire.co.uk and then the 360 kit lists under “Partners Kit Lists”. Sahara is listed.

What clothing should I wear on this trek?

Our guides usually start the walk wearing long, lightweight trekking trousers and T-shirts. Long trousers are recommended to keep the sun off your legs, keep the sand and dirt out and to act as a deterrent to insects and what few stinging plants are out there.

Equally, if you wish to bring short sleeve tops or a short, that’s fine – it can be pretty hot after all, just be careful – keep an eye on sunburn. Gaiters are a great help to keep the sand from dropping into the tops of your boots, which then quickly brings on blisters.

A wide-brimmed sunhat will help stave off sunburn and heat exposure. If you get very hot, you can pour water over it to cool you down as you walk. A very light scarf or Buff is useful to keep the dust from desiccating the back of your throat. We may have time to pick up a Berber scarf on the way from Zagora.

We’re in the desert do I really need water/windproof tops?

Strange as it seems, these are needed on hand at all times, but primarily if windstorms pick up and whip up the sand. Believe it or not, we have in the past even experienced immense rainstorms and flooding, although it is few and far between, so waterproofs should be Gortex material or similar and light. A good hardshell will be just fine.

Are down jackets necessary?

No, that’s a bit over the top. It does get surprisingly chilly at night but a good thick fleece should be fine to keep the cold at bay on a starry night.

What is the best type of footwear to use?

We encounter a huge variety of terrain when trekking the Sahara so it is very important to wear the right footwear. Boots should be sturdy, water and sand proof and offer adequate ankle support. In addition it is highly recommended that your boots are well worn in to prevent the formation of blisters.

A huge range of suitable boots are on the market and further advice as to which brand names are available can be found online or at your local gear store. When in-store try lots of boots on, use the ramps in the shops to test their traction, make sure they are comfortable as you will be almost living in them for days on end and they are very important.

What should I carry inside my daysack?

A daysack is worn at all times during the trek. The content of this is mandatory and should include: a fleece (if we take a break later in the day when it has cooled down or weather changes), lightweight waterproofs (primarily to act as wind protection), sufficient water for the day, snacks, camera equipment, personal medication and a head torch.

How much should my daysack weigh? What size does that equate to?

Your daysack should weigh no more then 3 – 4 kg and a pack of around 30L capacity will more than suffice. This rucksack can be filled to brim with extra stuff when you check in at the airport. It is important that this bag has an adjustable waist belt to transfer the weight of your daily load onto your hips and from here onto your legs so that your strongest muscles do most of the carrying.

Do we need to take our own sleeping bags and mats?

Yes, you will need to bring a warm sleeping bag (two to three season) rated to around -5C comfort (not extreme). Our Bedouin crew will provide you with a sleeping mattress.

Sleeping bags work through the air being armed up by your own body temperature. Once you have warmed the bag up, the down retains the heat and tries to ensure that you sleep at a temperature as close as possible to your own body temperature. To start with in the desert it could be best to wear as little as possible when inside your sleeping bag.

Our leaders will often only wear a set of thermals. It is important for the bag to trap the heat. If this doesn’t work they may add several layers but ensure the sleeping bag around them isn’t too tight.

Can I leave items I won’t need for the desert in storage somewhere?

No, we start and finish the trek in different places so you will need to bring everything with you, but remember that Marrakech is a warm city, so you won’t need much.

What clothing is suitable for when we come back from the trek?

When in Rome do as the Romans. Shorts and t-shirts are fine to wear during the course of the day. Evening wear generally tends to be casual: long trousers and casual shirt are fine for all hotels and restaurants. Moroccans are quite conservative in their dress code and are generally well dressed.

Remember that this is a Muslim country and in religious areas girls should cover their shoulders and legs at the very least, particularly in the Medina and religious sites.

What other gear will I need?

Please do have a good look through the kit list. A few things on it will be more of a luxury than a requirement, but things like waterproofs are mandatory. Though it seems stupid, and hopefully we’ll reach the end of the trek without them leaving our bags, if we have these things, we’re prepared for the worst rather than suffering in it.

What’s the luggage allowance?

Luggage should be kept to the absolute minimum and comes back to your kit list. You should essentially be prepared to spend 5 nights sleeping in Bedouin tents and trekking in a hot sandy environment during the day. Our guides carry just a change of clothing for the evenings, personal medication, toiletries and their sleeping bags with them.

Soft duffel bags are best (around 110L capacity), rucksacks are fine but suitcases are not appropriate, and they must not exceed 15kg in weight. On your outward journey, please wear your hiking boots and we recommend you carry a spare change of clothing (just the basics) in your hand luggage in case your luggage should end up in a different country.

How do I avoid getting sand in my camera and phone?

We’re in the desert, there is dust and sand all around us, even in the air, and the last thing you want is for your camera to jam half way through the trek so you need to take care of it.

For things that will stay in your kit bag most of the time like (hopefully) your blackberry, hermetically sealing food bags will be fine for the duration of the trek and are cheap to buy. For kit that will come out more often like a camera, consider a small waterproof bag from OverBoard (English) or Ortlieb (German). If you go the whole hog and are thinking about buying a Peli Case or similar, remember that while undeniably good these are expensive, as well as heavy and cumbersome depending upon the size.

Prevention is better than cure in many cases: take a soft, small cleaning brush or air blaster to dust off your camera at the end of each day, or should you accidentally drop it in the sand. Remember to take great care when wiping or dusting the lens – blow surface dust off first before polishing it otherwise you’ll end up scratching the lens.

If you’re using an SLR, try to avoid changing lenses out in the open, wait until you get out of airborne dust and sand, and keep the lens cap on whenever you’re not using it.

The Trek

What happens during a typical trekking day?

We will be woken up early each morning at around 6:30 am and given a basic but hearty breakfast. After breakfast we will pack up with the help of the Bedouin and 360 Guide and begin the first trek of the day for about 3 hours. A long and early lunch will be taken to avoid trekking during the hottest part of the day. We set off to walk again for another 3 hours or so and then we establish camp late afternoon for dinner and a well-deserved rest to watch the spectacular sunset.

The Weather

How hot or cold can it get?

The temperature range can vary widely.

March & September’s temperature’s are very similar, with daytime temperatures between 20°C & 40°C and night time temperatures on occasion dropping down to below freezing.

What is the best time of the year to trek the Sahara?

Avoid June, July and August when it is blisteringly hot, we tend to favour  March and mid to late September.

Travel

What if I arrive early or depart late? Is there a single room option on this trip?

If you would like to arrive early before the trek or stay out for a few days then let us know and we can make arrangements for you. There is a single room option when we are city-based, again, contact the office for more details.

When will you let me know my flight times?

360 will send you a flight schedule as soon as we have booked your flights. Final confirmation will be sent to you about three weeks before departure.

What happens if I need to leave the expedition early?

If a trekker needs to leave early arrangements can be made with the assistance our 360 Guide. Additional Costs (transport, hotels flights etc.) will be incurred by you but our guides will be able to assist in every detail of your departure.

Insurance

Do I need travel insurance for the expedition?

You must carry individual travel insurance to take part in the expedition. We cannot take you on the mountain without proof of insurance.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip. To include medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip.

Your insurance details are requested on the booking form, however this can be arranged at a later date. 360 Expeditions will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure.

Entry Into Country

Do I need a visa to get into Morocco?

Yes, although entry visas are issued for most westerners upon arrival.

Training

How can I best train / prepare for this trek?

Obviously the best way to train for any expedition is to recreate the conditions of the climb as closely as possible. This is going to be difficult depending on where you are based geographically and we appreciate people have busy lives with work and family commitments.

Personal fitness is important for this trek, if you are struggling from day one then you will not enjoy the rest of the trip. Physical preparation does not have to be Herculean: concentrate on cardio-vascular exercise during the week by taking short runs when time allows and try to spend at least 2 weekends a month going on long walks (a decent six hours or 12 miles) carrying a rucksack of around 5kg in a reasonably hilly environment. Not sure what 5kg is? Put 5 one litre bottles of water into it.

This kind of regime will not only prepare your body for carrying minor loads but will harden your body against the big days on the trek itself. In addition it will help break in your boots and get you used to your equipment.

Finance

When is the money due for this expedition?

Generally speaking deposits are due upon booking, particularly if we are handling your flight bookings. The full amount should be paid 4 months prior to departure. However having said this our aim is to get you into the desert and we understand that personal financial situations can vary.

Please contact our friendly office crew to discuss a suitable payment plan. We have after all been in your shoes and go by the motto of where there’s a will there’s a way. If you are doing this for charity, your chosen charity will have particular requirements that they will communicate with you.

Money – am I correct in thinking we only need to take Euros or American Dollars with us?

Euros and American dollars are readily recognised and are easily converted to the local currency – Moroccan Dirhams. Upon arrival there will always be a bureau the change at the airport as well as a cash point. Generally these provide a better rate of exchange then your hotel.

For most situations when buying gifts or small goods such as drinks or snacks etc. the use of small denomination Euros or US dollars is not a problem. Getting change for a $20USD bill when buying a $1 USD coke will be a problem. Larger bills are good for tipping your porters at the end of the expedition and a sufficient amount should be carried with you.

Your 360 leader will advise you in the pre-expedition brief as to what is the correct amount to take on the trip with you.

What additional spending money will we need?

The amount of money you will need depends on how many presents you wish to buy or how much you wish to drink when you come away from the desert.

As a basic rule of thumb $200 USD (or Euro equivalent) should be more than adequate for average post expedition spending. Morocco is a relatively cheap place and when indulging in the local custom of haggling, goods can be very good value for money.

Your 360 leader will be happy to point out the relative bargains and suitable prices plus where to get the best value for money. Ultimately cash points are readily available.

Do I need much money on the trek itself?

The only Pret a Manger we’ll find on the trek will be in your imagination or a mirage, there won’t be much to spend money on. We have a night in Ouarzazate on day one (and we arrive there late), then on day two we’ll make a few stops on the way to the start point. There will be the odd snack seller and bazaar who will happily relieve the naive of as much as they can.

Remember to take some USD to tip the crew.

How much do we tip our local crew?

Our local crew work extremely hard to ensure that your expedition runs well. While tipping is not compulsory, it is very much ingrained in the Moroccan culture. Once someone sees the hard work the crew provides and realises the small amount of money they get paid relative to your own income, tipping will seem the least you can do to say thank you. As a guide we suggest around $50 per trekker for the entire local crew to be shared amongst them.

Tipping the 360 Leader is entirely at your discretion, although it is their skill, effort and dedication that can make an expedition a success.

What is your cancellation policy? What is your refund policy?

Please read our terms and conditions carefully before you depart for details on this. 360 Expeditions highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions as we must adhere to a stringent cancellation policy.

Electronics

Do we need a travel adaptor for the plug sockets in the hotel or are they the same as UK?

The voltage is 220v / 50Hz like the UK. Rectangular or round three pin plugs are used.

Is there mobile phone reception in the Sahara?

For the initial few days there is limited mobile phone coverage but this weakens to almost non-existent as you get further from civilisation, bar one or two surprising spots. Your 360 leaders will have a satellite phone that is used in emergency situations.

Will I be able to charge my phone out in the desert?

We will not encounter a single power outlet along the trek. However there are many different types of solar charger available on the market from manufacturers like PowerMonkey and Brunton to name but a few – we shouldn’t be short of sunshine!

General

Will my valuables be safe?

While we will do everything we can to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times. As with travel in any foreign country, you need to look after yourself and your possessions, and this is no different.

Who will I be talking to before departure?

We’re all here to answer any questions you may have, but you will mostly likely be talking to Marni about the trek and Helen about any flight, invoice or financial queries.

If you do have any queries, whether it’s about medical concerns, you’re unsure about certain things on the kit list, or you want to add a few days onto the expedition at the end to relax a bit, we encourage you to get in touch with us and Marni really loves to talk! The better informed you are, the more likely you are to take on your expedition with confidence, and thus reach your objective.

Amazing, life changing experience that’s addictive and would strongly would recommend them to do asap!

Trekstock, Sahara Desert Trek
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