Trek Sahara FAQS

When does the trip take place?

The trip takes place 1st- 11th March 2013

 What do I need to do to take part?

Follow the link above to register with a £299 non refundable deposit. You then need to commit to raising £2250 for Have a Heart. This covers all of your trip costs and then makes your minimum contribution to Have a Heart. Of this amount at least 60% benefits the charity directly, with 100% of any additional funds you raise going straight to the projects Have a Heart supports in helping disadvantaged children.

You will need to have raised 80% of the fundraising target by 1st January 2013. This requirement must be met in order to take part in the trek; if you have not reached this target by the deadline you will be unable to take part. In the unlikely event that you do not meet the fundraising deadline, we will endeavor to transfer you on to another trip, giving you more time to raise the requisite funds.

What sort of person takes part?

The group will be made up of around 20 people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. We just require you to be over 18 at the time of the trip. Whilst some people take part with a group of friends, the majority will embark on the challenge on their own. This means it’s a great way to meet new people. Because Sahara Desert Trek is an Open Challenge, there will be people taking part from a variety of different charities, giving you an even greater opportunity to make lots of different friends!

Where will we stay?

You will be camping for the duration of the trek. This gives you the most intimate experience of the desert environment, allowing you to sleep under the truly beautiful night sky. At the beginning and end of the trek you will stay in hotels, the cost of which is included in the trip fee.

Do I have to carry my own kit?

You will be accompanied by camels for the duration of the trek. All luggage, food, water and camping equipment will be carried by the camels. Because of this, it is essential that your luggage be carried in either a soft expedition kitbag or soft rucksack.

You should also bring a small daypack with you to carry items that you require during the trek as you will be unable to access your luggage in the day.

Am I fit enough?

Sahara Desert Trek is suitable for people of all levels of trekking experience. However, it is designed to be challenging for people in good health and so will require a pre-trek programme of training. We will provide you with a thorough training guide when you have registered and help you in every stage of your training. Whilst we do expect all participants to train hard for the trek, we do respect everyone’s limits. Sahara Desert Trek is designed to allow everyone to go at their own pace. It is certainly not a race! 

Do I have to meet any medical requirements?

You will need to complete a medical questionnaire and may require a doctor’s note to take part depending on any conditions that you have. You are required to have up to date Tetanus protection and vaccinations against Polio, Hepatitis A and Typhoid may also be recommended by your doctor.

How does Have a Heart benefit?

At least 60% of the £2250 minimum sponsorship target goes directly to s Have a Heart to support our work. If your fundraising exceeds this amount, 100% of surplus will also go straight to the charity.

What if I can’t raise the minimum amount?

The Have a Heart team will always be on hand to help you with your fundraising.  We’ll give you lots of tips, materials and support to help you to reach your target. However, in the unlikely event that you are unable to raise the required amount, you would be unable to take part in the challenge.  The Have a Heart team would then be able to transfer you to another challenge at no further cost to you.

How do I convince people that they’re not sponsoring me to go on holiday?

Sahara Desert Trek would certainly offer you the experience of a lifetime, but it certainly won’t be a holiday! The trek will be physically tough and conditions will not be luxurious! You’ll also have put in lots of work into fundraising and training in the months prior to the trek.

If you would like to cover the trip costs yourself to ensure that 100% of your fundraising goes directly to Have a Heart, this is an option that we can arrange for you.

Many of our trek participants choose to make a contribution to their trip costs or pay them entirely.

What will the weather be like?

Days in the desert are usually clear and sunny, and it can get very hot. Nights are cooler, with the temperature dropping considerably as the sun sets.

In March, temperatures can vary as much as between 8-30c.

What is included?

The trip costs include all accommodation, flights, transfers and camping equipment (except a sleeping bag and sleeping mat which you will need to provide yourself). All meals apart from three special dinners are also included.

Your fee also covers the costs of all Discover Adventure leaders and doctor, as well as the local crew of guides, cooks, cameleers and drivers.

What is not included?

The trip cost does not include personal travel insurance, airline fuel supplement if this applies, three meals as specified, tip for the local crew or international departure tax. You will also have to pay for your own entrance to any optional attractions you choose to visit.

We recommend that you budget approximately £25 for tips for local crew and £40-45 for additional meal costs.

What else do I need?

You will require a valid full ten year passport.  This must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival in Morocco. There are not any visa requirements for UK citizens. Other nationalities should check entry requirements.

Who organizes the trip?

This trip is planned and operated by Discover Adventure LTD, ATOL 5636. Discover Adventure are a trusted operator who we have been working with for many years.

Can I offset my carbon footprint?

You can offset emissions at any time in the lead up to the trip by visiting Climate Care via the Discover Adventure website.