HELI2 APPEAL TOTAL
Raised so far for our Heli2 appeal. Thank you!
of £2.85 million raised so far for the #HELi2 Appeal. Thank you to all of our amazing supporters!
In air
Join us on this long-weekend trek for charity, as we experience the beauty of one of the most breathtaking and largest deserts in the world – The Sahara!
Our charity challenge is to trek for four days through this ever-changing landscape and to climb to the top of the massive Chegaga Dunes, where we will witness the desert sunrise. The days will be hot and the trekking will be tough, but ‘Team GAC’ with our unrivalled support will help all team members conquer this mammoth desert! Vista’s as far as the eye can see combined with the pleasure of having the volcanic Anti-Atlas Mountains as our backdrop – need we say more!
With traditional Berbers as our guides, we’ll experience the delights of Morocco first hand, in addition to being mesmerised by the remoteness and solitude that the Sahara brings. If you want to take part in one of the most fantastic charity events but have limited time to take away from the UK, this most unique trek challenge is for you.
To get started, download a brochure or register your interest.
We depart the UK for our flight to Morocco and upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel in Ouarzazate. South of the High Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate is a town created by the French in 1928 but is now the film centre of Morocco – the base for such films as ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Alexander the Great’. As a relatively new town it does not have a city centre, but has a large Glaoui Kasbah which is well worth visiting. We have an early start in the morning so an early night is recommended!
Following a very early breakfast, we transfer from our hotel and set off for the desert. Our driving route goes along the Draa Valley – a long, stunning palm filled oasis with rocky mountains and Hamada (rock desert) on each side. After approximately 4 hours drive (discounting photo and tea stops and our lunch at Ouled Driss) we arrive at M’hamid – the gateway of the desert.
We’ll then don our trekking boots before setting off into the dunes for the beginning of our challenge! To get us into the spirit of trekking in the desert we will have a short trek of about 2-3 hours today which will finish at our camp in the Bougharn Dunes.
Trekking distance – approx. 4 – 8km / 2 – 3 hours
Today we set off with our camel trains and begin trekking through the dunes – there is no path to follow as they continually change in the wind. Our camels will find the best way through the dunes and in the event of a sandstorm we can protect ourselves by wearing a Seche (headscarf).
This is part of the traditional costume worn by the nomadic Tuaregs that covers the face, ears and neck and provides protection from the wind-driven sand – they are also ours to keep as souvenirs from our challenge. Towards the end of our trek, we’ll try and find the nomads’ encampment and pay a visit to experience their unique way of life – they are very hospitable people and we may be asked to partake in a strong cup of mint tea or coffee. Tonight’s camp is at the foot of the stunning Chigaga Dunes.
Trekking distance – approx. 14 – 18km / 6 – 7 hours
A very early start today before the sun rises – after waking, we’ll have a very quick snack and then commence our climb up to the top of the Chigaga Dunes (100m). Our climb will be in the dark, but the moon and stars should be enough to light our way. Upon reaching the top, we’ll rest and wait for the sunrise over the Sahara, then watch the colours of the dunes change in the sunlight – a truly breathtaking sight! After watching the sunrise, we descend in the heat of the morning sun back to our camp, where we will have our breakfast. After a short rest, we push on with our desert challenge towards our camp at Erg Arghoual which is around 7 hours away on foot.
Trekking distance – approx. 14 – 18km/7 – 8hrs
Following breakfast at camp, we push on to the end of our trekking challenge – it’s a short walk to our waiting transport at Sidi Ab Nbi. We’ll wave goodbye to our camels and the breathtaking Sahara and then transfer back to our hotel. This evening we will toast our achievements at a celebratory dinner!
Trekking distance – approx. 4km/ 2hrs
We take an early morning transfer back to Marrakech, which gives us the afternoon free to explore before catching an evening flight back to the UK.
Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed.
Option A (Minimum sponsorship): Registration Fee £149 + Min Sponsorship £2140
Option B (Self Funding): Registration Fee £149 + Self Funding £1070
To get started, download a brochure or register your interest.
Between 14 November – 31 December your donations will be doubled, thanks to our generous
match funders, up to the campaigns match funding total value of £123k.