Sahara Retreat
The Sahara Retreat is YOUR chance to Switch Off, Unwind, Relax and Recharge! It’s the Adventure of a Lifetime.
it’s time to get off the fast lane
The workshops
You will get plenty of time to savour the sunrises, sunsets and the wonderful sights and sounds of the desert.
All but 4 of the workshops will be led by International Firewalk Master, Stephen Brown. This leaves 4 peer-led workshop slots available and we will be choosing whichever we feel fits best with the programme we have planned. If you have a skill you want to share, you can apply to lead a workshop. Anyone that leads a workshop will be eligible to a reduced rate for the retreat. If you fancy it, pop us an email and let’s see if it will work. You will need to provide us with your CV, details of qualifications and experience and references. What could you add to the mix?
Sahara Retreat 2019
My time in the Sahara was a perfect way to unplug from the busyness of life and work and reconnect with what is important to me
A highlight of the Sahara Retreat was the feeling of being in the desert, detached from the rest of the world with a feeling of “nothing at stake”
A new perspective
In addition to the time in the desert you will get to experience the bustling city of Marrakech. You will be able to explore the souks, eat street food, and barter with the traders.
The drive to the desert takes us over the High Atlas Mountains and here you will experience a much quieter and slower pace.
In the desert, we will be in the company of chefs and guides from the Berber community. Their perspective on life is what many in the west now crave.
sahara Retreat schedule
Thursday 14th March
We will meet in Marrakech for the Sahara Retreat opening dinner and enjoy the buzz of the city while getting to know everyone in the group.
Friday 15th March
Following breakfast you will get the morning and early part of the afternoon to explore the many sights of Marrakech including the Souks, the Square. the Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Majorelle Gardens and the Manara Gardens. We will have the first workshop late afternoon and again in the evening after dinner.
Saturday 16th March
We will begin the journey to Merzouga. Our journey through the Atlas Mountains will be in 4×4’s and/or comfortable buses. There will be plenty of time for sightseeing along the way; stopping off at the best viewpoints, you will begin to get a flavour of the way of life for the people that live and work in the mountains and the desert.
We will reach our hotel early evening and enjoy the luxury and meals that the hotel offers.
Sunday 17th March
Following breakfast and a dip in the pool we will begin our camel trek to our camp in the desert. We will get settled in to the camp and the first desert workshop will be in the afternoon.
Monday 18th March
Morning, afternoon and evening workshops.
Tuesday 19th March
Morning, afternoon and evening workshops.
Wednesday 20th March
We will depart camp early morning in 4×4’s and return to the hotel for breakfast and showers before beginning the journey back to Marrakech. Today’s journey will include the Valley of Roses, Fossils and Dades Valley. We will stay in a hotel in Ouarzazate and have our final workshop by the pool after dinner.
Thursday 21st March
In the morning we will visit the very interesting and entertaining Cinema Museum before travelling back through the Atlas Mountains and to the airport.
sahara Retreat FAQ’s
What are the dates?
The Sahara Retreat starts on Thursday 14th March in Marrakech and ends on Thursday 21st March, also in Marrakech.
Is food included?
All meals are provided from Thursday evening until Thursday lunch excluding lunch on Friday. We will do our best to cater for any special dietary requirements. Get in touch before you book to make sure we can cater for you
You will be responsible for your own drinks bill when we are eating in restaurants and cafes. Expect to pay about £1 for 2 litres of drinking water when we are our camp in the desert.
How do I get to the camp?
Fly into Marrakech and we will look after you from there. When we reach the desert you will have a choice of travelling by camel or on foot for the last section to the camp (1 hour). Transport from Marrakech and back again is included in the cost, your flight is not.
Will I be safe?
Absolutely. The camp is safe and secure (local guides stay with us). When you book and again, when you arrive we will give you information on all matters related to safety and well being (spiders and the sun). We do recommend bringing a personal first aid kit as we are in a remote area and you need to have some responsibility for your health and well being. You MUST have your own travel insurance.
Is there water?
Yes, there is water but there is no running water and there are no showers. Yip! You read that right, you will have to manage for a few days without the luxury of a shower, but sure, we will all be in the same boat (so to speak).
You will need to buy drinking water at the camp which is about £1 for 2 litres.
Are there toilets?
Oh yes! Just outside the camp are cabins and the toilets are in those.
What are the tents like?
The tents have beds and bedding in them. They are basic and comfortable. Tents have beds for 2 – 6 people and if you are travelling with friends we can make sure you have a private tent. The lone travellers will have to share for definite, single occupancy is not an option.
What should I wear?
Again, we will send a list of what to bring when you book. As a heads up, during the day it will get to about 25° but it will be cooler at night. You MUST wear modest clothing (shoulder, belly and thighs must be covered) and then you can add layers in the evening. Good walking shoes or sandals with thick soles, so that you can also walk on stones. A large cotton turban, the Moroccan Shesh (easily bought in Morocco). You also need very good and highly protective sunscreen with a hydrating cream.
How much does it cost?
The Sahara Retreat costs £450 and includes transport from Marrakech and back again, accommodation and meals. If you volunteer to lead a workshop or activity for the group then your place will only cost £400. Refer to workshop section of this page if you are interested in applying to lead a workshop – we will only pick 4 and they will be the 4 that best suit this retreat.
A deposit of £100 will secure your place on the Sahara Retreat and payment plans are available for the remainder.
YOur Guides
Stephen Brown
