| The majestic Sahara Desert consumes | | | | level before embarking on the journey. |
| approximately 3,500,000 square miles of space on | | | | The first day of a Sahara Desert trekking |
| the planet. A majority of this space falls within the | | | | adventure begins with meeting fellow trekkers |
| Morocco borders. Vast arrays of ethnic lifestyles | | | | and tour guide in the vibrant city of Marrakesh. |
| can be found making a home in the Sahara | | | | After introductions and pleasantries are |
| Desert. The most popular ethnic group is the | | | | exchanged, the tour moves on to the High Atlas |
| Arabic Berber groups that include | | | | Mountains for a lunch break. Once lunch has |
| Hassaniva-speaking Moors and African groups of | | | | concluded, the trek will continue on towards the |
| Tubu, Nubians, Zaghawa and Hausa. It is | | | | desert area where the first overnight stay will |
| estimated that 2.5 million people reside within the | | | | occur. More than likely, tour guides will elect to |
| Sahara Desert. In addition to the residents, there | | | | stay in authentic Moroccan riads to give |
| are several cities that can be found inside the | | | | participants a feel for what lies ahead on the trek. |
| Sahara Desert as well. Among the most populated | | | | As the sun rises on day two of the adventure, |
| is Nouakchott which is the capital of Mauritania. | | | | travelers are lead towards the Mhamid region. |
| Insight | | | | Here, camels will be utilized to enter into the |
| The Sahara Desert holds the distinction of being | | | | Sahara Desert. Scenery in this quaint village |
| virtually as large in size as the continental United | | | | features rolling sand dunes with landscaping |
| States. Its historical roots date back over 3 | | | | consisting mostly of open spaces and rock |
| millions years ago and present day measures sand | | | | formations. The sand dunes in Erg Chicgaga will be |
| dunes at least 600 feet in height. Boundaries | | | | crossed on camel as the trek continues under the |
| extend to the Atlantic Ocean on the west, Atlas | | | | beautiful Moroccan starry skies. The day comes |
| Mountains to the north, Red Sea to the east and | | | | to a close as trekkers prepare for a campout in |
| valley of the Niger River to the south. | | | | Bivouac nomadic tents. |
| Borders of the desert create different sections of | | | | On the third day of the trekking adventure, |
| the desert. The area containing a majority of the | | | | travelers cross through the Valley of 1000 |
| mountains and high plateaus lies inside the central | | | | Kasbahs. This legendary region consists primarily |
| portion at Tibesti Mountains and Air Mountains. | | | | of palm tree grooves. It is an incredible area for |
| The moist arid portion of the desert lies inside the | | | | exploration on foot, mule or 4 x 4 vehicles. A |
| Tenere Desert and Libyan Desert areas. Its | | | | notable sight is the Amerhildil house where |
| highest peak can be found in the Tibesti Mountains | | | | Moroccan royalty once resided. The Glaouis family |
| section of northern Chad. This high point | | | | called this place home during their years of rule |
| measures 11,200 feet into the skyline. | | | | over Morocco. The evening will be spent in |
| Already impressive in size, the Sahara Desert | | | | another equally famous Kasbah that is now a |
| continues to grow each year. Reports have | | | | hotel of sorts. |
| measured an average growth of 30 miles to the | | | | The Sahara Desert trekking adventure draws to |
| south each year. As it moves, the Sahara Desert | | | | a close with a return to Marrakesh. Before that |
| crosses over grasslands and dry savanna | | | | occurs, there are still sights and sounds of the |
| territory. Its yearly growth pattern has been | | | | Sahara Desert to enjoy. Make a stop in the quaint |
| attributed to global warming issues. The technical | | | | town of Ait Benhaddou where Hollywood makes |
| term for this occurrence is 'desertification'. The | | | | a stop on occasion as well. Blockbuster hit moves |
| Sahara Desert is not alone in this event. Deserts | | | | such as The Mummy and Gladiator have used the |
| across the globe are continually affected by global | | | | area scenery for movie scene backdrops. |
| warming issues. | | | | Another piece of Hollywood movie glitz and |
| Morocco trekking Adventure | | | | glamour can be found in the village of Ouarzazate. |
| The Sahara Desert provides some of the most | | | | Various movie sets have set up shop here in the |
| picturesque views in Morocco. One of the | | | | time that Atlas Studios relocated its home here. |
| greatest ways to become consumed with the | | | | After an exciting four day trekking adventure |
| views and attributes of the area is through a | | | | through the majestic Sahara Desert, it is time to |
| guided trekking adventure. This adventure will | | | | return home. This is achieved by descending from |
| take travelers off paved roadways and into a | | | | the High Atlas Mountains into Marrakesh. Here |
| 'behind the scenes' look at the Sahara Desert. | | | | weary trekkers can return to their hotels and |
| Travel around Mhamid and through the Erg | | | | riads for a much needed night of rest. The next |
| Chigaga sand dunes. At times the desert trek can | | | | day will more than likely consist of departing the |
| be physically demanding. Therefore it is advisable | | | | Marrakesh airport and heading back home. |
| for all participants to maintain an adequate fitness | | | | |