Sahara Desert Trek

Explore the world’s most famous desert, summit the Chigaga Dunes – the largest dunes in the Sahara Desert – and watch the sunrise over the desert, a once in a lifetime experience

Take on the challenge of a lifetime

Essential Information

Location: Sahara Desert, Morocco
Duration: 6 days — including travel, trekking and celebration
Dates: Multiple options available: 4 – 9 November 2026, 10 – 15 March 2027, 3 – 8 November  
Trekking Distance: Approx. 36–48 km across 4 days of challenge walking
Support: Full in-country support team, local guides, training guidance and fundraising help provided

We’ll help you every step of the way — from preparing physically, to building your fundraising plan and celebrating your achievement at the finish.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure through one of the most iconic landscapes on Earth: the Sahara Desert. Over six unforgettable days, you’ll trek through vast desert terrain, climb golden sand dunes and witness breathtaking sunrises, all while raising vital funds to support Mental Health UK’s work helping people across the country.

Why this challenge?
This is far more than a trek — it’s a powerful opportunity to push your limits, connect with others, and make every step count towards improving mental health support in communities across the UK.

What the Challenge Involves

Across four days of trekking through the ever-changing Sahara landscape you’ll:

  • Explore the world’s largest hot desert: a vast, awe-inspiring environment shaped by shifting sands and dramatic horizons.

  • Summit the towering Chigaga Dunes, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular sunrise views that stay with you forever.

  • Trek with local Berber guides, gaining unique insight into the culture and traditions of life in the Moroccan desert.

  • Camp under the stars, share stories with fellow trekkers, and celebrate your achievements together.

This challenge is graded challenging, but with the right preparation and support from our team, it’s achievable for many people ready to push themselves for a great cause.

Your Impact

By signing up to trek the Sahara with Mental Health UK, you’re not just taking on a physical challenge, you’re helping us:

  • Deliver vital services that provide support, information, and advocacy for people facing mental health challenges.

  • Fund community programmes that reduce isolation and strengthen wellbeing across the UK.

  • Ensure access to life-changing support for people when they need it most.

Your fundraising makes our work possible, and every step you take helps bring hope to someone struggling with their mental health.

The positive impact the group has had on me is huge. I don’t feel so isolated any more. If the support had not been available I would still be facing depression and loneliness, unable to look after myself and over-thinking things.

Amita, Rethink Mental Illness support group member

Raise money and have fun!

Read what some of our fundraisers have to say.

"I enjoyed seeing my fundraising increase on a weekly basis, the events that I organised pushed me out of my comfort zone, I talked to people about Mental Health in a way that I would never have done otherwise."

Louise Greenwood,
Lloyds Banking Group

"I was totally elated when I crossed the line and so glad I’d given it a go!"

Helen Taylor

"Mental Health UK was a friendly partner to have. I received lots of motivational encouragement via email which maybe doesn’t sound like much but knowing people are rooting for you really helps"

Richard Gray

Ready to get signed up?

Register for an event and you'll receive support every step of the way.

Register now

Contact us

If you have questions about any of our events or fundraising please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly events team are happy to help!


What will my money go towards?

The money you raise makes a real impact on people’s lives. here are some of the things we spend event fundraising on.

Support groups

Our support groups can be a lifeline for those experiencing mental health problems.

Advice

Providing practical advice to help people better understand and manage their mental health.

Information

Creating easy-to-understand educational resources about mental health.