Silence and Rest
A week in the Erg Chebbi dunes to slow down and come home sleeping better
Slowing down in the desert
You wake up without an alarm in a kasbah on the edge of the dunes. At sunrise we do Qi Gong on sand that’s still cold, and in the afternoon you can join a guided siesta, go to the hammam or do nothing at all. Later in the week we move to a small camp, well away from the big ones, where at night all you can see is stars. Near the end there’s a whole day of silence.
We designed it for people who arrive worn out and need to stop properly, or who want to get their sleep back.
Nothing too strenuous
They all have a single level, and anyone who walks every day can do them. Tap any of them to see it.
All the challenges
1. Find your pace · Day 2 · Palm grove and edge of the dunes
About 6 km through the palm grove and along the edge of the dunes, to find your pace.
2. Be still · Day 3 · A dune crest at dawn
Tree posture on a dune crest, at sunrise.
3. The long day · Day 4 · Between oases
About 12 km between oases and palm groves, with a 4x4 for anyone who needs it.
4. The first climb · Day 6 · The highest dune
The highest dune, at sunrise, at your own pace.
5. Time alone · Day 7 · The day of silence
24 hours of silence and a night alone, within sight of the camp. If you’d rather, you can sleep in your tent.
Day by day
Day 1Arriving
Day 2Waking up without an alarm
Day 3At dawn
Day 4Between oases
Day 5To the camp
Day 6The highest dune
Day 7The day of silence
Day 8Heading home
Is it for you?
Who it’s for
One level (2 of 5): for anyone who can walk every day without problems. It suits people who are tired and need a proper break, who want to get their sleep back or who’d like to experience silence.
Who it’s not for
People looking for a sightseeing trip. If you’re on sick leave or having treatment, please only come with your doctor’s or psychologist’s go-ahead.
What the trip includes
Included
- Flights via Casablanca and transfers
- 4 nights in a kasbah with hammam and 3 in a camp
- All meals
- Activities, meetings and entrance fees
- One-to-one session
- Qi Gong teacher and a team with you
- Tips and donations
- Travel assistance insurance: medical expenses, repatriation and rescue
- Eight weeks of preparation and follow-up
Not included
- Getting to the departure airport, which the agency confirms, and home again
- Single room (supplement)
- Camel ride or other optional activities
- Cancellation insurance (optional)
- Drinks outside meals
- Personal expenses
Small groups
There’s one member of our team for every eight travellers. We stick to the programme and only change it for reasons beyond our control. If that ever happens, you’ll hear from us in writing, with another option.
About your phone. We suggest you hand it in on the first night, but you don’t have to. During the day it’s around 17 °C. December nights are cold, and the camp has winter sleeping bags.
The essentials
You’ll get the full list, including clothes and a first-aid kit, once your place is confirmed.
Private groups
We can run it on another date in the season, just for your team. The trip is booked through your own travel agency or a registered agency we suggest, and we run the programme. Write to df@dragonflyhubagency.com and we’ll put together a proposal.
- There’s a six-day version for leadership teams, “Sahara: leadership and silence”, with a private camp.
- Strategy sessions in the quiet of the dunes, from October to April and avoiding Ramadan.
- Dates to suit you, Monday to Saturday.
What people ask us
Is it cold?
Not during the day, when it’s around 17 °C. December nights are cold, so the camp has winter sleeping bags.
Do I have to give up my phone?
No. We suggest handing it in on the first night, but it’s up to you.
Is the night alone compulsory?
No. If you’d rather, you can sleep in your tent.
Do I need a visa?
Not with a UK or EU passport. If you have another nationality, please check. Either way you need a passport that’s valid for more than six months, because an ID card isn’t enough.
The trip will be organised by a registered travel agency, which we’ll name when places open.
Interest list
Shall we let you know?
We’re finalising the dates, price and conditions. Leave us your email and you’ll get them before anyone else, along with how to sign up.
There’s nothing to pay and no commitment. We’ll only write to you about Dragonfly Expeditions, and you can unsubscribe whenever you like. The trip will be organised by a registered travel agency, which we’ll name when places open.