Heat-up Valentine's Day in Morocco

Escape the bleak February chills this Valentine’s Day and transfer your romantic intentions to the hot, sandy depths of the Sahara during Walks Worldwide’s unique 10-day Sahara Desert Trek crossing the highest and most extensive dunes in Morocco, on foot, by camel and 4x4.

From Ouarzazate, drive through the spectacular rugged Anti-Atlas Mountains to the picturesque town of Zagora and the ‘Route des Kasbahs’, passing the iconic ‘Tombouctou 52 Jours’ sign. Make camp at the foot of Tizi Djinia in the Jebel Bani Mountains and enjoy the first of many delicious camp meals served under the glistening African desert stars, accompanied by the sounds of grumbling camels and braying donkeys.

The trek initially focuses on the rocky desert of Jebel Bani, where craggy escarpments look down over dry wadis in the wide valley bases. Palm trees, pools and wells, nomad families and their tented encampments appear in the most unlikely places, providing relief and entertainment amidst the extensive wilderness. Mountains of sand at Chagaga soon replace stony landscapes, the highest dunes in Morocco, where sunset and sunrise views are sensational.

This is the epitome of desert trekking and if soft sand at times proves too difficult, a ‘desert ship’ (camel) provides perfect transportation. After criss-crossing the Drâa riverbed, civilisation arrives in the shape of M’hamid, Morocco’s last outpost before the border with Algeria. An exciting 4x4 drive through the tamarisk tree-dotted desert leads to the delightful tented auberge of 'Chez Pacha', situated in the palmerie on the banks of the Drâa River.

After six desert nights this really is a paradise, where the water flows relatively freely, vegetables grow and private ‘Bedouin-style’ tents with real beds are a luxurious treat, offering much-needed comfort and a memorable conclusion to an unforgettable Valentine holiday!

The holiday costs from £1,090 p/p including international flights, transfers, tented auberge, camp and hotel accommodation, most meals, full porterage of luggage and expert guiding.

For more information and bookings, log on to Walksworldwide.com.