Morocco Solar Eclipse Trek
69 - 74km
Approx. distance
Challenging (1)
Challenge Grading
8 days
Challenge Duration
morocco
Challenge Location
Challenge Highlights
Watch the solar eclipse with fantastic views over the mountains towards the Mediterranean and Gibraltar
Trek through the valleys and villages of the Rif Mountains
Spend a night in the blue washed town of Chefchaouen
Spend time exploring the fantastic port city of Tangier – a historic gateway between Africa & Europe
The Challenge
Join this limited, one of a kind and never to be repeated charity challenge, as we trek the Rif Mountains to witness the solar eclipse in 2027! The Rif Mountains are a stunning mountain range in northern Morocco, known for their rugged beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Our challenge will be to trek approximately 70km over 5 days, with the highlight being to watch the Solar Eclipse from the summit of Jebel Lakraan standing at 2,159m.
Witnessing the eclipse whilst having the Rif Mountains as our backdrop will be once in a lifetime experience. With local Berbers guiding and by our side, we’ll treasure and create memories never to be forgotten. Our challenge will end with some free time in Tangier to explore the Souks, the Kasbah and the Socco areas.
Challenge Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart UK
Depart the UK for Tangier, upon arrival meet our guiding team and set off for Chefchaouen in the mountains. The blue washed town of Chefchaouen is photogenic, with blue alleyways, views across the mountains and a busy central square. We will then get dinner and spend the night in our Hotel.
Day 2 - Chefchaouen to Akchour - God’s Bridge
Transfer by minibus to the National park of Talassemtane and the village of Akchour. Our challenge begins by following the river to the Rock arch of God’s Bridge and onwards to the Petit Cascades. Walk through the forests and the open hillsides of the Rif Mountains before we overnight in a simple lodge / camp ground.
Trekking distance – approx. 12 – 15km/5 hrs
Day 3 - Akchour to Azilane Village
We start by climbing gradually through oak forests before having a picnic overlooking the mountains of the Rif. In the afternoon we follow shepherd trains and trek along limestone ridges where it is possible to find fossils, before descending to the Village of Azilane and our camp ground for the night.
Trekking distance – approx. 16km/6 hrs
Day 4 - Azilane to Jebel Lakraa Summit to Talassemtane Plateau
The day of the Solar Eclipse! Starting early, we climb to the peak of Jebel Lakraa with fantastic views over the mountains towards the Mediterranean and Gibraltar. We get there in time for the Solar Eclipse at about 9.45am and watch the impressive spectacle, (glasses are provided). Our trekking day finishes by descending to the Talassemtane plateau and our camp for the night.
Trekking distance – approx. 14 – 16km/ 7 hrs
Day 5 - Talassemtane to El Kelaa Village
Today our trek visits remote valleys and various villages with their terraced fields on the foothills of the mountains. We continue trekking through valleys until we reach the village of El Kelaa, surrounded by apple trees and almonds.
Trekking distance – approx. 15km/6 hrs
Day 6 - El Kelaa to Chefchaouen
Our final trekking days sees us trek through pine forests and along a ridge that takes you straight to the town of Chefchaouen. Descending to the town, we check into your hotel and have the afternoon free to explore. We have our celebration dinner tonight.
Trekking distance – approx. 12km/5 hrs
Day 7 - Tangier
Transfer to Tangier through the mountains and descend to the coast. The journey is quite a short one, approx. 1 ½ hours and the rest of the day is free to explore the City. Optional tours could include a guided tour of the Souks and the Kasbah, and the Socco areas. Or you may choose to relax on the beach or take a camel ride along the sand.
Transfer time – approx. 1.5 hrs
Day 8 - Tangier to UK
Transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK.
Challenge Inclusions
What's Included
Before Your Challenge
- Your own personalised account hub that houses all your challenge support information to ensure you are fully prepared for your challenge.
- Support documents to aid your preparation including but not limited to further information about your challenge, detailed challenge itinerary, kit lists, training plan/schedule, fundraising advice.
- Discount vouchers with affiliate partners such as Nomad Travel
- A dedicated Customer Care team supports each participant from registration and is always on hand to answer queries.
- Financial Protection.
- Public Liability Insurance.
- Risk Management including but not limited to challenge specific. risk assessments, emergency management plans and medical screening.
On Your Challenge
- Return flights from a London airport to Tangier.
- All transfers per the itinerary including to and from the in-country airport.
- 7 nights accommodation – 3 nights hotel accommodation, twin share with private bathroom, 4 nights camping.
- All meals including celebratory dinner, starting with dinner on day 2 through to breakfast on day 8 with the exception of lunch and dinner on day 7.
- A fantastic in-country ground team made up of support crew, qualified and experienced local English-speaking guide/s (Global Adventure Challenges have been working alongside our in-country ground team for more than 15 years).
- Global Adventure Challenges Leader.
- Comprehensive first aid/medical kits.
- Safe drinking water whilst trekking.
- Tents and other camping equipment, including mattress, pillow and blankets.
- Challenge Medal.
- GAC 24 hour emergency on call team.
What's Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Soft drinks & Alcoholic drinks
- If applicable, visa and associated costs
- Tips and gratuities
- Lunch and dinner on day 7
- Please note that for bespoke challenges, inclusions and exclusions may differ
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m interested... What do I do now?
You can register online below – payment of the registration fee is due at time of booking. All payment options and costs are explained below. Once your registration is received we will get in touch with further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! Your charity will also be in contact to discuss your fundraising.
Is this trip for me?
Absolutely! The trek is suitable for all abilities with the correct training. The minimum age for this trek is 18 years old (if you are aged between 14 – 17 years you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and the desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
This challenge has been graded as challenging (1) on our challenge grading scheme, meaning the trek has been designed to push your boundaries – however it is achievable by most people as long as you fitness train beforehand. You will be trekking for 5 consecutive days so a good cardiovascular fitness is required – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the challenge! We will provide you with a full training guide once you register, this is also available to download via our website.
Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.
What is the challenge grading scheme?
All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).
Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Apart from some broken in trekking boots and some waterproofs you do not need any specialist kit.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No. Participants will only have to carry a day pack (for items such as sunscreen, water, sun hat, camera, etc.). Your main piece of luggage will be transported from accommodation to accommodation in a support vehicle or mules and muleteers.
Food Matters...
All meals will be provided except lunch and dinner on Day 7, as these meals fall in free time. We can cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form.
What support is there on the challenge?
This is a fully supported trek. There will be a strong support team with a Global Adventure Challenges Leader as well as local guides.
Comprehensive First Aid kits will be taken and mobile phones are used to ensure safety and security at all times.
Can I stay in Morocco after the challenge?
Yes you can, but this is subject to us being able to amend your booking from our flights inclusive package to our ground only package. For further information on how our ground only packages work, please visit our guide to ground only challenges.
If you have already registered and would like to request a change to our ground only package, please contact [email protected].
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks – there is no problem with you taking more rest stops should you need them. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group ensuring no one is left alone. Remember this is not a race!
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from your charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.
Request a Call Back
We understand that booking your challenge is a big step, and you may have some questions before you take the plunge! If you'd like to talk to our Customer Care team before you book your space, just click the button below to request a call.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
dates and costs
Payment Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
This option means the challenge balance of your event cost is met through raising a minimum sponsorship for a charity of your choice.
Step 1 – To join the challenge you pay the non-refundable registration fee directly to us and commit to raising the minimum sponsorship shown on the challenge page.
Step 2 – Start fundraising and send your sponsorship money to your chosen charity as you raise it. Your charity will most likely keep a log of monies you are sending in.
Step 3 – 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your charity no later than 12 weeks before departure. If you have raised the required amount, your charity would then be in a position to pay the challenge balance, which is never more than 50% of the minimum sponsorship figure.
Step 4 – The remaining 20% of your minimum sponsorship should be sent to your charity no later than 6 weeks following your return after the challenge. Some charities may request you send this 20% to them before the challenge takes place – your charity will guide you further on this.
Payment Option B - Self-Funding
This option enables you to fund the entire challenge yourself, which means you do not have to commit to raising a set sponsorship. Although no fundraising is required, we do strongly encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can.
Step 1 – You pay the non-refundable registration fee to us, in order to join the challenge.
Step 2 – Prior to your departure, you will receive an invoice to pay the challenge balance as shown on the respective challenge page.
Step 3 – The challenge balance invoice is to be paid no later than 12 weeks before departure.
2027
Registration Fee
£249
Option A – Minimum Sponsorship
£2,400
Option B – Self-Funding
£1,200
When?