Discover the MDS Trek
MDS TREK
An adventure of total disconnection
and optimal comfort
10 days8 in the desert
70 to 120km
4 stages
Desert formatFull board
Luxury bivouacShowers, massages, bar
A trek to reconnect with yourself, with others… and with the vastness of the desert.
THE CONCEPT
10 days of disconnecting from everyday life to dream, explore, and share. Enjoy 7 nights in the desert (in two-person tents with mattresses), followed by 2 nights in a hotel. During the MDS Trek, you’ll discover some of the desert’s most stunning landscapes across a route of 70 to 120 km, divided into several stages.
While trekking, you’ll only carry a light backpack with a few essentials and your lunch for the day. You can choose stage distances based on how you’re feeling, and back at camp, you’ll unwind with a Berber shower, a massage, and a buffet dinner.
If you’ve already taken part in an MDS event, your desert experience can be invaluable for friends and fellow participants — and you’ll also benefit from special rates. This timed trek, accessible to all, international and mixed, can be experienced solo or in a group.
Rediscover the essence of the MARATHON DES SABLES through the MDS Trek — disconnection, self-transcendence, exploration, and sharing — all within a comfortable and accessible environment.
TREK PHILOSOPHY
More than just a hike
More than just a hike, the MDS Trek is an invitation to experience total disconnection, fully immersed in the heart of the desert. Throughout your adventure, engage your body during the day and stimulate your mind with conferences and workshops focusing on physical and mental well-being in sport. Topics include: “Sport Fasting – Strengths and Weaknesses”, “Glucose and Blood Sugar Management in Daily Life”, “Yoga”, “The Power of Breathwork”.
Open to everyone, this format is perfect for those wanting to discover the desert, meet new people, push physical limits, all while maintaining a good level of comfort. It’s also the perfect opportunity to test yourself before tackling another MDS event.
70 km to 120 km
THE FORMAT
The MDS Trek follows the legendary routes of the MARATHON DES SABLES.
It consists of 4 timed stages. Stage distances vary, allowing you to choose during each stage whether to cover a shorter or longer distance. A total of around 70 to 120km to cover.
During the stages, you will only need to carry your daily ration and water, nothing more, as the rest of the equipment will stay at the bivouac.
Water stations will be available along the route, and you will have a capacity of 1.5 liters of water.
Enjoy this adventure at your own pace, with no time limits. In case of difficulty, if you don't manage to complete a stage, you will be repatriated to the camp and will be able to start the next stages.
The long stage will be marked by the Star Night. Halfway through, you will stop to spend the
night in a nomad camp under the stars. Celebrated with a grand buffet, this timeless moment will allow you to enjoy the desert in an authentic way while resting and recharging. During this stage, you will need to bring your sleeping bag.
stage
01
14 or 24 km
stage
02
12 or 15 km
stage
03
Day 119 or 31 km
stage
03
Day 219 or 26 km
Day ofRest
stage
05
13 or 24 km
Finish line
stage
01
14 or 24 km
stage
02
12 or 15 km
Day 1stage
03
19 or 31 km
Day 2stage
03
19 or 26 km
stage
04
stage
05
13 or 24 km
Finish line
at the heart of the Sahara desert
PROGRAM
OF THE ADVENTURE
designed to be shared
Solo, Couple, Family or Friends
The MDS Trek is designed to be shared, no matter your profile:
- Solo: non-mixed tents organized by nationality — guaranteed connections and new friendships
- Duo or group: tentes doubles, affectation simple
- Family: from age 18 and up — ideal for sharing a unique adventure together
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible to everyone
The route is suitable for any active, healthy individual capable of walking 10 to 25 km per day.
The absence of heavy gear, flexible distances, and self-paced progress make it an event accessible to anyone who trains seriously in advance.
The MDS Trek route is fully marked.
Security teams are present along the entire course and at water stations.
No navigation or orientation skills are required.
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Extended time limits
Choose your distance
Run or walk
Run
Walk
optimal comfort
The Camp
The MDS Trek bivouac offers optimal comfort for a truly unforgettable desert experience.
Accommodation is in double tents equipped with separate mattresses, allowing you to join with friends, family, a partner, or even alone. Solo travelers will be grouped into same-gender, same-nationality tents. All you’ll need to bring is your sleeping bag. The bivouac also features showers (private cabins with bucket showers).
After each stage, you can unwind with a daily massage for faster recovery, enjoy cold drinks at the bar, and share friendly moments in communal spaces.*
*Optional, extra cost.
Food, Autonomy & Medical Support
- Each morning, your stage’s lunch pack is provided.
- Breakfast and buffet dinners are served at the bivouac.
- Water is supplied at each water station.
- The MARATHON DES SABLES medical team is onsite to ensure prevention, care, and safety.
Hotel stay
After leaving the desert, 2 nights in a hotel are included. These extra nights offer precious time for recovery, letting you regain strength and fully savor your experience.
THEY DID IT
TESTIMONIALS
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EVENTS
UPCOMING TREK EVENTS
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty
King Mohammed VI