I Am Home

No technical experience is needed, but you should be comfortable walking 3–5 hours a day on sand, stony plateaus and dry riverbeds. If you can walk for a few hours at a steady pace, you'll be able to join us. A camel caravan carries the baggage, so you walk with only a small daypack.

Partly. Much of each walking day is held in noble silence, so we can listen deeply to ourselves and to the desert. Silence is balanced with Dharma sharing, tea meditations, creative expression and evening conversations.

The price covers logistics, food and lodging. The teachings are offered freely, in the tradition of dana. You are invited to make a donation to the teacher at the end of the retreat, in whatever amount feels right.

We will spend seven days walking through the desert at a comfortable pace. Some days are shorter and more gentle, while others involve longer distances walked at a steady pace, depending on the route and weather conditions. This is not a trekking expedition or an endurance challenge, but participants should feel comfortable walking between 3 to 5 hours each day.

The rhythm of the journey is spacious and supportive. We stop regularly for water and snack breaks, and each day includes a long midday pause to rest, enjoy lunch, and take shelter during the warmest hours. Camels carry all luggage and camping equipment, so participants need only carry a small daypack with water and personal essentials.

Yes, for those in good health who are comfortable walking several hours a day. Participants of many ages have completed this pilgrimage. The most important consideration is not age but your ability to comfortably walk for several hours each day over varied desert terrain and under the sun. If you have any concerns about your mobility or endurance, we encourage you to contact us before registering so we can help you determine whether the retreat is a good fit. A private camel is also available to hire for those who would like additional support during the walking days.

We will have one emergency camel available for unexpected circumstances that may arise during the journey. Our nomadic support team travels with the group. If you need to rest, a camel can be arranged so you can still move with the caravan. However, if you know in advance that you tire easily, have concerns about your stamina, or would simply appreciate the flexibility to rest whenever needed, we strongly recommend hiring a private camel for the duration of the retreat. This allows you to alternate between walking and riding at any point during the day while remaining with the group. Email mindfulimmersions@gmail.com with your request.

The first and last nights are at Riad Dar Daïf in Ouarzazate. The six nights in between are in nomadic tents in the desert, with 8–10 cm mattresses and kitchen, toilet and washing tents. Shared tents are €2,400; a private room and tent is €2,900.

In Ouarzazate, participants may choose between private or shared rooms (2 to 3 people), depending on availability.

In the desert, we sleep in traditional nomadic tents. Private tents generally accommodate 1 to 2 people, while larger communal tents accommodate 5 to 8 people.

All meals are vegetarian, from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 9. They are prepared fresh by our desert team and eaten mindfully together.

Days in the Sahara are usually warm and pleasant for walking. Nights can be cold, so a warm sleeping bag is essential (one can be rented). A packing list is shared once you register.

Travel to Ouarzazate on March 26. We pick you up at Ouarzazate airport or bus station. Many people fly into Marrakech and continue by bus or a short domestic flight.

Yes. Most participants arrive alone, and the group is curated with care so that a practice community forms quickly.

Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory. Please bring proof of it before arrival.