A Desert Hiking Retreat in Morocco: Silence & Connection

The desert asks very little of you, and that is much of its teaching. In this mindfulness and spiritual retreat, monastics from Plum Village lead a 10-day pilgrimage through the Maïdr Desert in southern Morocco. You walk without a goal or destination, so there is nothing to hurry toward. As Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, walking here is not a means but an end in itself, and each step returns you to the present moment.

Plum Village is the mindfulness lineage rooted in Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings, with its practice center in Thénac, in the Dordogne. This pilgrimage is organized by members of the Order of Interbeing and takes place in Morocco, beginning and ending in Ouarzazate. It is held in English. For anyone drawn to silence, simplicity and a slower pace, it offers a chance to become a pilgrim rather than a visitor.

What to Expect

The retreat unfolds over ten days. It begins with an opening dinner in Ouarzazate, followed by a transfer into the Maïdr Desert, where the walking retreat starts. For six days you walk together through the desert, each day bringing a new horizon and a new campsite.

- Silent walking: Days of noble silence and mindful walking, about 3–5 hours a day according to the schedule.
- Daily practice: Meditation, Dharma sharing and deep listening, with mindful meals and evening conversations.
- Rest under the stars: Nights are spent in the desert, and the rhythm of the land guides the rhythm of the group.
- Closing: After returning to Ouarzazate, a morning of rest and an afternoon closing circle for integration.

The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried, held by Plum Village monastics and the retreat's hosts. Electronics, including phones, computers, tablets and cameras, are left behind with no exceptions, so the space stays free of distraction. Emergency contacts are provided for families.

Venue & Logistics

The pilgrimage begins and ends in Ouarzazate, Morocco. You can fly directly to Ouarzazate, or fly to Marrakech and take a CTM bus to Ouarzazate, which takes about four hours.

Accommodation is six nights in shared nomadic tents, with a private tent option. The cost ranges from €2200 to €3700, depending on your preferred accommodation and financial capacity. A Moroccan Resident Scholarship is also listed.

Prepare for full days of walking. The organizers ask for readiness for 4–6 hour day-hikes on varied desert terrain, which require additional strength and energy. February in the south of Morocco brings large swings in temperature: roughly 10°C to 25°C by day and close to 0°C at night. Pack for strong sun and cold nights. Sandstorms are possible, so bring protective glasses such as ski goggles.