BEAR GRYLLS SURVIVAL ACADEMY × ULTIMATE ADVENTURE TRAVEL

MOROCCO · 3–10 MAY 2027

You vs. the summit?

Move from the exposed dunes of the Sahara to the 4,167-metre summit of Mount Toubkal on an eight-day expedition built around survival, endurance and clear thinking under pressure.

Adults 18+ · Good base fitness required · Limited group of 8–20 participants

Submit your reservation enquiry to receive the latest pricing, availability and booking information.

Marrakech

Sahara Desert near Mhamid

Imlil and the High Atlas Mountains

Mount Toubkal

From the Sahara Desert

to the Roof of North Africa

MORE THAN A DESTINATION

Across eight days, the terrain, temperature and demands will change—but the need to think clearly, work together and keep moving remains the same.

Across eight days, the terrain, temperature and demands will change—but the need to think clearly, work together and keep moving remains the same.

ARRIVAL AND PREPARATION

DESERT SURVIVAL

ALTITUDE AND ENDURANCE

THE 4,167M SUMMIT

It’s Not Designed to Be Easy.

It’s Designed to Be Worth It.

MORE THAN A DESTINATION

In the Sahara, the challenge is heat, exposure, navigation and resource management. In the Atlas Mountains, it becomes altitude, endurance and sustained physical effort6

You will learn the fundamentals, apply them in real environments and adapt when conditions change.

This is not a luxury trip. It is an expedition for people who want to test themselves, learn something real and return with a story that goes beyond where they travelled.

Survival in Extreme Environments

Bear’s Desert Survival Principles

The Sahara rewards discipline, awareness and clear decision-making. These principles help you manage energy, resources and exposure when the environment begins working against you.

01 / Movement

Control Your Pace

Speed is rarely the priority. Moving too quickly leads to unnecessary sweating, faster dehydration and poorer decisions.

02 / Resources

Manage Water as a Resource

The challenge is not simply drinking more. It is knowing how to use, store and protect the water available.

03 / Exposure

Control Your Exposure

Understand when to move, when to rest and how to use terrain or equipment to create protection from exposure.

04 / Awareness

Read the Environment

Dune formations, wind direction, tracks and changes in terrain all provide information. Learning to recognise those signals supports better decisions.

The principle that connects them all

But Most of All: Never Give Up.

Skills Built for

Real Environments

PRACTICAL SURVIVAL TRAINING

A highly trained BGSA Survival Instructor will guide the group through practical techniques inspired by Bear Grylls’ survival principles.

Survival priorities

Learn how to assess risk, identify priorities and make better decisions under pressure.

Natural shelter

Use tarps, sand and available terrain to create protection from exposure.

Fire-making

Practise lighting and managing fire with limited resources.

Water discipline

Find, filter and purify water while understanding rationing, storage and responsible use.

Natural navigation

Use the sun, wind, terrain and stars to understand direction and movement.

Desert protection

Control pace, reduce unnecessary exposure and manage energy in intense heat.

Leadership and teamwork

Contribute to group decisions and move effectively through demanding terrain.

Rescue and self-reliance

Develop the confidence and awareness required to respond when conditions change.

Gross Eats

Experience one of Bear’s most recognisable survival challenges.

Adults 18+ only
Good base level of fitness
Ability to hike for extended periods
Prepared for desert heat and mountain altitude
Willingness to train before departure
Comfort working as part of a group

Previous survival experience is not required, but preparation and realistic physical readiness are essential.

PHYSICAL PREPARATION

Are You Ready for the Challenge?

Climbing Mount Toubkal requires a good base level of fitness. Participants must be able to hike for approximately eight hours per day, and up to twelve hours on summit night, while carrying the equipment required for each day.

IS THIS YOUR KIND OF CHALLENGE?

This Trip Is Right for You If...

You’re ready for a real physical challenge.

You’re willing to prepare for extended trekking, desert heat and high-altitude conditions.

You want more than a typical holiday

You’re looking for an experience built around challenge, survival skills, teamwork and personal achievement.

You’re comfortable getting outside your comfort zone

Wild camping, basic facilities and shared accommodation are part of the experience.

You’re prepared to work as part of a team

The expedition depends on communication, leadership and supporting the people around you.

You’re willing to train before departure

You understand that a good base level of fitness and proper preparation are essential.

You want to finish with something worth remembering

You’re motivated by the challenge itself — not just the destination.

First-time and experienced adventurers are both welcome. Previous survival experience isn’t required — preparation, fitness and the right mindset are.

Take It On Together

A Challenge Built for Groups Too

Sahara to Summit isn’t only for individual adventurers. Private groups, charity and fundraising teams, and organisations can take on the expedition together — combining a serious physical challenge with teamwork, shared achievement and a goal worth working towards.

Private Groups Charity & Fundraising Teams Corporate Groups

Life on the Expedition

What to Expect Along the Way

01 / Accommodation

Where You'll Stay

The journey combines a traditional riad in Marrakech, desert camps or wild bivouacs, a guesthouse or hotel during the transition north, a Berber guesthouse in Imlil and shared accommodation at the Toubkal Refuge.

02 / Food

Food & Dietary Requirements

Meals are designed to support the expedition’s physical demands, with a focus on carbohydrates, protein and locally prepared food. Dietary requirements should be disclosed to the operator in advance so suitable alternatives can be discussed.

Know Before You Go

What Your Expedition Includes

Covered in Your Expedition

Included

  • Accommodation, mainly twin-share where possible
  • Shared rooms at the mountain refuge
  • Meals specified in the final itinerary
  • Entry fees
  • Expert in-country guides
  • BGSA Survival Instructor
  • 24-hour operational emergency contact from Ultimate Adventure Travel
You'll Need to Arrange

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Personal spending money
  • Personal first-aid kit
  • Tips for local guides and porters
  • Personal expedition kit

Full kit requirements, confirmed inclusions and current travel information will be supplied during the booking process.

SECURE YOUR PLACE

The remaining balance may be paid in full or through monthly interest-free installments. Ultimate Adventure Travel will confirm the complete payment schedule and applicable transaction fees.

The expedition is designed for a limited group of 8–20 participants. A 10% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.

BEFORE YOU TAKE THE NEXT STEP

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

From fitness and group size to accommodation, payments and who will be leading the expedition, here are the key things to know before you reserve your place for Sahara to Summit.

Who will lead the survival training?

The expedition’s survival training is delivered by a highly trained Bear Grylls Survival Academy instructor, bringing Bear’s principles, techniques and approach into the experience. Bear Grylls is not scheduled to personally accompany the May 2027 expedition.

Who operates the expedition?

The expedition is delivered in partnership with Ultimate Adventure Travel, local in-country guides and Bear Grylls Survival Academy.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Previous survival experience is not required. Participants must, however, meet the fitness requirements, prepare properly and be comfortable operating in demanding environments.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. The May 2027 expedition is for adults aged 18 and over.

How fit do I need to be?

You should have a good base level of fitness and be able to hike for approximately eight hours per day, with up to twelve hours expected on summit night.

What is the group size?

The expedition is planned for a group of 8–20 participants. The trip will proceed once the required minimum number is reached.

What happens if minimum numbers are not reached?

The operator will advise registered participants when the expedition has reached the minimum number and is confirmed to proceed. Full terms should be reviewed before making travel arrangements.

How are payments taken?

A 10% non-refundable deposit is required at booking. The remaining balance may be paid in full or through monthly interest-free instalments, subject to the confirmed payment terms.

What accommodation is used?

Accommodation includes a Marrakech riad, desert camp or wild bivouac, guesthouse or hotel, Berber guesthouse and shared mountain refuge.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Dietary requirements should be shared in advance. The operator will confirm what alternatives can be provided.

How do I reserve a place?

Submit the reservation enquiry form. BGSA and Ultimate Adventure Travel will provide the latest pricing, availability, payment details and booking instructions.

Do I need travel insurance?

Personal travel insurance is not included. Confirm the required level of expedition and high-altitude coverage with the operator before booking.

What personal equipment will I need?

Participants are responsible for their personal expedition kit and first-aid kit. A final packing and equipment list will be supplied before departure.

Do I need a visa?

Entry requirements depend on nationality and can change. Review current official Morocco travel guidance before departure.

Can I take a drone?

Morocco has strict drone restrictions. Do not travel with a drone without confirming and obtaining the necessary written permission.

NEVER GIVE UP!

Could You Do It?

Take the first step towards eight days of survival training, desert challenge and high-altitude endurance.

Submit your details to receive the latest pricing, availability and booking information for Sahara to Summit May 2027.