Name: A Desert Hiking Retreat in Morocco: Silence & Connection
Start: 2027-02-19
End: 2027-02-24

Join us for a 10-day mindfulness pilgrimage through the Moroccan desert with monastics from Plum Village. For six days, we will walk together across the timeless landscapes of the Maïdr Desert, discovering the quiet wisdom of one of the world’s most extraordinary places. Vast, simple, and ever-changing, the desert invites us to slow our habitual ways of being, listen deeply, and return to the miracle of the present moment. Here, silence is a living presence that gently reveals what truly matters.

We don’t set ourselves a goal, or a particular destination, so we don’t have to hurry, because there’s nothing there for us to get. Therefore, walking is not a means. It’s an end, by itself … Each step brings you back to the present moment, which is the only moment in which you can be alive.
— Thich Nhat Hanh

Walking through the desert, we become pilgrims rather than visitors. Each day offers a new horizon, a new campsite, and a new opportunity to practice mindful walking, noble silence, meditation, dharma sharing, and deep listening.

Led by Plum Village monastics and accompanied by our Amazing hosts, we allow the rhythm of the land to guide our own, discovering that the greatest journey is not across the desert, but into a more spacious, peaceful way of being. Organized by Order of Interbeing members, this pilgrimage weaves together the practice of mindfulness, and the timeless beauty of the desert into a shared journey of simplicity, presence, and community. The retreat will be in English.

Travel & Arrival

Arrive in Ouarzazate on February 19th 2027. Retreat begins with dinner.
Departure is from Ouarzazate on February 24th.
You may fly directly to Ouarzazate or to Marrakech and then take a CTM bus to Ouarzazate (~4 hours)

Schedule

Day 1 : Feb 15 Arrival in Ouarzazate & opening dinner
Day 2 : Feb 16 Transfer to Maïdr Desert and begin walking retreat
Days 3–8 : Feb 17 to Feb 22 Silent walking pilgrimage (3–5 hours/day), with mindful meals, Dharma sharing, evening conversations, and rest under the stars
Day 8 : Feb 22 Return to Ouarzazate
Day 9 : Feb 23 Morning rest. Afternoon closing circle and integration.
Day 10 : Feb 24 Depart from Ouarzazate

Weather Conditions

The south of Morocco has a Sahara climate with large temperature variations between day and night.
In February:
- Daytime: 10°C – 25°C
- Nighttime: close to 0°C
Be prepared for strong sun during the day and cold temperatures at night.
Sandstorms are possible, so please bring protective glasses such as ski goggles.

Retreat Guidelines

Electronics: All electronics (phones, computers, tablets, cameras) will be left behind. Expect a space free from distractions, no exceptions. This helps create a truly restorative and present atmosphere. Emergency contacts will be provided for families.
Physical Requirements: Please prepare yourself for 4 – 6 hour day-hikes on varied desert terrain that requires additional strength and energy.
Accommodation: Six nights in shared nomadic tents (private tent option is available).
Cost: €2200–€3700 depending on preferred accommodation and financial capacity.
The retreat language is English

Moroccan Resident Scholarship

One of our aspirations is to help nurture the seeds of a mindfulness community in Morocco. We are therefore offering two partial scholarships for Moroccan citizens or residents who feel called to cultivate a mindfulness practice and continue supporting the growth of a local Sangha. We warmly encourage you to apply in the registration form. And if you are in Morocco but can’t join the retreat, please get in touch anyway: mindfulimmersions@gmail.com

Registration

Pre-registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis until September 20th. After that date, we’ll do our best to find you a place based on availability. If spaces are still available after September 20th, registrations will continue to be accepted.

All registration, logistics, payments, and confirmations are organized by Joanna Riquett and volunteers. Joanna has extensive experience organizing retreats with Plum Village. Spaces are limited; early registration is recommended.

Spaces are limited; early registration is recommended.
To register, please fill out this registration form

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions about walking, accommodations, weather, food, travel, and what to expect from this mindfulness pilgrimage. If your question isn’t answered there, we’d be happy to hear from you. You can see it here.