Join us on a 9-day journey of silence and discovery with Plum Village monastics in the Moroccan Desert. The desert is a place where silence becomes a timeless teacher, and peace reveals itself as a quiet, enduring presence. Its vast, simple landscapes invite us to return to what truly matters: mindful breathing, deep listening, walking in presence, and touching the wonders of life within and around us.
“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
In the wide, unbroken horizons of the Maïdr Desert, every mindful step becomes a journey home to the present moment. The rhythm of our breath will merge with the rhythm of the land, as we walk together in silence through dunes, plains, and starlit nights. The desert’s sculpted dunes and ancient rock formations offer a raw beauty and a sense of boundless space.
This retreat is guided by experienced monastics from Plum Village and organized with the support of lay friends. Over 5.5 days, we will embark on a gentle, supported pilgrimage through the heart of the Moroccan desert.
Travel & Arrival
- Arrive in Ouarzazate on January 29th 2026. Retreat begins with dinner.
- Departure is from Ouarzazate on February 6th.
- You may fly directly to Ouarzazate or to Marrakech and then take a CTM bus to Ouarzazate (~4 hours).
Schedule
Day 1 – Jan 29: Arrival in Ouarzazate & opening dinner
Day 2 – Jan 30: Transfer to Maïdr Desert and begin walking retreat
Days 3–7 – Jan 31 to Feb 4: Silent walking pilgrimage (3–5 hours/day)
Days 7 & 8 – Feb 4–5: Return to Ouarzazate and closing day
Day 9 – Feb 6: Departure from Ouarzazate
Daily Practice & Activities
Participants will engage in a balance of silence, mindfulness, and community:
- Sitting and walking meditations
- Mindful eating
- Dharma talks and teachings
- Sunset and sunrise practice
- Deep relaxation and reflection
- Daytime hikes of approximately 5–6 hours
Much of the day will be practiced in noble silence, allowing deep contact with ourselves and the stillness of the desert. The retreat is not full-time silence; periods for mindful conversations and Dharma sharing are included. The retreat language is English.
Weather Conditions
- The south of Morocco has a Sahara climate with large temperature variations between day and night.
- In late January and early February:
- Daytime: 10°C – 20°C
- Nighttime: close to 0°C
- Be prepared for strong sun during the day and cold temperatures at night.
Retreat Guidelines
- Electronics: Leave phones, computers, tablets, and cameras behind. This helps create a truly restorative and present atmosphere. Emergency contacts will be provided.
- Physical Requirements: Be prepared for 6-hour day hikes on varied desert terrain.
- Accommodation: Shared nomadic tents (private tents available).
- Cost: €1800–€3500 depending on accommodation and financial capacity.
Registration
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.
- To register, please fill out this registration form.
- For volunteer opportunities and further questions: mindfulimmersions@gmail.com
