Our itineraries are led either by English-speaking guides native to the country, or by French guide-leaders.

Most of our major journeys and/or specialized trips unfold through trekking and/or camel expeditions. We therefore opt for dual guidance.

The technical expertise required to manage and lead a group, to respond to medical or psychological emergencies, demands thorough and rigorous training that we provide to all our guiding teams. For us, this approach is a guarantee of peace of mind and safety.

Local Guidance – Local Guide

Most often they hail from the region itself. These are seasoned professionals who ensure the smooth running of itineraries, logistics, and provisions.

The local guide is often a colorful personality; he is an invaluable resource. He bridges the gap with the entire local team: camel herders, muleteers, porters, cooks… During Saharan journeys, the local guide serves as chief camel handler. Through his deep understanding of their complex relational codes, he facilitates exchanges with local communities.

We prioritize selecting the local guide whenever the level of competence aligns with our quality standards. We often share responsibility with our partners in their training and development.

Local Team

Guides, drivers, and camel herders invite you to discover with simplicity the reality and richness of their culture. With the exception of the guide, not all speak English, yet they are all available and eager to communicate. It falls to each traveler to take part of the journey that bridges the two cultures.

French Guide-Leader

The presence of a qualified and recognized guide-leader is a source of reassurance for the traveler. Drawing on his field experience, the French guide is responsible for the itinerary, its logistics, and the management of any unforeseen circumstances. Passionate about his craft, he remains attentive to the group's needs. He shares his traveling experience and imparts his knowledge of the region—whether concerning flora, geology, or the customs and traditions of the societies that inhabit it.

Moreover, he ensures that practices respectful of both natural and cultural heritage are upheld.

As a cultural bridge-builder, he is the indispensable element for preserving the unique character and technical expertise of DESERTS.

Dual Guidance, Dual Expertise

We have chosen to place a number of our journeys under the leadership of both a French guide-leader and a guide native to the region being visited. The complementarity between the two guides creates an alchemy that gives our trips a quality and character that are entirely distinctive. Each in their own way, their personalities leave a strong imprint on your journey.

The joint presence of these two guides represents an additional cost, but their cooperation is for us an essential guarantee of the spirit that animates certain of our expeditions.

Note

Dual guidance or French guidance is not done at the expense of the local team. The presence of the DESERTS French guide-leader adds expertise, skill, and added value to the local team without diminishing it in any way.