Chasing a Childhood Dream: My Overland Journey to the Sahara – Part One

The Seed of an Adventure

Some childhood dreams never leave us. For me, it was the Sahara Desert. While other kids imagined theme parks or sports cars, I pictured vast golden dunes stretching endlessly beneath a blazing sun. I remember watching a lone explorer on television, crossing the Sahara without support or GPS, and feeling a spark ignite. His stillness as he sat on a dune at sunset stayed with me for decades.

That moment planted a seed—a promise to myself that one day I, too, would step into that desert and feel its magic.

From Grey Skies to Golden Sands

Years later, on a bleak British January morning, the memory resurfaced. As the rain tapped on my window, I couldn’t shake the image of that desert horizon. A smile crept across my face. Why keep dreaming when I could make it real? Within weeks, my Land Rover was packed, ferry booked, and courage gathered. My journey to the Sahara had begun.

Crossing Spain and Portugal

Disembarking in Santander, I chose to trust my instincts instead of following a fixed route. Spain’s winding roads soon gave way to Portugal’s breathtaking coastline—a paradise for surfers and travellers alike. The Algarve’s wild beaches, the rhythm of the Atlantic, and spontaneous overnight stops all reminded me of the beauty of slow, intentional travel.

Travel teaches us presence. With no deadlines, no expectations, and no distractions, every moment feels amplified. Whether it was sharing dinner with a kind Portuguese family or listening to the roar of Nazaré’s colossal waves, each encounter became part of my wellbeing journey.

Lessons From the Road

Traveling without a set plan can feel unnerving, yet it is also profoundly liberating. It forces you to listen to your instincts and connect more deeply with people and places. Locals I met along the way were warm, generous, and curious—reminding me that kindness transcends language and borders.

Every sunrise over Portugal’s coastline and every mile south pulled me closer to the Sahara. The invisible thread of childhood dreams had become my compass.

Why the Sahara Matters for Wellbeing

For me, the Sahara isn’t just about sand dunes—it’s about confronting fears, breaking free from routine, and reconnecting with nature in its rawest form. Adventure travel is a powerful form of self-care. It challenges the body, clears the mind, and awakens the soul.

The desert has always symbolised stillness, resilience, and perspective. By following this dream, I wasn’t just chasing sand—I was rediscovering myself.

Part One of Three Part Journey Coming soon….