Sahara

Sahara

The Sahara, the warmest place in Flanders.

In the enchanting realm of the Sahara in Lommel, an azure lake sparkles like diamonds in the sun. Fresh green coniferous and deciduous trees surround the lake, like a protective oasis in the desert. The pure serenity forms a paradise for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers. The Sahara is the largest adventure forest in Flanders, with playful elements for children, the land-art masterpieces of Will Beckers, the pedestrian bridge and the famous lookout tower that promises you a panoramic view of the Sahara.

In the summer months, the heat in this ‘desert’ rises considerably. No matter which weather forecast you consult, nowhere in Flanders do you feel the heat more than in the Sahara. Do you doubt this claim? Then come and experience the soft sand grains under your feet as you walk through the golden dunes.

 

Hiking loops

Blue: 3,1 km

Orange: 6,5 km

  • (Play)forest, land-art, sand, lake, birdwatching wall, watchtower, pedestrian bridge, cycling & walking café, dog off-leash area
  • Starting from Vossemeren? Follow the brown route (1km) to join the walking trail at te canal

Red: 12,3 km

  • (Play)forest, land-art, sand, lake, birdwatching wall, watchtower, pedestrian bridge, heathland, cycling & walking café, dog off-leash area
  • Starting from Vossemeren? Follow the brown route (1km) to join the walking trail at te canal

Brown: 1 km

  • Connecting path from the Vossemeren to the canal

 

Did you know that…

  • The Sahara covers a sand and dune landscape of no less than 200 hectares ?
  • The Sahara area has been voted one of the most beautiful spots in the Low Kempen?
  • The red walking route in the Sahara has been awarded the title of most beautiful walk in Belgium?

Lookout tower

Do you want to admire the Sahara from a height of 30 meters? Then be sure to climb the lookout tower! The ‘Giant of Bosland’ welcomes you on all three walks.

Rent a hammock

Are you looking for a rest stop along the way, enjoying the beauty of the Sahara? Then borrow a (baby) hammock for free! (€50 deposit)

Video: Sahara

 

Catering tip!

De Kantine 

  • Children’s menu: Yes
  • Changing table: Yes
  • Children’s toilet: Yes
  • High chair: Yes
  • Playground: Yes
  • Terrace: Yes

Den Engel

  • Children’s menu: Yes
  • Changing table: Yes
  • Children’s toilet: Yes
  • High chair: Yes
  • Playground: No
  • Terrace: Yes

Info

  • The Soeverein, Sportveldenstraat 10, Lommel*.
  • Parking: Soeverein (Sportveldenstraat 10)
  • Walking map available at Tourism Lommel or via the web shop (€ 2,5)
  • Bike junction 224
  • Bus 29 and 713

*Follow the brown connecting route over ‘Nieuwe Kopen’, to the starting point of the various hiking routes.

 

Extra parking

  • Soccer stadium Lommel SK, Speelpleinstraat 20, Lommel (100 places)
  • WICO Campus Sint-Jozef, Pieter Breugheldreef 4, Lommel (110 places)
  • De Lossing, Lossingsweg 21, Lommel (90 places)

 

Accessibility

Because of the loose sand, the Sahara is very difficult to access by wheelchair or baby carriage. It is largely unpaved.

 

Picnic benches

There are picnic benches and dustbins at the starting point of the walks & at the watchtower. No trash can? Bring back your own trash!

 

Swimming, bathing and boating prohibited

There may be hidden obstructions under the water, currents may trouble swimmers, and ecologically precious riparian zones may be damaged. Also, water quality is not monitored; therefore, you don’t know if the water is suitable for swimming. If you break the rules, you risk a GAS fine.

 

What else is nearby?

Check out the map with the hotspots of Lommel.