Horseback trail ride in Morocco. The first part of this horseback ride in Morocco, you will discover the immense palm grove of the Draa Valley. This grove is dotted with small gardens surrounding fortified villages (ksours) built of adobe and generously decorated pink. The second part allows us to cross large areas sometimes covered with dunes (erg), sometimes rocky (reg), premises of the great Sahara. Each day offers a different vision of the desert. The unusual encounters are frequent. Some Tuareg families, surrounded by herds of goats and camels, the tents are only human presence in these arid places. Starry nights are exceptional beauty, like the colors at sunrise and sunset.
HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDE IN MOROCCO
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *
Day 1 : Flight to Morocco. Arrival in Ouarzazate, transfer to the Ouarzazate hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Zagora – Ben Ali. After breakfast, departure around 7am, transfer to Zagora (about 2h30 drive), the starting point of the ride. Meet the horses, then start the horseback ride. The route follows the course of the Drâa wadi: palm groves and irrigation canals. You cross typical villages, these "Kasbah", we call them "Ksars". At the end of your ride, you spend the night at the camp near a well.
Day 3: Beni Ali – Tagounit. We cross the gorges of Oued Draa, then cross of a large arid plateau (reg) which leads to the palm grove of Tagounit. Camp in the middle of dunes and palm trees, near the village of Blida.
Day 4: Tagounit – Ouled Dris. We are going on our way by the path along the valley to the village of Zaouit Sidi Saleh. Then leaving the valley , we are passing foum Larjam pass, riding past very old – previous to the Arabic presence- graves of nomadic and Berber soldiers. From there, we can enjoy the ocean of dunes extending far over M’Hamed. The border to Sahara has just been crossed. Camp in nomadic tent in Ouled Driss (serviced camping place).
Day 5: Ouled Dris- Bir M’Hamed. Day in the desert far from any human settlement except some nomadic tents. Arid and magical landscapes mixing reg and erg. Camp near Bir M’Hamed well.
Day 6: Bir M’Hamed – Faija. The surrounding desert seems to have no limit. Covered by sand (erg) or rocks (reg), the Saharan tracks run in a network of cross overs preceding small mountains which we are about to cross. The colours, especially at sunset, are fabulous. Some umbrella acacias resist the dought. Ride in gorges and over Jnia pass. Spectacular view on the Draa valley and all the surrounding desert areas. Camp at well of d’el Faija.
Day 7: Faija- Zagora. Last riding day. We have to ride first on a sand covered plateau, frequented by some herds of dromedaries, then back to palm groves and the water of wadi Draa. In the end, our trek leads us back to our starting base across the palm grove. After lunch, transfer to Ouarzazate. Dinner and night in hotel.
Day 8 : Zagora. Transfer to Ouarzazate airport and return flight.
* Indicative itinerary that can be changed if necessary.
MEETING:
Sunday afternoon at Ouarzazate airport (free transfer). From Marrakech, you can take a bus to Ouarzazate, 3h30 drive, companies: SUPRATOUR or CTM. We can also book a taxi for you (around 70 € - 4 hours drive).
DEPARTURE:
Sunday morning after breakfast. Free transfer to Ouarzazate airport. Bus or taxi to Marrakech.
FLIGHTS:
Our trips do not include flights because it is generally more advantageous to book your transport yourself, avoiding agency commissions. We are at your disposal to help you find the best flight deals and possibly offer you a stay including flights: free service.
RIDING LEVEL:
You must be able to walk, trot, canter outdoor, and in good physical condition.
GROUPS:
Up to 8 riders + guides.
RYTHM:
You ride 2-3 hours, 2-3 hours the afternoon at the 3 paces (walk, trot, canter) depending on the terrain.
GUIDE & TEAM:
All rides are supervised by 4 people all from the same family: 2 on horseback and 2 assistants in charge of luggage transfers, camp and dinner preparation. The guide and the team speak French, the guide and most of the team speak English.
HORSES:
Arabic stalions, well balanced and safe horses.
SADDLES:
English saddles.
ACCOMMODATION: &
First and last night at the hotel. Other nights in camps. Camps: a large mess tent is set up every evening, individual tents and comfortable mattresses are provided, a shower and external toilets are available. A team follows the hride with assistance vehicles, ensuring the camp preparation, transporting luggage, preparing meals. Some dates may be available with hotel accommodation every night.
HOTEL (subject to availability)
Les Jardins de Ouarzazate
CAMPS
MEALS:
Evening meals are Moroccan (couscous, tagine chicken with vegetables, meat with vegetables, grilled meats ... desert, soup, mint tea, coffee. The Moroccan cuisine reputation is well established ! Drinks: mineral water, tea, coffee. Alcoholic drinks are not provided but it is possible to buy some before the start of your ride (purchase in stores in town). At noon, picnics are taken in saddlebags, often various Moroccan salads.
2024 PRICE / PER PERSON:
970 €.
Booking fees: 15
2025 PRICE / PER PERSON:
1050 €.
Booking fees: 15
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Horse and tack rental, guide, assistants, accommodation, all meals, drinks during meals (mineral water, tea, coffee) luggage transfers, transfer from/to Ouarzazate airport, our travel agent bond to guarantee your payments.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, drinks out of meals and not included (alcohol, sodas), visits, tips, all that is not indicated in "THE PRICE INCLUDES"
INSURANCE:
A civil liability and travel insurance (assistance/repatriation) is compulsory. A cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
A payment by credit card can make you benefit from its possible insurance (check your contract).
We offer to Europe Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway residents: the Chapka insurances.
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
See prices & information
FLIGHTS:
Flights to Morocco are not included because it is more interesting to book directly your ticket: a transport package included is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best prices or to offer you a flight included package on request (free service).
Dates | From | Infos | Contact |
---|---|---|---|
- | 970€ | LAST SPACES | Information request |
- | 1050€ | CONFIRMATION IN PROGRESS | Information request |
- | 1050€ | SOLD OUT | Information request |
- | 1050€ | AVAILABLE | Information request |
- | 1050€ | AVAILABLE | Information request |
- | 1050€ | AVAILABLE | Information request |