Between mountains and desert, between the Dades valley and the Drâa valley, Jebel Saghro is a volcanic massif of great beauty. Its gorges, towers and rocky peaks are strangely reminiscent of the landscapes of the Hoggar desert. Naked landscapes that hide some green valleys covered with almond trees, oleander, fig and palm trees. During the season, small fields of cereal crops can be observed. Its highest point is the Kouadouch, at about 2600 m altitude. These countries, apparently inhospitable, nevertheless provide a haven for the herds of goats or camels that the nomads of the tribe of Ait Atta accompany from the high plateaux of the chain M'Goun (second summit of the High Atlas) covered with snow in winter. Their presence creates a special atmosphere for these lunar spaces.
HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDE IN MOROCCO
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *
Day 1: Reception at Ouarzazate airport at the end of afternnon. Night at the hotel.
Boulemande du Dadès - Almoun'oug.
Transfer in the morning on the Kasbah road which runs along the Dadès wadi to the small town of Boulemane, the starting point of our tide. We leave, heading south, towards the first reliefs of Djebel Saghro; crossing a plateau which gradually raises us towards the black basalt rocks polished by the wind, in the shape of peaks. First bivouac in Almoun'oug, at an altitude of 1700 m.
Day 3: Almoun'oug - Assaka Aït Ouizzine.
We regain altitude by following a trail across the Elmers plateau to the Tizi n'Tagmout pass (2000 m) with the entire snow-capped chain of the High Atlas in the panorama. We then descend to the largest village of Saghro, the village of Assaka Aït Ouizzine, planted at 1585 m, in an increasingly mineral environment. Camp at the exit of the village.
Day 4: Assaka Aït Ouizzine - Ighazoun n'Imlas.
We continue our journey towards the village of Tildassine. Beyond, we go along the Akkerkour sheepfolds and climb again to pass a pass at 1850 m. The path descends gently towards Ighazoun n'Imlas where we find the camp.
Day 5: Ighazoun n'Imlas - Bab n'Ali.
We are now in the heart of Djebel Saghro. On the plateau of Tadout n'Tablah, a real "forest" of rocky peaks stands. After crossing gorges, we discover the oasis of Amguis and the refreshing greenery of a few palm trees and gardens. This is the land of nomadic transhumance and we come across their kheimas (Bedouin tents) made of black wool. Bivouac at Bab n'Ali, near the famous site of the needles.
Day 6: Bab n'Ali - Hannedour.
Transition route, today, between the lunar world and the first plateaus of the Sahara which shelter the many oases of the great Moroccan South. We reach the village of Isk n'Tamerhmdot, at 1750 m, then pass the village of M'tassit and its beautiful palm grove. The descent continues to Hannedour, the place of our last camp.
Day 7: Oumesnat-N'Kob.
Our last stage will be shorter. We will have to cross the Hannedour valley to the oasis of N'Kob, the end of our ride. Return, in the afternoon, to Ouarzazate by the road which joins, then follows, the northern part of the Draa valley.
Day 8: Transfer to Ouarzazate airport and return flight.
* The itinerary is given as an indication. It can be modified by the guide or the organizer for reasons of safety, bad weather or unforeseen circumstances. These events beyond their control may change the course of the hike but they will always make every effort to provide the best solution, including changing routes.
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.
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.
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, coffe), luggage transfers, transfer from/to Ouarzazate airport, our travel agent bond to guarantee your payments.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, extra drinks (out of meals and not include such as alcool and 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 - See 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 (free service).