From the horse’s mouth
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Horses, Dunes and NomadsMarch 2024 EstelA perfect first horseback riding holiday. Booked the trip last minute, Iris was extremely helpful with her insights and recommendations to ensure I would have a good time. Upon arrival, Abdel, our guide, did a great job in matching us with the horses based on our riding skills. I rode Rahil, who was a gentle, sure... Read all
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Horses, Dunes and NomadsMarch 2024 Annabel aged 30All the horses were incredibly fit, healthy and happy, knew exactly what they were doing and felt totally safe at all times. I rode Usman, he was absolutely perfect for me! Very forward and responsive.
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Horses, Dunes and NomadsJanuary 2024 Kate aged 74I’ve ridden all over the world and this trip is in the top three. Don’t ask me my horse’s name. Assam was on his bridle so you’ll have to ask Abdel. He was a wonderful animal and once we came to an agreement—I would stay out of his mouth if he would stay with the herd and not tear ahead—all was peaceful in the Kingdom... Read all
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Horses, Dunes and NomadsJanuary 2023 Suzannah Maria aged 27I was so impressed by how well behaved the horses were. I was slightly apprehensive, since I'd never ridden a stallion before this trip, but all of the horses were well behaved and forward-going. Our guides also matched everyone very well with horses appropriate for their skill level. I rode Moonlight and am already... Read all
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Horses, Dunes and NomadsJanuary 2023 Antonia aged 22This trip was absolutely perfect to me, I really enjoyed every second of it. The landscape was different every day and simply beautiful. The food was so good and the guest houses were also beautiful and comfortable. The crew was really wonderful also, I got to ask so many questions about the culture and learned so... Read all
Itinerary
Highlights
- Plenty of opportunities for fast canters and gallops across wide open spaces
- The comfort of nights spent in desert inns or guesthouses with showers possible every night
- Discover Morocco in all its splendour including Dades Valley and impressive views of the Atlas mountains
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Day 1 1: ARRIVE IN OUARZAZATE - No riding
Fint hotelFly in to Ouarzazate or Marrakech.
There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Ouarzazate and so it may be easier to fly to Marrakech and transfer by road to Ouarzazate. If flying to Marrakech then you need to arrive early enough to allow time for the transfer (4 hrs), payable locally and split between all who are sharing the transfer.
You will be transferred to your hotel. -
Day 2 2: OUARZAZATE - IMI N'CHAABTE - TAFRAOUT - 2-3 hours riding
Meet in your hotel reception at 07:00 and transfer in the direction of Zagora through the Draa valley, until reaching Tansikht. Continue along the Djebel Sagho, passing through Nkob and Tazzarine and stop for a picnic along the way. After about 6 hours drive you turn off the tar road and follow a track for 60kms to Mcissi.
Here you will meet the team and horses. After a short riding assessment you will set out into the desert for your first ride amongst the dunes.
Overnight in a comfortable inn. -
Day 3 3: TAFRAOUT - FOUM MHARECH - 4-6 hours riding
Riad NomadRide through the village of Tafraout and reach the plateau of Ahbouche Ntkouyte (Lake Tafraout). The terrain is perfect for some decent canters. Ride along the base of Tattihate, between Djbel Mohre and Djbel Zireg. The scenic splendour of the Sahara desert is laid out before you - endless dunes alternating with distant cliffs.
At the end of the day you reach a beautiful inn in the desert valley of Mharech where you spend the night. The inn is located over a hill with stunning views over the valley. -
Day 4 4: FOUM MHARECH - REMLIA DUNES - OUZINA DUNES - 4-6 hours riding
Inn Ouzina RimalSet off riding south, through the Tamarisk trees and sand dunes. Your journey takes you across the Chouiref plateau to Tizi n Guidou pass and on to the abandoned village of N'Oubahllou. The orange dunes of Remlia provide a spectacular background for pictures before you ride down to another vast plateau where horses and riders alike will enjoy a gallop. Keeping the mountains and "Mount Tajine" to your left, the ride alternates between long stretches of walk, trots and controlled canters before you reach your inn for the night. -
Day 5 5: OUZINA DUNES - JDAID - 4-5 hours riding
Inn Itrane SaharaDepart on horseback through the superb dunes at Ouzina. Your trail will take you from the dunes and onto plateaus - from sand to rocky mountain. Your day in the Sahara ends at the village of Taghaoucht-n-Jdaid - a place of water. -
Day 6 6: JDAID - MERZOUGA - 5 hours riding
In the morning, you will ride through various environments until reaching the highest sand dunes in Morocco: Erg Chebbi. Enjoy stunning views while your horses carry you safely through the large seas of dunes. Night in the desert. -
Day 7 7: MERZOUGA - OUARZAZATE - 3 hours riding
Fint hotelYour final morning on horseback takes you from Chebbi Erg to Taouz where you say goodbye to the team and horses. You are then transferred in the direction of Erfoud, Boumlane and Dades along the "road of a thousand kasbahs" until reaching Ouarzazate.
Dinner in town and overnight in a hotel. -
Day 8 8: DEPARTURE FROM OUARZAZATE
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to London. If you are flying from Marrakech then your flight must depart late enough to allow time for the road transfer (payable locally).
Dates & prices
Price details
- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room during the ride.
- Groups are composed of a minimum of 3 international riders and a maximum of 10 riders, plus guides.
- There is a small group supplement if the group has fewer than 3 riders. Rides are confirmed from just two riders with the payment of an additional supplementary charge of c. €350/£305/$370 in 2024-2025
- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will be charged a single room supplement of approx. €230/£200/$245 in 2024-2025. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date. It is possible to guarantee a single room for €140/£120/$150 for Ouarzazate only.
- There are no direct flights from the UK to Ouarzazate; a transfer from Marrakech airport on payment of an additional transfer charge is possible. This is currently €150 for the vehicle each way and is payable locally and split between the number of people sharing the transfer. If flying into Marrakech your flight must arrive before 15:30 on day 1 and leave after 14:00 on Day 8.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.
Price includes
Support Team
1 groom
Logistics
1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider
1 vehicle and driver
Accommodation
Double/triple room in hotel standard 3/4*
Meals
Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8
Additional equipment
Price doesn't include
Meals
Beverage (except during the trek) and personal extra
Accommodation
Transport
International flights
Extra
Insurance
Optional
Accommodation
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Departure Return Price without flights Status 03/11/2024 10/11/2024 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Contact an advisor 10/11/2024 17/11/2024 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 17/11/2024 24/11/2024 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Book now 24/11/2024 01/12/2024 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 01/12/2024 08/12/2024 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Book now 08/12/2024 15/12/2024 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Book now 15/12/2024 22/12/2024 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Book now 22/12/2024 29/12/2024 £1,413 €1,625 $1,752 Book now 29/12/2024 05/01/2025 £1,448 €1,665 $1,796 Book now -
Departure Return Price without flights Status 05/01/2025 12/01/2025 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Book now 12/01/2025 19/01/2025 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Book now 19/01/2025 26/01/2025 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Book now 16/02/2025 23/02/2025 £1,413 €1,625 $1,752 Book now 23/02/2025 02/03/2025 £1,413 €1,625 $1,752 Book now -
Departure Return Price without flights Status 02/03/2025 09/03/2025 £1,413 €1,625 $1,752 Book now 09/03/2025 16/03/2025 £1,413 €1,625 $1,752 Book now 16/03/2025 23/03/2025 £1,413 €1,625 $1,752 Book now 23/03/2025 30/03/2025 £1,448 €1,665 $1,796 Book now 30/03/2025 06/04/2025 £1,448 €1,665 $1,796 Book now 06/04/2025 13/04/2025 £1,448 €1,665 $1,796 Book now -
Departure Return Price without flights Status 05/10/2025 12/10/2025 £1,413 €1,625 $1,752 Book now 12/10/2025 19/10/2025 £1,448 €1,665 $1,796 Book now 19/10/2025 26/10/2025 £1,448 €1,665 $1,796 Book now 26/10/2025 02/11/2025 £1,448 €1,665 $1,796 Book now -
Departure Return Price without flights Status 02/11/2025 09/11/2025 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Book now 09/11/2025 16/11/2025 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Book now 16/11/2025 23/11/2025 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Book now 23/11/2025 30/11/2025 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Book now 30/11/2025 07/12/2025 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Book now 07/12/2025 14/12/2025 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Book now 14/12/2025 21/12/2025 £1,361 €1,565 $1,688 Book now 21/12/2025 28/12/2025 £1,413 €1,625 $1,752 Book now
Equestrian info
Horses
Guide & local team
Minimum riding ability
Minimum riding ability
There is a rider weight limit of 90kg. Please also advice us if you are tall so that we can ensure a suitable horse is available.
Pace
Please note that the canters will be single file in places, particularly at the start of the ride, but it may be possible to spread out on some canters later in the week, depending on the abilities of the group.
Tacking ability and participation
Trip conditions and Requested experience
Experience of riding a trail of several days would be an advantage but is not required. Riders who do not ride regularly should ensure they are back in the saddle and riding fit before departure. It is of particular importance to ensure you are comfortable and balanced when riding at speed across rough terrain and open spaces.
Visiting a new country offers the opportunity to meet other cultures with different mentalities, therefore it is important to accept these differences and respect the local way of life.
Equestrian equipment
Saddlebags are provided.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.
Travel info
Comfort
In Ouarzazate you stay in a 4 star hotel.
Meals
Water is provided on the trail - please bring your own bottle to fill in the mornings.
Special diets can be accommodated, however please note that some foods can be difficult to find in Morocco. Certain diets may incur a supplement (gluten-free diets can be accommodated at a supplementary charge of €100/£90/$110 for instance). All dietary requirements must be specified at the time of booking.
Climate
In the Spring and Autumn months the temperatures are pleasantly warm. In October and April the temperatures can be 35c during the day, dropping to 20c at night whilst in November, February and March it is a little cooler (25c daytime and 12c night).
In the heart of the winter (December/January) the mornings and evenings can be cold, as low as minus 5c. At midday the temperatures will be 18-20c can drop rapidly once the sun sets.
In summer it is too hot to ride (45c) and so no desert trails run in the summer.
Tips
Packing list
-Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
-Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and dust
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Waterproof jacket - the rains can be difficult to foresee and it's better to be prepared. Layering is key to cope with the fluctuations in temperature between day and night
- Casual clothes for the evening
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps as long chaps/long boots can get very hot.
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for moving around the camp
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding
Nightwear
- Thermals are a good option for sleeping in, or a t-shirt and shorts for warmer nights
- You can also take a silk or fleece sleeping bag liner for extra comfort
Other useful items
- Swimsuit
- Water bottle (1.5 litre or two x 1 litre)
- Hand sanitiser
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Toilet paper and small plastic bags for taking rubbish away
In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Small penknife
In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat
Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Rehydration sachets (dioralyte or similar)
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Ear plugs, particularly if you are a light sleeper
Our Recommendations
- Please don't take a hard sided suitcase. Your luggage should be soft sided and you should pack it into two bags if it weighs more than 15kg so it's easier for the team to transport between camps
- Take a second, smaller bag to pack things you may need during the day such as a book or suncream then you can easily access it during the long lunch break
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
Sustainable tourism
- Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
- Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
- Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
- Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
- Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
- Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.
Did you know?
Did you know?
On this horseback trail in Morocco you stay in riads and desert inns.
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses which are inwardly focussed with an interior courtyard or garden. The main reason for this was the Islamic requirement for privacy for women but they also provided privacy for the whole family and protection from the weather. There are usually no large windows on the exterior walls and all rooms open onto the interior atrium space which often has orange and lemon trees and a fountain.
The walls of riads are adorned with tadelakt plaster and zellige tiles which often depict quotes from the Q'uran in Arabic. Many are very ornate and have been beautifully restored, particularly those in Marrakech and Essaouira.
The riads and inns are very remote and do not provide alcohol, although the fare is delicious and traditional: couscous, tajines, kefta, etc. Water and electricity are precious resources and you will be asked to preserve them as much as possible.
On the blog
Customer reviews
Customer reviews
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Estel New york 3 tripsMarch 2024A perfect first horseback riding holiday. Booked the trip last minute, Iris was extremely helpful with her insights and recommendations to ensure I would have a good time. Upon arrival, Abdel, our guide, did a great job in matching us with the horses based on our riding skills. I rode Rahil, who was a gentle, sure... Read all
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Annabel aged 30 London 1 tripMarch 2024All the horses were incredibly fit, healthy and happy, knew exactly what they were doing and felt totally safe at all times. I rode Usman, he was absolutely perfect for me! Very forward and responsive.
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Kate aged 74 NEW PALTZ 2 tripsJanuary 2024I’ve ridden all over the world and this trip is in the top three. Don’t ask me my horse’s name. Assam was on his bridle so you’ll have to ask Abdel. He was a wonderful animal and once we came to an agreement—I would stay out of his mouth if he would stay with the herd and not tear ahead—all was peaceful in the Kingdom... Read all
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Anna Sofia aged 57 LOS ANGELES 1 tripJanuary 2023
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Suzannah Maria aged 27 PLEASANT HILL 2 tripsJanuary 2023I was so impressed by how well behaved the horses were. I was slightly apprehensive, since I'd never ridden a stallion before this trip, but all of the horses were well behaved and forward-going. Our guides also matched everyone very well with horses appropriate for their skill level. I rode Moonlight and am already... Read all
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Antonia aged 22 Detmold 2 tripsJanuary 2023This trip was absolutely perfect to me, I really enjoyed every second of it. The landscape was different every day and simply beautiful. The food was so good and the guest houses were also beautiful and comfortable. The crew was really wonderful also, I got to ask so many questions about the culture and learned so... Read all
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Dan aged 70 Los Angeles 1 tripNovember 2022An incredible horse riding experience with well trained and spirited horses in the beautiful and varied Saharan desert, all under the guidance of first rate, informative, and friendly guides, who were all too willing to accommodate special requests from the riders, including for different types of meals (pastas!) and... Read all
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Martina aged 57 BERG 10 tripsOctober 2021This trip was a last minute decision, because our first choice wasn´t available. It was my first time in Morocco, and now I can´t understand why I needed so long to go there. There was naturally a lot of walking, but were terrain allowed, there were trots and canters and some of the most amazing gallops I experienced... Read all
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Equus Journeys' reply
Thank you Martina for your kind words, and I am glad we were able to make this last-minute trip happen despite some covid-related challenges! :)
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Janine aged 37 STRAFFAN 2 tripsMarch 2020Floating across the shimmering golden sands of the Sahara Desert atop majestic Arab/Barb Arabian Stallions like the Nomadic Berbers of old, your very own Arabian Nights adventure. My little darling Moonlight is an absolute gem to ride. Incredibley comfortable paces, feels like you truly are floating across the desert.... Read all
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Catherine aged 64 3 tripsJanuary 2020A fantastic riding trip in the desert - riding beautiful forward going stallions across open wild landscapes under bright blue skies. Fantastic guides, good company, and lovely authentic accommodation and food - the guide, Abdel, was an incredible source of information about the country and a very knowledgeable... Read all
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Peter aged 64 1 tripJanuary 2020A great experience from the beginning to the end! Everything was organized perfectly, questions answered within minutes and the local team and guides in Morocco were amazing and so were the horses! The horses were amazing, well looked after and a true pleasure to ride. I was able to look after Rahil for the 6-day ride... Read all
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Equus Journeys' reply
Thank you so much for your feedback! Glad you enjoyed this trail as much as I did :)
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Paul aged 52 Seattle 1 tripJanuary 2019This was a great trip. You ride through some beautiful areas in the desert, staying at wonderful riads, and enjoying excellent food. The guides we're absolutely outstanding. Abdel speaks excellent English and was extremely helpful, not just as a general guide, but also giving tips/training that I specifically sought... Read all
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NICOLE ANNINA aged 27 Burgdorf 1 tripFebruary 2018I made an old dream come true and went for a trail ride on the back of a stallion in the Sahara desert - with spirited but reliable horses, a helpful support team and comfortable accommodation despite in the middle of the desert. The desert landscape was surprisingly varied, from rocky hills over dry riverbeds and... Read all
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Olga aged 42 TURRIFF 4 tripsDecember 2017I had the time of my life ! the view and horse made my time very good and very lovely staff and very helpful. bahar was very good horse a bit slow at first but after couple days i found want made him go fast.
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