Magic of the Sahara

Introduction
Morocco Morocco

The desert: fascinating, grandiose, endless, and always originating where sand, wind and sun form a union with one single goal - to create infinity.  We ride across dunes shaped by winds, and through one of Morocco’s most beautiful landscapes - the Draa-Valley.  On account of the Draa River, nature presents itself in a colorful way - palm groves heavy with yellow fruits, blossoming  laurel trees, oasis, hot springs, gardens and typical villages built from clay as is the old Cashbah style.  This trail is ideal for competent riders in good physical condition, who enjoy fast gallops and long trots.

Accomodation

This ride has very few amenities - only for adventurous riders - excellent riding !

The first and last night hotel:
Hotel Zaghro (or similar) in Ourzazate

First and last night at the hotel in Ouarzazate (room with private bath) - dinners are not included when staying at the hotel. While on the trail, we stay in camps or private quarters, all meals included (full American Plan). While camping you stay in simple 2-person tents. There may be a chance to take a shower on Day 4, otherwise no warm water is provided for washing. Please bring a washcloth for washing when camping.

Riding

Horses:
Horses are mostly of Berber-Arabian descent; they aren’t very tall but have stamina. They are of wonderful composure and friendly. Although most of the stallions are well-tempered, they need to be handled firmly and consequently. Please keep recommended distance and don’t put stallions and mares too close together. Also, please keep the original riding order at all times. 

Desert riding:
Contrary to what you may think - the desert is not all just sand. There are many places where the ground is rocky and trails can be tricky. It is not possible to canter everywhere - in some areas you may even need to lead your horse. Your guide will point out the more difficult placves to you. It is in general always better to let your horse guide you - they know the area better than you do.

Guides:
Nadia Balvet, a very nice Moroccon lady is in charge of the organization. Her guides, who are mostly Moroccon, will guide the ride. There is usually one horse guide, one cook and one driver for the supply vehicle. With groups of 8 to 12 riders, there will be a second ride guide with the group. The Moroccona mentality has a more reserved and respectful attitude. It  may seem that the guide is quiet, so do not hesitate to ask questions. Their English may not be very fluent, so don't give up too soon, they can communicate with you. They all speak French.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at the Ouarzazate Airport, transfer to the hotel, overnight in Ouarzazate. Dinner at the hotel is not included. If you arrive at the bus terminal, please take a taxi to the hotel (~$8)
Day 2: Early morning transfer to Zagora ( approx 6 am - 2.5 hour drive), where we begin our ride.  We get to know our horses, and after a sumptuous picnic, we ride along the Draa-Valley irrigation canals, the “Ksar’s” (typical villages) and palm groves.  Overnight at Biwak.
Day 3:  A relatively fast paced ride takes us to the canyons of l’Oued Draa, where the river runs over a cliff.  We enjoy a picnic close to an ancient Ksar village, before continuing to Tagounit, where  we set camp in a palm grove.
Day 4: On horse back, we climb the Foum Larsam Mountain and enjoy endless views over sand and dunes that surround M’hamid - the gate to the desert.  The wide open spaces and firm sand are inviting for extensive and fast gallops.  The day ends with an overnight at a traditional house where we enjoy the hospitality of the Draa-Valley people.
Day 5: Today’s ride takes us into the Sahara.  Leaving the protective shade of the palm grove, we gallop across sand dunes, through dry, oven-hot river beds, until we stop in the middle of  nowhere  to spend the night in a “Biwak” by a well.
Day 6: Sand, hot sand that is,  - and at the horizon the silhouette of a smaller mountain range.  We ride into the sun set, coloring the far away cliffs in red and purple shades.  Last nomadic “Biwak” camp that has been set up near a well by our friends, traditional camel breeder. 
Day 7: We take an early rise and a spirited gallop takes us to Zagora, just in time for a lunch picnic.  In the shade of palm trees, we return to our original trail head of the enchanting Draa-Valley. We part from our two and four-legged friends and stay the night at the hotel in Ouarzazate.
Day 8:  Transfer to the airport after breakfast.
   subject to change

Rates and Dates for Magic of the Sahara

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Ouarzazate
Airport: Ouarzazate
Transfer: Ouarzazate Airport

Climate:

Morocco has a subtropical climate that is tempered by oceanic effects resulting in moderate temperatures. In January, these average 16°C (61°F) and 22°C (72°F) in August.. Towards the interior, winters are colder and summers warmer. Thus, in Fès the mean temperature is 10°C (50°F) in January and 27°C (81°F) in August. Some mountain peaks are covered with snow during most of the year.

Please make sure to bring warm clothes for the winter rides!

Rain falls mainly during the winter months and is heaviest in the northwest and lightest in the east and south. The average annual precipitation is about 955 millimetres (about 38 inches) in Tangier, 430 millimetres (17 inches) in Casablanca. Spring and fall are very pleasant. Temperatures from March to May and from September to October are between 19-29° C or 66-84 F. Summers are very hot with temperatures up to (and over) 35° C or 95 F (nights are considerably cooler!).

The clothes and items that you need should be taken in a soft duffel bag and will follow you in a support vehicle while you are riding.

Ideal for riding are breeches and high boots. We do not recommend rubber boots due to the heat, although jeans and cowboy boots are fine. Bring long-sleeved cotton shirts as protection from the sun; it is nice to wear a T-shirt underneath so that the long sleeved shirt can be removed if it gets too hot. All riders should have a wide brimmed hat or cowboy hat with a chin strap to keep it on while riding.

While camping you will need a sleeping bag, flashlight, a pocket knife and we suggest you carry a lighter or some matches. A warm up suit, tennis shoes, warm sweater and camelback, canteen or water bottle. You do need to plenty of drinking carry water.

ATTENTION LADIES: IN ORDER NOT TO OFEND MUSLIM CUSTOMS, PLEASE DO NOT WEAR SEE-THROUGH BLOUSES, TANK TOPS OR SHORTS IN THE CITIES AND VILLAGES. SHORTS ARE OKAY WHEN IN CAMP.

Men can wear shorts anywhere. We find it handy to bring a belt pack in which to put small items and camera while riding. Some saddle bags will be provided (one saddle bag for every 2-3 people) for the necessaries such as paperback book and cards which you may want during the long lunch breaks, water bottle (very important that you bring a water bottle). A 'seat saver' may add to your comfort while riding.

You need to bring your own sleeping bag. A sleeping mat is provided.

The temperature at night could be very low (about 0 degree Celsius = 32 degree Fahrenheit) so you need a warm sleeping bag! Sandstorm is always a possibility. You sleep in simple 2-person tents. Most of the camps are "in the middle of nowhere" - so there are no toilets or sanitary facilities. 

Note:  there are no possibilities to charge batteries etc during the trail days. There is no electricity in camp.