Packages and Options

Day 1: Arrival at the Ouarzazate Airport, transfer to the hotel, overnight in Ouarzazate. Dinners at the hotel are not included.
Day 2: Transfer to Zagora ( 2.5 hour drive by taxi or van), 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

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. Don't forget your swim suit!

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. 

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

The first and last night hotel:

Hotel Zaghro (or similar)
Tabounte
km 1,5 route de Zagora
Ourzazate
Tel: 04-44854135
Fax: 04-44854709


First and last night at the hotel in Ouarzazate (room with private bath) (dinner not included). 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.

YOUR GUIDES
Nadia Balvet, a very nice Moroccon lady is in charge of the organization. Her husband, Stephane Balvet, who is French and has lived in Morocco for many years, will guide the ride with one or two more Moroccon horsemen. The ride will be accompanied by a driver (supply vehicle with all baggage) and a Moroccon cook.


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.