|
Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Morocco
Intro to Morocco
----------------------------
 Northern AfricaMiddle East
|
|
|
|
|
|
Magic of the Sahara
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. Our ride starts from Zagora along the
Draa
Valley irrigation canals from where we encounter ksars (typical villages) and palm groves. At a relatively fast pace the ride takes us to the canyons of l’Oued Draa before climbing the Foum Larsam Mountain and enjoying endless views over sand and dunes that surround M’hamid - the gate to the desert. Finally we enter the Sahara: leaving the protective shade of the palm grove, we gallop across sand dunes and through dry, oven-hot river beds, until we stop in the middle of nowhere. We are surrounded by sand, hot sand that is; on the horizon sits the silhouette of a small mountain range. We ride into the sunset, coloring the far away cliffs in red and purple shades. A last spirited gallop takes us back to Zagora to end our riding adventure.
Discover another Morocco, nearly another planet, with the rhythm of Arab and Berber horses, the savage and isolated southeast of the country - the Sahara desert. During this trip you will discover Berber villages and nomads camped among sand dunes. The Draa Valley landscapes are among the most beautiful in Morocco: endless palm groves, springs and gardens, and villages of clay houses like the Kasbah of old. And of course, the desert: golden sand dunes and boundless areas for cantering
This trip is dedicated to
experienced riders, able to perform long trots and enjoy gallops.
The mostly
flat ground allows a heavy rhythm which can be more intense than on other rides.
|
Camping Ride with vehicle support
Progressive Ride (no camping)
|
|
Meeting:
|
Ouarzazate
|
|
Airport:
|
Ouarzazate
|
|
Transfer:
|
Ouarzazate Airport
|
|
Riders:
|
Min
4 riders
Max
12 riders
|
|
Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
|
|
|
|
Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations (2 nights hotel, 5 nights camping), most meals, 6 riding days
| A | 2012 | 8 day trip, AP | 8d / 7n | €975 | $1310 |
| Single hotel room on request | €0 | $0 |
Transfer Option:
|
2012
|
Transfer from Ouarzazate Airport included
|
Transfers are only available from/to the airport in Ouarzazate. If you arrive by bus, you will need to take a taxi to your first night's hotel.
Rates do not include:
Meals at the hotel on first and last day (brekfast only). Drinks.
Day 1 Arrival at the Ouarzazate Airport, transfer to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel is not included. If you arrive via bus, please take a taxi from the terminal to the hotel (around ~ $8).
Day 2 Transfer by taxi or minibus to Zagora (approx
6am), a 2.5 hour drive, the starting point of the ride. We meet and get
acquainted with our horses. After a delicious picnic, we begin our ride
following the Drâa Valley through palm groves and irrigation channels. We will
ride through typical Kasbah villages known as ksars. Overnight at our first biwak.
Day 3
This journey will induce us to trot and gallop
toward the Drâa Gorge, where the river crosses a rocky barrier. We will picnic
close to the ruins of an ancient ksar before heading toward Tagounit and its
palm groves, where we will set our camp.
Day 4
After crossing the Foum Larsam pass, we will
have a fantastic view of sand dunes around M'Hamid (the gate to the desert),
the highlight of our day. 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 Drâa Valley people.
Day 5
Today
the sand dunes beckon and the only way to meet them is to leave the palm groves to walk in the Sahara, where dry rivers await us. Leaving the protective shade of the palm grove, we gallop across sand dunes Then, in the middle of nowhere, there is a well - an oasis
- where we will set up our biwak.
Day 6
Sometimes made of sand (called "erg"),
or of stone (named "reg"), the desert surrounds us, Saharan
trails, intersecting, and far away, there is the relief of a small mountain range.
At the end of the day, the rocks seem to become simultaneously pink and purple
under the sunset light. The last camp is close to a well used by Saharan
families, with in the distance the imperceptible line of hills surrounding
Zagora.
Day 7
This morning, an early aids us to reach Zagora
for the picnic. Last trots and gallops, and here appears the protective shadow
of palm trees, the freshness of the water of the channel, and again the river
Drâa. This is the end of the ride and we have to say goodbye to our new four legged friends. Transfer back to Ouarzazate and over night at the
hotel.
Day 8 Transfer to the airport after breakfast.
-- Itinerary is indicative and subject to change --
Meeting:
Ouarzazate
Airport:
Ouarzazate
Transfer:
Ouarzazate Airport
Transfers are only available from/to the airport in Ouarzazate. If you arrive by bus, you will need to take a taxi to your first night's hotel.
|
Tack:
|
|
English
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Arab and Berb
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate to fast riding with stallions and mares together.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
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 places 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 Moroccon 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.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
PassportsPassport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart.Passport NoteVisitors should ensure that their passports are stamped when they ent. more
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 OFFEND 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.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
|
|
| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
|
|
| RIDING GEAR |
| Comfortable light weight riding breeches |
| Long or short riding boots (not rubber) |
| Long sleeved cotton shirts |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Light riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
| Raingear |
|
|
| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Cotton blouses/shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Jogging suit |
| Tennis shoes |
| |
| For Camping trips: |
| Sleeping Bag (sleeping mat is provided) |
| Flash light |
| Wash cloth |
| Towel and soap, wet naps and or/toilet paper |
| |
| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
| Lighter or matches |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun block |
| Pocket knife |
| Canteen or water bottle or camelback . You will need to buy extra drinking water. |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
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.
|
Tack:
|
|
English
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Arab and Berb
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate to fast riding with stallions and mares together.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
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 places 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 Moroccon 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.
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Visitors should ensure that their passports are stamped when they enter the country.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months.
Visa Note
(a) Visa extensions are possible upon request at the nearest police station. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
|
|
|
|
Magic of the Sahara
Tour Code:
PR-MKTS
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,310.00
Dates :
Jan-March, Nov-Dec
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
English
Horses:
Arab and Berb
Pace:
Moderate to fast riding with stallions...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Gallop,
Airport:
Ouarzazate
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
|