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Oasis of Tafilalelt Expedition
Morocco
Morocco
Across the sand dunes of Erfoud to the Oasis of Tafilalelt .... a riding adventure in Morocco
Sand - Oasis - Mountains - Kasbahs ... this is an expedition into the remote parts on southern Morocco. Ride across sand dunes that are up to 150 meters in height, enjoy endless gallops through the desert, ride along palm trees, through oasis and lonely valleys or dry river beds - a dream for desert fans.
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Meeting:
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Ouarzazate
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Airport:
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Ouarzazate
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Transfer:
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Ouarzazate
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2009 | 2010 | 2011
Rates include:
Accommodations - 4 nights hotel and 10 nights camping, meals and 11 riding days
| A | 2009 | 15 day expedition | 15d / 14n | €1665 | $2500 |
| Single supplement | €140 | $210 |
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Ouarzazate included
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Day 1 Arrival in Ouarzazate. Overnight at the hotel. Day 2 In the morning we travel over Boumalne Dadaes to Tinghir, where the horses stand. On the way you will have a first impression of the desert countryside. driving along the valley of thousands Kasbahs, you pass through many villages, but alot of nthe old Kasbahs are ruins today. after a pick-nick in Tinghir you get your horse and a ride of 3 hours will bring you to the camp, passing though many little villages. Overnight in the camp Day 3 Today we follow the dry river valley, on one side we see the endless grey-blue mountain ranges of the Jebel Saghro, on the other side the High Atlas mountains, which are often covert with snow in the winter month. Wherever there are springs we see green gardens grow. Beside one of this gardens we will have a picnic in the shade of the Tamarisktree. In the afternoon we ride over a little hill of Shebel Saghro. we find a salt spring but still the animals are drinking this water. so often you can see the camels or goats of the nomads. Soon we reach the camp of Tindruish. Day 4 Today we ride over sandy plains between palm tree gardens. One big spring gives water for the whole palm oasis. but as the last years where very dry the end of the oasis gets very dry and you see also the palm trees dying. we cross aver a empty river valley and will find our picnic place under palm trees. In the afternoon we follow a dry river course into the mountains. On this plane you can gallop for ever. But then the Plain goes in to the riverbed and we follow slowly between the black mountains. Suddenly a tooth-like, black mountain rises before us, at its feet some palms and oleander grow. There is even a small well, making this place an ideal campsite. Day 5 We leave the stony plateau and gallop again over sandy plains. This flat infinity is very impressive. Sometimes herds of camel converge on lonely wells. We have lunch in an old abandoned fort which was a former military base. The loam construction is still in good condition with typically shaped windows and ornaments. Unfortunately all the wood has ben stolen so there are no more floors and roofs. We continue our ride by the green gardens. This part goes over little sand dunes and through palm trees. Camp close to a well that provides water for this whole oasis. Day 6 The today's palm gardens are part of the oasis of Tafilalelt. Besides them the desert stretches away. In the distance isolated mountains rise. In some places we find again rows of innumerable, small earth hills that cover a waterway system. Many long gallops brings us to the Hotel in the Palmoasis of Rissani. In the afternoon we will visit Rissani - a small desert town. There is the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif a king of the Alaouiten Dynastie. In the center is a small Souk, some cafes and little shops. Three times a week is a bigger market. Then the people of the desert will do their shopping. Night in the Hotel Day 7 After a good breakfast we leave for a long ride towards the Sand dunes of Merzouga. We follow little ways trough the palmerai. sometimes we cross villages . there many children are following us. But a gallop brings us again in the solitude of the Oasis.
Suddenly we are out of the palm trees and a immense plain opens in front of us. If the weather is clear you might already see the rose colored Sand dunes far away. This infinite flat expanse littered with small black stones has no vegetation. Our camp is on the feed of the dunes. There is a spring which brings water for the whole region. So many green gardens are just beside the sand dunes In the afternoon you might walk up the sand dunes and enjoy the beautiful view. These impressive dunes are up to 150 meter in height. Or you enjoy the green gardens where you can walk through or you go in the near village to have a coffee. Day 8 Today is a resting day. You have the possibility to enjoy the sand dunes, or going for a camel ride. May be you just enjoy a slow day or you like to ride along the sand dunes. The horses enjoy running over the little sand dunes . You might discover the nesting places of rare birds. Day 9 In the morning we leave the camp by the sand dunes. After a big rain we can find a lake near Merzouga. Many birds will come to this lake in the time where water is in. So sometimes you can even find the pink Flamingos. Around the lake a few green grass is growing and camel herds come there to eat the grass. Soon we will gallop over a big black plane – it seems to be endless when in front of us the black plane joins the blue sky; Later we cross a empty river valley and follow the white sandy plane. Black and stony parts changes to white sandy planes. In the evening we find the hill of Tinghras. This place is famous as a film place. Many movies are turned in this region. Our camp will be just under this beautiful mountain. Day 10 Today is a long riding day. So we will leave early in the morning. Little sand dunes are crossing our way. Then again we can gallop over big planes . from time to time a little village shoes up. But soon there are no people no ways. We follow lonely valleys. The mountains are covered with red sand. So the black stones shines through the golden sand. One lonely valley follows the other. Finally we will find a well in the middle of the desert. The horses are very thirsty after this long day. But still we have to cross another big valley before finding our camp next to a well in the desert Day 11 Many gallops brings us through Akaziatrees. Then we follow are river valley. Even if the river has only water in rainy time – there is a lot of groundwater. Many villages follow this empty river valley. The water is pumped out of wells and many green fields are growing along the valley. Picnic is on a lonely place under paimtrees; In the afternoon we still follow the same river valley. More and more villages and people shows up. But our camp is again outside in a lonely Palm oasis. Day 12 This morning we cross over a mountain range. In this mountains you can find fossils they are 500 million years old. In a big plane we follow little ways. From time to time you find sheep and goats herds. In between the brown and yellow mountains there is one very black mountain. Finally we come to a canyon. In the middle of this canyons is a little spring with some palm trees. This is a point where all the people crossing the canyon stop. So there is also a little coffee shop where you even can buy a coca cola. In the afternoon we follow the canyon. Then we cross the mountains. In the next plane we will find our camp under palm trees. Day 13 Today is our last riding day. We ride along the Jebel Saghro which is a mountain range of black color. But on the other side we have yellow and brown desert mountains. Over the fine stones on the ground we can even gallop. From time to time we find a little well where the horses can drink. The nomads led always a rope and a bucket by the well. So anybody who comes there can get water out. In a little palm oasis we will have picnic. Some last gallops brings us to the camp near by Tinghrir. We leave the horses and the crew and drive to the hotel in Tinghrir. May be there is still time to drive in to the gorge of Tinghrir. Diner and overnight in the Hotel. Day 14 Today we drive back to Ouarzazate. On the way we will visit the gorge of Boulmane Dades. On the way in the gorges you will see plenty of greenery, mostly figs and almond trees, interspersed with an array of Kasbahs and Ksours. On some places you can see very bizarre formation of the rock. In the afternoon we will come to Ouarzazate . so there is still time to go in the souks of the town. Diner and overnight in the Hotel. Day 15 Departure

Meeting:
Ouarzazate
Airport:
Ouarzazate
Transfer:
Ouarzazate
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Tack:
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English trekking
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Horses:
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Arab, Berber stallions & mares
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Pace:
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5-7 riding hrs per day.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
5
out of 5) Intermediate+
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Tack: Mostly English and some military tracking saddles. Some people bring their own gel-cushion or sheep-skin cover to put over the saddle.
Horses: Mares and stallions of Arab-Berber origin. They aren’t as big as European or American horses, but they are very surefooted and strong and are used to our climate. The stallions are just horses that have a natural leadership urge for "group care" and they do not like to stray too far from the group. When you ride a stallion, you should also pay attention not to get too close to another stallion. They are just as soft in the mouth as the other horses but we would only ask you to pay attention to the other horses. Pace: Fast with many trots and canters
Daily Riding: 5-6 riding hrs
Level: Good Intermediate We ride between 5 and 8 hours per day with mares and stallions, so basically you should be a rider with a good stamina and have some common sense
Horses and Guides: Driss and Rena Erroudani started their riding tours with Hidden Trails in the year 1993, but have been organizing treks on horseback in Morocco since 1982. Rena, once a schoolteacher in Switzerland, came to Meknes in the year 1984 to realize her dream of living in harmony with horses and nature. In love with Morocco and its inhabitants, she'll help you discover another Morocco, away from the beaten track, authentic and enchanting, as your guide on the treks. Driss is a riding instructor who used to work for the National Studfarm of Meknes. He has more than 25 years of experience with horses and he has taught a great many students (a lot of them French) who for the most part have gone on to be high level riders). Together they will help you to realize your passion for horses.
The horses are of Arabian Berber descent: small but shurefooted and possessing great courage and stamina. In Morocco you ride with fairly severe bits -- please ride with a soft hand, but constant contact !
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
What weather can I expect? Sunny weather all year! Isn't that great! Actually, you can expect warm to hot weather with a nice breeze in the open country. At noon, we typically foresee siesta's to stay out of the sun. Except sunny weather most of the time, so bring light yet comfortable clothes with you. Nights can be chilly however, so take some warm clothes as well. but i any moment of the year you might have a thunderstorm. so better you bring a rain coat with you.
How hot can it be? Very hot! You should always have a good suncream with you all the time. It is also strongly recommended to wear something on your head to avoid a sunstroke. The most comfortable clothes in warm environments are covering your body yet are light and airy to make sure that the air can circulate
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.
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!).
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*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
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You will be camping in comfortable tent camps and hotels.
Hotels during your trip:
Ouarzazate: Hotel les Jardin de Ouarzazate Rissani : Kasbah Ennassra Auberge Erg Cheppi Tinghrir: Hotel Tombouktou
Tack: Mostly English and some military tracking saddles. Some people bring their own gel-cushion or sheep-skin cover to put over the saddle.
Horses: Mares and stallions of Arab-Berber origin. They aren’t as big as European or American horses, but they are very surefooted and strong and are used to our climate. The stallions are just horses that have a natural leadership urge for "group care" and they do not like to stray too far from the group. When you ride a stallion, you should also pay attention not to get too close to another stallion. They are just as soft in the mouth as the other horses but we would only ask you to pay attention to the other horses. Pace: Fast with many trots and canters
Daily Riding: 5-6 riding hrs
Level: Good Intermediate We ride between 5 and 8 hours per day with mares and stallions, so basically you should be a rider with a good stamina and have some common sense
Horses and Guides: Driss and Rena Erroudani started their riding tours with Hidden Trails in the year 1993, but have been organizing treks on horseback in Morocco since 1982. Rena, once a schoolteacher in Switzerland, came to Meknes in the year 1984 to realize her dream of living in harmony with horses and nature. In love with Morocco and its inhabitants, she'll help you discover another Morocco, away from the beaten track, authentic and enchanting, as your guide on the treks. Driss is a riding instructor who used to work for the National Studfarm of Meknes. He has more than 25 years of experience with horses and he has taught a great many students (a lot of them French) who for the most part have gone on to be high level riders). Together they will help you to realize your passion for horses.
The horses are of Arabian Berber descent: small but shurefooted and possessing great courage and stamina. In Morocco you ride with fairly severe bits -- please ride with a soft hand, but constant contact !
|
Tack:
|
|
English trekking
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Arab, Berber stallions & mares
|
|
Pace:
|
|
5-7 riding hrs per day.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
5
out of 5) Intermediate+
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
8 riders
|
|
Tack: Mostly English and some military tracking saddles. Some people bring their own gel-cushion or sheep-skin cover to put over the saddle.
Horses: Mares and stallions of Arab-Berber origin. They aren’t as big as European or American horses, but they are very surefooted and strong and are used to our climate. The stallions are just horses that have a natural leadership urge for "group care" and they do not like to stray too far from the group. When you ride a stallion, you should also pay attention not to get too close to another stallion. They are just as soft in the mouth as the other horses but we would only ask you to pay attention to the other horses. Pace: Fast with many trots and canters
Daily Riding: 5-6 riding hrs
Level: Good Intermediate We ride between 5 and 8 hours per day with mares and stallions, so basically you should be a rider with a good stamina and have some common sense
Horses and Guides: Driss and Rena Erroudani started their riding tours with Hidden Trails in the year 1993, but have been organizing treks on horseback in Morocco since 1982. Rena, once a schoolteacher in Switzerland, came to Meknes in the year 1984 to realize her dream of living in harmony with horses and nature. In love with Morocco and its inhabitants, she'll help you discover another Morocco, away from the beaten track, authentic and enchanting, as your guide on the treks. Driss is a riding instructor who used to work for the National Studfarm of Meknes. He has more than 25 years of experience with horses and he has taught a great many students (a lot of them French) who for the most part have gone on to be high level riders). Together they will help you to realize your passion for horses.
The horses are of Arabian Berber descent: small but shurefooted and possessing great courage and stamina. In Morocco you ride with fairly severe bits -- please ride with a soft hand, but constant contact !
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.
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Oasis of Tafilalelt Expedition
Tour Code: PG-MRTL
15 days /
14 nights
~$2,500.00
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
English trekking
Horses:
Arab, Berber stallions & mares
Pace:
5-7 riding hrs per day.
Walk, Trot, Canter, Gallop,
Airport:
Ouarzazate
Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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