Our horse riding holidays in Morocco offer trails through various landscapes. Adventure through the world-famous Sahara deserts to discover date palm oases and the Berber communities that live there. Journey through the stunning, and sometimes even snow-capped, Atlas Mountains or gallop down the smooth white beaches and rugged coastline of Essaouira.
Enjoy horse riding in Morocco during any season. This year-round destination particularly comes into its own for those looking to escape for some winter sun! Morocco is easily accessible, and whilst being only a stone’s throw away from Europe, offers a vastly different and rich cultural experience. You can easily extend your trail ride to include a few days of experiencing the incredible city of Marrakesh and all it has to offer. We welcome all types of travellers, from single riders, couples, families, or groups of friends – as long as you have a sense of adventure, there is a ride for you!
For More Info About Horse Riding in Morocco
From the rugged Atlas Mountains to the sweeping Sahara Desert and coastal trails along the Atlantic and Mediterranean, there are plenty of picturesque terrains to explore on horseback. Horse riding holidays in Morocco are for the adventurous intermediate and above riders. The rides are trail-based, cover vast distances and cross some challenging terrain. On all these rides you are mounted on Barb or Barb Arabian horses, most of which are stallions. They have big hearts and small feet – perfectly adapted to the terrain.
The pace is varied, walking along the trickier sections before picking up the pace as the trails become wider. Most of the canters are single file, but on some routes, it’s possible to spread out and race across the sands if the terrain allows. You must be willing and able to groom, saddle and bridle your own horse. On some trails, it is also necessary to dismount and lead your horse across tricky sections – but you will be rewarded with incredible views!
Pronounced ‘Essa-weir-a’ it has evolved into a chic seaside town but continues to have a busy port and boat-building industry. You can watch the local fishermen in action as they perch on the rocks, stroll along the ramparts, get lost in the bustling medina or watch the sun go down on the beautiful large beach. Riding through the Argan forests, you’re greeted by unforgettable views of vast empty beaches below. For some of the best beach riding in the world, Essaouira is hard to beat
Morocco is perhaps most famous for being part of the Sahara Desert. The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world and the third-largest desert after Antarctica and the Arctic. For those wanting to explore this unique desert, ride through the south-central part of Morocco. Our desert trail begins in Ouarzazate, the ‘door of the desert’. Ride from here to discover the varying desert landscapes and scenery, ranging from iconic high dunes, open plateaus and the oasis-filled Draa Valley. Several films, such as Lawrence of Arabia, have been shot here
For those seeking adventure, a bucket-list horseback trail is high in the Atlas Mountains. Spend your days horse riding through the dramatic peaks, weaving in and out of pine, oak and cedar woodlands, open pastureland, and past clean small lakes. The views are sometimes dizzying as you ride along the narrow paths, putting all your trust in your sure-footed steed
RIDING STALLIONS
The horses are mainly stallions, with the herd made up of Barb and crossbred Barb/Arabians. They are responsive, forward-going, fit and know their job – making for excellent trail horses and fun riding
CHALLENGING RIDING
The riding here is for those who are confident in the saddle and able to control their mount in open landscapes and at a fast pace. It is advisable to be physically fit as you will need to lead your horse on foot up or down steeper terrain at some stages during your ride. This is a real adventure for those up for a challenge!
VARIED TERRAIN
You will experience a mix of paces; set to suit whichever terrain you are riding over. You can experience some periods of slower riding as you cover rocky or very soft ground. However, these are interspersed with fast canters and ‘release-you-inner-cowgirl’ gallops
RIDE ACROSS THE SAHARA DESERT
Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert on a horse safari. Ride across vast sand dunes, witness stunning sunsets, and camp under the stars for a truly unforgettable adventure. Local guides can lead you through the desert, providing insights into the unique flora and fauna adapted to this arid environment
IMMERSING YOURSELF IN A UNIQUE CULTURE
Morocco has so much to offer travellers with its ancient history, exotic culture, unique lifestyle, and traditional food. Horses are a big part of their culture, and they are very important to the local community, so riders are always warmly welcomed
GETTING YOUR HANDS DIRTY
Horses are an important part of the Moroccan culture and a riding holiday allows you to see the special role they play. You will get a very hands-on experience in Morocco and form a unique bond with your horse throughout your stay. You will get to groom your own horse, look after them throughout your horse riding holiday and learn a different riding style. Fall asleep under the stars with your trusty steed tethered nearby
LOCAL MARKETS
Immerse yourself in the local markets of the communities around you. Here you will get the chance to buy traditional spices, handwoven baskets, pottery and other antiques that you can take home as a reminder of your adventure!
CAMP UNDER THE STARS
Take in the night sky with your horses tethered nearby. Enjoy an open fire whilst chatting amongst your new friends under the starlit sky – a surreal experience. The clear night skies offer a perfect backdrop for star gazing.
LOCAL FISHING VILLAGES
Witness the local fishermen bring in their catch of the day and learn more about what goes into the authentic process. Get the chance to enjoy unbelievably fresh fish just out of the ocean and cooked on an open fire!
HISTORIC CITIES
Morocco is home to ancient cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca. Explore their narrow winding streets, visit historic palaces and mosques, and immerse yourself in the vibrant markets known as souks. Don’t miss the iconic Djemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech
SCENIC FLIGHTS & HELICOPTER FLIPS
Morocco’s culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, and European influences. During your horse riding holiday, you can engage in cultural experiences such as traditional tea ceremonies or learn to cook flavorful tagines and couscous dishes
PHOTOGRAPHY
Capture the vibrant colors, diverse landscapes, and unique architecture of Morocco through photography tours. From bustling markets to scenic landscapes, there’s ample opportunity for stunning shots.
There is a variety of accommodation options whilst horse riding in Morocco. The Essaouira and Atlas Mountain rides have a mix of hotel stays and a simple mobile camp which will be moved on each day. As you ride the distance between camps, a support vehicle will be there to meet you for a delicious lunch and then head out ahead to set up camp for your arrival. The camp consists of shared dome tents and a large mess tent for eating and relaxing. Guests will often be asked to help set out the tents and the horses will be tethered nearby.
For our Desert trail, you will spend each night at a comfortable riad (local inn) or lodge in small communities in the desert. There is a smaller number of rooms at some of the riads, so there is a limit to the number of guaranteed single rooms. The riding will not be the only highlight of your holiday…The food is also excellent. Typically, meals begin with hot and cold salads and is followed by a tagine which may be served with couscous. Alcohol is not provided and not easily purchased during your trip. Therefore, it is best if you bring your own alcohol from home or from duty-free if you wish.
Morocco is a wonderful mix of both Africa and the Middle East in one. Having both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines and a rugged mountainous interior meant Morocco remained largely independent for centuries. The culture of Morocco is as diverse as its landscapes. Many consider its culture to be a blend of ethnic tradition and religion, reflecting the Berber, African, Arabs, and Jewish influence. During your trails, you will find the Berber influence is the most prominent way of life of the Moroccan people out in the desert and high in the Atlas Mountains. The cuisine differs from region to region, but the meals cooked for you after a long day in the saddle are mainly those of the Berbers. Trail ride into new scenery as well as a totally new culture.
From the moment you touchdown in Morocco you will have 24-hour support throughout your trip. You will be greeted upon arrival and from then on will be looked after by the knowledgeable team on the ground. Being part of a group makes these rides great for even solo travellers. The risk to travellers in Morocco is low, and no more dangerous than popular places you might visit in the US or Europe.
Morocco’s dress code is relaxed for tourists. However, it is a largely conservative nation and therefore it is considered respectful to the culture to follow suit. We recommend long loose-fitting trousers, jeans and tops that cover the shoulders when not riding. When horse-riding, usual riding attire is absolutely fine, but long sleeves are best for sun protection.
Morocco has different riding locations all year round. It is lush and green during the Spring months (mid-March to May), before summer sets in, making it the perfect time to head to the High Atlas Mountains. As summer approaches head to Morocco’s Atlantic coastline where the breeze keeps you cool. In winter venture deep into the Moroccan desert. The desert trails run from October to April with highs of 20DC during the day, making great riding weather.
Absolutely, it is extremely easy to add on 2 to 5 nights exploring everything Marrakesh has to offer. Experience the exotic, mysterious and enchanting city. Explore the old medina, weave your way through the bustling souks, and the hectic main square of the Jemaa el Fna – A sensory explosion. Marrakech is also a buzzing modern city, with an increasingly happening culture and nightlife.
Currently, travellers from Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States can enter Morocco for up to 90 days for the purpose of tourism without a visa (please check ahead of travel).
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