Atlas Mountains Horseback Expedition

You will be met at the airport in Marrakesh. If you arrive early in the day then you will be met by a driver and normally taken to downtown Marrakesh where you can have lunch and explore (your bags will be kept in the vehicle) before joining others who have arrived on later flights. You will then be transported to the lodge.

The road takes you into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, and to the gates of the Toubkal National Park. Your first night will be spent at the eco-lodge, Terres d’Amanar, where the stables are based. You can stay in the traditional lodge or tented accommodation, combining natural materials and comfort. The lodge offers exceptional panoramic views over the villages and the mountain peaks. Spend your first evening by the fireside, admiring the stars and the lights of Marrakech which sparkle in the distance before dinner with your fellow adventurers.

After a hearty breakfast taking in the mountain views, you will walk down to the stables. Here you will meet the rest of the camp team and your steed. You will have a short introductory ride to get to know your horse and check compatibility.

Set off westwards towards the foothills of the Kik plateau. The tracks are wide and allow some faster riding so you get to experience all your horse’s paces. You’ll ride along the ridges of the red mountains before setting up camp near the Berber village of Catulte.

About 4 – 5 hours in the saddle.

It’s an early start to your first full day in the saddle. After your camp breakfast, set-off along a narrow path to approach the Kik plateau. The plateau is a limestone outcrop dominated by the chain of High Atlas peaks, some of which reach over 4000m above sea level. You’ll have extraordinary views of Mt Toubkal to the south and the green valleys below, including the glistening Amezmiz and Takerkoust lake.

Riding through this area, you’ll come across traditional villages clinging to the mountainsides. Here you will see people farming and living in a way that has remained unchanged for centuries. Enjoy a picnic lunch after riding through the Tizi N’ousaud Pass. Follow a trail through the pine, oak and juniper forests to set-up camp near the village of Tinzerte, around 1300m above sea level.

About 5 – 6 hours in the saddle.

Today you ride through the Tassa Ouirgane, a valley of rich soil and sparkling water within the Mountains. Ride through olive groves and traditional crops which benefit from this ideal climate created by the higher altitude. Continue through the Wadi Azaden, one of the most picturesque valleys of the Toubkal massif. The region is home to some of the most beautiful Berber villages in the High Atlas.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the edge of the Wadi Azerfssane and then ride along the Azzadne valley mountain paths to reach the Berber village of Tiziane. Here you will overnight in a traditional cottage or set up camp.

About 5 – 6 horse in the saddle.

Start the day by ascending the Tizi N’Oudide pass at 2100m and then drop down to the village of Matate in the valley of Ghighaya. Picnic at the edge of the Wadi Aguerssiwal, and then after lunch cross the saddle of the Aguerssiwal Pass at 1500m. The riding can be tough, but the tree covered mountains and view make it worthwhile.

Ride through the valley of Imnane and enjoy the high mountain atmosphere and endless views. Your camp is at the base of the Toubkal massif at Tacheddirt, the highest Berber village in the Atlas Mountains at around 2350m above sea level. The mountain peaks of Aksoual rise up above the camp creating an impressive backdrop.

About 6 – 7 hours in the saddle.

It’s an early start today and you’ll need a good breakfast to get you though the long day ahead. Today you ride over the highest pass of the trail, riding between the walls of Angour and Oukamaidento, crossing the Tizi n’Addi Pass at 2910m above sea level. This may involve a hike and you will have to help your horse over some of the tricky sections. You will be rewarded with splendid panoramic views of all the High Atlas and Toubkal – the roof of Morocco!

After the very tricky narrow path, the track thankfully opens up allowing you to pick up the pace to reach the pastures of Oukamaiden. Here you will enjoy a well-deserve picnic lunch in the pastures while your horse grazes. Then there is a final climb up Tizi N’Oukaimeden pass to access the western side and then descend along a beautiful track overlooking the plains of Haouz to reach your camp near Ifghane.

About 6 – 7 hours in the saddle, and about 1-hour walking.

Continue descending to the lower valleys and into Asni, the capital of the region. Saturday is the Souk (market) day and you will meet many mules and donkeys along the way laden with all kinds of treasures. Follow a path through a forest of junipers and oaks to reach your picnic spot in the shade of the Aleppo pines at the foot of Jebel Choucht. After lunch there are some brilliant tracks for a last long canter before finally returning to the stables at Terres d’Amanar. Enjoy a swim before your last meal with your fellow adventurers.

About 5 – 6 hours in the saddle.

After a last hearty breakfast and some last free-time at the lodge, you will be transferred to the airport. If time allows, you might have a few hours to explore Marrakesh en-route.