Horses, Dunes & Nomads in Morocco

Today you will arrive in Morocco. Book your international flights to either Ouarzazate or Marrakesh airports where you will be met by one of the team. If you fly to Marrakesh you will need to arrive before 14:00 to allow for the four-hour transfer (extra cost) to Ouarzazate. In Ouarzazate you will be transferred to your hotel and have the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy your first traditional dinner with the rest of your group as you get acquainted. It is then off to bed for an early night to get ready for the adventure ahead!

It will be an early start, meeting in reception at 7am, but you will no doubt be rearing to go. It’s a long drive as you hit the road and head towards Zagora through the Drâa valley. This is a scenic journey taking you through Tansikht and then along the Jebel Sagho mountain chain to cross Nkob and Tazzarine. Leave the asphalt road behind for the final 60km of dirt track. The drive is around 6 hours in total – 420km is tar and 60km is dirt. Stop for a picnic lunch en-route under the shade of the trees.

At the end of the track, you will be introduced to your guide and ground team. They will introduce you to their herd of stallions and give you time to get acquainted when you saddle up. Set out on your first ride across the dune fields and rocky wadis to reach your cosy inn for the night.

About 2 – 3 hours in the saddle.

Rise bright and early ready for a day in the saddle. After breakfast, saddle up and ride out of Tafraoute Village, heading to the Ahbouche Ktkouyte plateau (Tafraoute Lake). This morning’s route takes you across flat sandy ground which is great for some faster canters.

You will be riding in the foothills of Tattihate, taking in the breath-taking landscapes of the Sahara Desert with its endless dunes and rock formations in the background. This evening will be spent in a comfortable desert riad located in Mharech Valley.

About 4 – 6 hours in the saddle.

This morning you will head further south into the desert, often meeting local desert nomads along the way. There is some slower riding as you traverse the thicker desert sands. You will cross the picturesque Chouiref plateau and head towards the abandoned village of N’Oubahllou, then on to the orange dunes of Remlia. After the dunes of Remlia, weave and wind your way between the mountains, dunes, and small palm groves.

Spend the night in a comfortable inn after watching the sunset from the top of a high dune.

About 4 – 5 hours in the saddle.

Today you adventure along the splendid Ouzina sand hills. The scenery will move from striking dunes, to vast plateaus and then rocky mountains. Another day in the Sahara draws to a close in the village of Taghaouchtn-Jdaid, one of the rare places with permanent water.

About 4 – 5 hours in the saddle.

On your ride this morning the landscape will change once more. It will become dotted with tamarisk (small salt cedar trees). The trail will lead you through this alien landscape to the foot of the highest dunes in Morocco called the Chebbi Erg.

It is in this beautiful setting you will spend the night at a comfortable riad at the foot of the dunes.

About 5 hours in the saddle.

You spend the last morning riding through the Chebbi Erg for your last taste of the Moroccan dunes. After bidding a sad goodbye to your faithful steed and the team that lead you through this beautiful country, you will hop back into the 4WD. Drive in the direction of Erfoud, Boumalne Dades, across the 1,000 Kasbah Valley until you reach Ouarzazate.

Upon arrival in Ouarzazate, you will settle into the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Your final night’s dinner will be at a restaurant in town. You will share laughs and stories about the week’s adventures with your group.

About 3 hours in the saddle.

After breakfast transfer to Ouarzazate airport for your return flight. If departing from Marrakesh your flight should depart after 16:00 (to allow for the four-hour transfer) or add a few extra days to explore the bustling city life.