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Riding holiday near Marrakech

Moroccan escapade

4 days / 2.5 days riding from £ 405

Riding levels

Each of our trips is assigned a minimum level of riding ability required. This reflects whether there is technical riding required; the terrain to be covered; the liveliness of the horses; the length of the riding days and the riding fitness required.

For novice riders, these riding holidays will give beginners the chance to get used to being in the saddle. In general, a beginner/ novice hasn't learned how to canter and has not yet mastered rising trot. They are able to mount safely and to control a horse at a walk.

For intermediate riders who are at ease at 2 paces (walk and rising trot and are starting to canter in a forward seat) out in open countryside. The intermediate rider is able to mount and dismount their horse unassisted, use basic riding aids, ride at a rising trot for at least 10 minutes, to change and control the pace from a walk to a trot and comfortably canter over short distances.

For experienced riders who have mastered all 3 paces (walk, rising trot, canter in a forward seat) over uneven terrain. The experienced rider rides regularly, has a good seat and is confident of their own ability. They are able to control the horse at speed and change direction of their horse at any pace and in any circumstance as needed.

For advanced riders who have mastered all 4paces (walk, rising trot, canter gallop in a forward seat) over uneven terrain on all types of horses including those that are very spirited. The advanced rider rides regularly has good physical fitness, has good soft hands and has the ability to gallop for long stretches without getting tired.

For all riders, whether they are novices, intermediate level, experienced or advanced. Each rider will be allocated a horse that is suited to their ability. These riding holidays have a level of difficulty that can be adapted to the capabilities of each rider. For example: working with cattle on a ranch, dressage training, endurance training, natural horsemanship, trail riding orcentre based safaris.

For beginners and intermediate level riders. Each rider will be allocated a horse that is suited to their ability level. These riding holidays have a level of difficulty that can be adapted to the capability of each rider. For example: working with cattle on a ranch, dressage training, endurance ridingtraining natural horsemanship and centre based safaris.

For beginners, intermediate level and experienced riders. Each rider will be allocated a horse that is suited to their ability level. These riding holidays have a level of difficulty that can be adapted to the capabilities of each rider. For example: working with cattle on a ranch, dressage training, endurance ridingtraining natural horsemanship and centre based safaris.

For intermediate level and experienced riders. Each rider will be allocated a horse that is suited to their ability level. These riding holidays have a level of difficulty that can be adapted to the capabilities of each rider. For example: working with cattle on a ranch, dressage training, long-distance ridingtraining,endurance ridingtraining natural horsemanship and centre based safaris.

For intermediate level, experiencedand advanced riders. Each rider will be allocated a horse that is suited to their ability level. These riding holidays have a level of difficulty that can be adapted to the capabilities of each rider. For example: working with cattle on a ranch, dressage training, long-distance ridingtrainingendurance ridingtraining natural horsemanship and centre based safaris.

For experiencedand advanced riders. Each rider will be allocated a horse that is suited to their ability level. These riding holidays have a level of difficulty that can be adapted to the capabilities of each rider. For example: working with cattle on a ranch, dressage training, long-distance ridingtraining,endurance ridingtraining natural horsemanship and centre based safaris.

EQUUS JOURNEYS Fingerpost Cottage
Hopton Wafers
Shropshire, DY140NA. UK
Phone : +44 (0) 1905 388977
INFO@EQUUS-JOURNEYS.COM

MOROCCO-Moroccan escapade

4 days / 2.5 days riding from 405£

Activity :

Level :

Comfort :

Family starting from 6 ans

Escape your daily life with a riding holiday to discover the Berber culture. Close to Marrakech, this short-break in the Atlas mountains offers you charm and varied scenery. The lodge blends into the landscape and the area traversed on horseback is magnificent and wild. An ideal option for mixed groups of riders and non-riders.

Strengths

- The beauty of the landscape and the comfort of the lodge nestled below Toubkal mountain.
- Ideal for non-riders as plenty of different activities on offer: mountain bikes, yoga, hiking, climbing...
- Tasty Moroccan cooking
- Ride traditional Moroccan Barb and Arabian horses which are well schooled and well balanced
- The lodge is an eco-lodge which respects the local traditions, follows a strict environmental charter and employs local staff wherever possible.
- Children are welcome at the lodge from 6 years but please bear in mind that there are no ponies and so riding children should be experienced and used to riding of horses of c.15hh.

Itinerary

Day 1 : LONDON - MARRAKECH - ATLAS MOUNTAINS - 2 hours riding

Accommodation : LODGE

Daytime flight to Marrakech - flight is not included but we can assist with this on request.

You will be met in the airport and transferred c. 40min to the lodge. If you arrive in time for lunch then this can be provided by the lodge but is payable locally.

In the afternoon you will meet the horses and set out on your first ride - this ride is a chance to get to know your mount and for your guide to assess your ability. Return to the lodge before sunset for dinner and to overnight.

If you arrive too late to ride the you will be simply transferred to the lodge in time for dinner and to overnight.

Day 2 : TOUBKAL AND HAOUZ PLAIN - 4-5 hours riding

Accommodation : LODGE

After breakfast you will meet at the stables for a full day ride. Head out on a path through woodland until join a pass which offers panoramic views of the Toubkal massif on one side and the plain of Haouz with the plateau of Kik on the other. Descend on a track to the Asni river where you have lunch beside the river.
In the afternoon you ride high to the summit of Djebel Khalout (1,545m) which towers above the town of Moulay Brahim. Descend by a steep path to join a track where you can experience a succession of trots and canters.

Day 3 : FOREST AND VALLEY OF IRAKEN - 4-5 hours riding

Accommodation : LODGE

After breakfast, you ride in the direction of the high mountains of Toubkal. A small twisting path takes you into the valley where you cross several traditional small towns built of dry stone. Then you follow a wide path, ideal for some trots and canters, which rises uphill to a beautiful forest of Alep pine. Lunch is taken on the summit under the shadow of pines, with a fantastic view over the valley of Tahnnaoute and the plain of Haouz.
The afternoon begins by following a mule path under the pines before emerging onto a track which follows the valley to Outghal village, from where there is a nice view of the Oukaimeden mountain range. Ride back to the stables along the riverbank.

Day 4 : ATLAS MOUNTAINS - MARRAKECH - LONDON -

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to London.

If you arrived late on Day 1 then it is possible to have a final short ride on horseback this morning. Lunch can be provided by the lodge at extra cost - payable locally.You will then be transferred back to the airport in the afternoon.

Extensions : If you wish to extend your time in Morocco to include a hotel or riad in Marrakech, or to explore the country further then we would be happy to assist you.

Price details

- Flights are not included

- You can arrive and depart on any day and stay for as long as you like - the above dates are purely to give you an idea. Additional day: approx £130 per day and per person (in a standard double room), depending on season. Please contact us for a detailed quotation.

- Groups are composed from 1 rider to a maximum of 10 riders. If there is only one rider in the group, a small group supplement applies (transfers and single room): £110.

- Discounts are possible for children - please enquire for more details.

- There is a single supplement of c. £95 if you end up in your own room or if you would like to guarantee a single room.

- Accommodation in Berber tents (shared toilets/bathroom) is also possible.

- There are many optional activities on offer and some are at extra cost, such as mountain biking and zip wires - these are paid locally.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

PRICE INCLUDES

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider

Inland transport

Airport transfers

Accommodation

Double room - lodge

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 4

OPTION

Accommodation

Single room supplement

PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE

Meals

Potential lunches on D1 and D4 are not included in the price

Transports

International flights bookable on request

Extra

Non-riders activities

Extras

Tips to the local team

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

TIPS

It is customary to tip the local team as a gesture of thanks and we would recommend c. £30 for the week, but you should give what you feel is right.

HORSES

The horses are all Barb Arabs or Arabian geldings or stallions. They are tough and keen but sensible and sure-footed across the varied terrain. The stallions are suitable for experienced riders as they need be handled with softness and you have to maintain distance from the other riders, but the geldings are suitable for less confident riders. All of the horses are well schooled. Their average height is 15 hands.

Maximum rider weigh: 95kg

MINIMUM RIDING ABILITY

All abilities are welcome, from beginners to competent riders. Riding groups are split according to ability. Non-riders are also welcome as there are many activities available for them.

Please note that the horses are c. 15hh so if you weigh over 90kg or are taller than 6ft 5inches then please contact us before booking so that we can check there is a suitable mount for you. Please also bear this in mind when considering this destination for children as there are no small ponies.

PACE

The riding is mainly at walk due to the terrain, however, there are opportunities for trots and canters where the terrain allows.

TACKING ABILITY AND PARTICIPATION

You will be expected to assist with grooming, tacking up and untacking your horse each day but instruction and help is available if you are new to this. You are also welcome to participate in the general care of the horses such as feeding and watering if you wish.

TRIP CONDITIONS AND REQUESTED EXPERIENCE

There are no particular difficulties on this ride - the ground is relatively easy and the climate is pleasant throughout the year.

No particular experience is required.

Visiting a new country offers the opportunity to meet other cultures with different mentalities, therefore it is important to accept these differences and respect the local way of life.

EQUESTRIAN EQUIPMENT

There are saddle bags on some of the horses so that you can carry suncream etc with you during the day.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

COMFORT

The lodge is one of the highlights of this trip - a charming lodge in the middle of the Atlas mountains - perfect for a change of scenery and a restful holiday.
- Simple lodge (64m2): 1 bedroom, a living room (with sofa bed if required), bathroom and private terrace.
- Double room (75m2): 2 bedrooms, a living room (with sofa bed if required), 2 bathrooms and private terrace.

The meals will be Moroccan with some European influences: usually a cold of lunch of salads, breads and fruit and a hot dinner comprising soup followed by tajine and dessert.

Accommodation in Berber tents is also possible. The tents are spacious and comfortable, although the bathrooms/toilets are shared.

CLIMATE

Marrackech as a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cooler winters. The sky is usually clear blue.
In winter the mornings are fresh but temperatures have climbed to c. 20c by midday and then fall quickly as the sun sets. The evenings are cold and you will feel the difference, dropping to c. 6c
The best seasons to visit the city are Spring and Autumn when the temperatures are pleasant all day. Midday temperatures are c. 22-25c.
In summer the early mornings and evenings are pleasant but it can reach 40c by midday and the afternoons can feel hot and stuffy.

Meals

Moroccan cuisine with some European influences. Lunch is usually light and served cold - salads etc, whereas dinner is usually three courses and served hot - soup, tagines and dessert.

Support Team

Guide and local team

You will be guided by local Moroccan's who are familiar with the horses and the landscape. They will be accompanied by grooms. At least one of the guides will speak English but the grooms may only speak French and Arabic.

HORSE GUIDE

Abdou

Région d'origine : Beni Mellal

Packing list

Head
-Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
-Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and dust
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Waterproof jacket - the rains can be difficult to foresee and it's better to be prepared. Layering is key to cope with the fluctuations in temperature between day and night
- Casual clothes for the evening

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps as long chaps/long boots can get very hot.
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for when not riding
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding

Nightwear

Our Recommendations
- Please don't take a hard sided suitcase if possible as a soft sided one is easier for the team to handle.
- Take a second, smaller bag to pack things you may need during the day such as a book or suncream
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Other useful items
- Swimsuit
- Towel. Camping towels will pack lighter and dry more easily
- Sarong (for going to/from the shower)
- Water bottle (1.5 litre or two x 1 litre)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around at night

In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Small penknife

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Rehydration sachets (dioralyte or similar)
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Ear plugs, particularly if you are a light sleeper

ENTRY FORMALITIES

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the valid visa requirements for entry.
We will endeavour to keep this section up to date, but please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/morocco.html (US citizens) or https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements (UK citizens) for further information.

To enter Morocco, a passport valid for the duration of your stay is required by all British, American, Canadian and EU nationals. However, the Moroccan Consulate General in London advise that your passport should be valid for at least 3 months on your date of entry to Morocco. If your passport does not meet this requirement you may face difficulties and you should check with the Moroccan authorities and your travel provider before travelling.

Passport note:
You should ensure that your passport is stamped when you enter the country. Some tourists have experienced difficulties leaving the country because their passport bears no entry stamp. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay in Morocco. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

Visas
Visas are not required by British, American, Canadian and EU nationals for stays in Morocco of up to three months.

Addresses of consulates

Paris | Ambassade du Maroc
5, rue Le Tasse
75116 Paris
Tél. : 01.45.20.69.35
Fax :
info@amb-maroc.fr
Ambassade de France au Maroc
1 rue Aguelmane Sidi Ali Agdal BP 602
Rabat - Chellah

Tél. : +212 5 37 27 66 00
Fax : +212 5 37 27 67 11
webmestre@ambafrance-ma.org
Moroccan Consulate
Diamond House
97-99 Praed Street, Paddington
W2 1NT London
Tél. : +44 020 7724 0624
Fax :

HEALTH

There are no legal requirements regarding vaccinations. Still, it's a good thing to get your vaccinations in order before travelling to Morocco. The general vaccination against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) is recommended. Also both hepatitis A as well as typhoid would be recommended.
Malaria is very rare and present only in a few remote areas. Don't underestimate this tropical disease and take precautions. Buy repellent (preferably with 50% DEET), and sleep under a net.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is a condition of your booking with Equus Journeys that you have travel insurance which covers you for the riding activities to be undertaken. Your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses and repatriation. Your guides will require your travel insurance details before they allow you to ride and may refuse to let you ride if you cannot provide them. You should take your insurance documents with you.

TELEPHONE AND JET LAG

The telephone dialling code is +212.
Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good in towns and cities, and across the west of Morocco, but a little more erratic east and further south.

Time zone: GMT

BUDGET AND MONEY

The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). One dirham is equivalent with 100 santimat (singular: santim).
• Banknotes 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 dirham
• Coins 1, 5, 10, 20 santimat; ½, 1, 2, 5, and 10 dirham

VOLTAGE

127/220 volts AC, 50Hz, depending on age and location of building. Plugs usually have two round pins or the standard three pin UK.

ACTIVITY :Centre based holidays

LEVEL :Help

COMFORT :Help

Family starting from 6 Years

BOOK SEE RIDE SPECIFICATIONS

Swimming pool to relax by
Capable children are welcome
Eco lodge accommodation
Ride english style
The lodge blends into the mountains
Riding into the mountains
Yoga by the pool
A novel display on the high wire
Playing on the high ropes
Mountain biking in great scenery
Ride in stunning scenery

Riding holiday near Marrakech

Riding levels

Comfort

Each of our rides has been assigned an expected level of comfort

MOROCCO-Moroccan escapade

4 days / 2.5 days riding from 405£

Strengths

Itinerary

Day 1 : LONDON - MARRAKECH - ATLAS MOUNTAINS - 2 hours riding

Accommodation : LODGE

Day 2 : TOUBKAL AND HAOUZ PLAIN - 4-5 hours riding

Accommodation : LODGE

Day 3 : FOREST AND VALLEY OF IRAKEN - 4-5 hours riding

Accommodation : LODGE

Day 4 : ATLAS MOUNTAINS - MARRAKECH - LONDON -

Price details

PRICE INCLUDES

Support Team

Logistics

Inland transport

Accommodation

Meals

OPTION

Accommodation

PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE

Meals

Transports

Extra

Extras

Insurance

TIPS

HORSES

MINIMUM RIDING ABILITY

PACE

TACKING ABILITY AND PARTICIPATION

TRIP CONDITIONS AND REQUESTED EXPERIENCE

EQUESTRIAN EQUIPMENT

COMFORT

CLIMATE

Meals

Support Team

Guide and local team

HORSE GUIDE

Packing list

ENTRY FORMALITIES

Addresses of consulates

HEALTH

TRAVEL INSURANCE

TELEPHONE AND JET LAG

BUDGET AND MONEY

VOLTAGE

STRENGTHS

ITINERARY

Day 1 : LONDON - MARRAKECH - ATLAS MOUNTAINS - 2 hours riding

Accommodation : LODGE

Day 2 : TOUBKAL AND HAOUZ PLAIN - 4-5 hours riding

Accommodation : LODGE

Day 3 : FOREST AND VALLEY OF IRAKEN - 4-5 hours riding

Accommodation : LODGE

Day 4 : ATLAS MOUNTAINS - MARRAKECH - LONDON -

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