Riders riding in a single line on a sand dune in the Sahara

Horses, Dunes and Nomads

A horseback trail ride through the Sahara desert in the south-east of Morocco where you spend the nights in comfortable desert inns and riads. Ride through beautiful landscapes of mountains, open desert and sand dunes on superb Barb-Arab horses.
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Trail Riding
8 days / 6 days riding
From £1,470

From the horse’s mouth

  • Horses, Dunes and Nomads
    January 2024 Kate aged 74
    I’ve ridden all over the world and this trip is in the top three. Don’t ask me my horse’s name. Assam was on his bridle so you’ll have to ask Abdel. He was a wonderful animal and once we came to an agreement—I would stay out of his mouth if he would stay with the herd and not tear ahead—all was peaceful in the Kingdom... Read all
  • Horses, Dunes and Nomads
    January 2023 Suzannah Maria aged 27
    I was so impressed by how well behaved the horses were. I was slightly apprehensive, since I'd never ridden a stallion before this trip, but all of the horses were well behaved and forward-going. Our guides also matched everyone very well with horses appropriate for their skill level. I rode Moonlight and am already... Read all
  • Horses, Dunes and Nomads
    January 2023 Antonia aged 22
    This trip was absolutely perfect to me, I really enjoyed every second of it. The landscape was different every day and simply beautiful. The food was so good and the guest houses were also beautiful and comfortable. The crew was really wonderful also, I got to ask so many questions about the culture and learned so... Read all
  • Horses, Dunes and Nomads
    November 2022 Dan aged 70
    An incredible horse riding experience with well trained and spirited horses in the beautiful and varied Saharan desert, all under the guidance of first rate, informative, and friendly guides, who were all too willing to accommodate special requests from the riders, including for different types of meals (pastas!) and... Read all
  • Horses, Dunes and Nomads
    October 2021 Martina aged 57
    This trip was a last minute decision, because our first choice wasn´t available. It was my first time in Morocco, and now I can´t understand why I needed so long to go there. There was naturally a lot of walking, but were terrain allowed, there were trots and canters and some of the most amazing gallops I experienced... Read all
  • Riders facing sand dunes in the Sahara, Morocco
    Ride up to the sand dunes and enjoy the views
  • Rider enjoying a canter on an Arabian horse in Morocco
    The terrain is ideally suited for fast canters and gallops!
  • Barb horse resting in the shade of an acacia tree in the Sahara
    You ride lovely Arabian and Barb Arab stallions - there is a horse for everyone.
  • Two riders riding across a Saharian plateau in Morocco
    The endless landscapes of the Sahara, seen from the saddle
  • Horse back rider leading her horse ahead of  a trail ride
    You will ride the same horse for the week and be sad to leave them behind!
  • Trail riding in the Sahara in Morocco to the sand dunes of Merzouga
    Take in the stunning scenery of Merzouga and its renowned sand dunes
  • Rider giving her horse a pat
    Giving the horses a well-deserved rest after a full day of riding
  • Two Arabian stallions in the Sahara
    Moonlight and Farouk - two of the beautiful horses you can get to ride!

Itinerary

Highlights

- Visit the most beautiful areas of the Moroccan Sahara, far from the beaten track
- Plenty of opportunities for fast canters and gallops across wide open spaces
- The comfort of nights spent in desert inns or guesthouses with showers possible every night
- Discover Morocco in all its splendour including Dades Valley and impressive views of the Atlas mountains
  • Day 1 1: ARRIVE IN OUARZAZATE - No riding

    Fint hotel
    Fly in to Ouarzazate or Marrakech.

    There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Ouarzazate and so it may be easier to fly to Marrakech and transfer by road to Ouarzazate. If flying to Marrakech then you need to arrive by 14:00 to allow time for the transfer (4 hrs) which is an extra 130 Euro for the vehicle, payable locally and split between all who are sharing the transfer.

    You will be transferred to your hotel.
  • Day 2 2: OUARZAZATE - IMI N'CHAABTE - TAFRAOUT - 2-3 hours riding

    Meet in your hotel reception at 07:00 and transfer in the direction of Zagora through the Draa valley, until reaching Tansikht. Continue along the Djebel Sagho, passing through Nkob and Tazzarine and stop for a picnic along the way. After about 6 hours drive you turn off the tar road and follow a track for 60kms to Mcissi.

    Here you will meet the team and horses. After a short riding assessment you will set out into the desert for your first ride amongst the dunes.

    Overnight in a comfortable inn.
  • Day 3 3: TAFRAOUT - FOUM MHARECH - 4-6 hours riding

    Riad Nomad
    Ride through the village of Tafraout and reach the plateau of Ahbouche Ntkouyte (Lake Tafraout). The terrain is perfect for some decent canters. Ride along the base of Tattihate, between Djbel Mohre and Djbel Zireg. The scenic splendour of the Sahara desert is laid out before you - endless dunes alternating with distant cliffs.

    At the end of the day you reach a beautiful inn in the desert valley of Mharech where you spend the night. The inn is located over a hill with stunning views over the valley.
  • Day 4 4: FOUM MHARECH - REMLIA DUNES - OUZINA DUNES - 4-6 hours riding

    Inn Ouzina Rimal
    Set off riding south, through the Tamarisk trees and sand dunes. Your journey takes you across the Chouiref plateau to Tizi n Guidou pass and on to the abandoned village of N'Oubahllou. The orange dunes of Remlia provide a spectacular background for pictures before you ride down to another vast plateau where horses and riders alike will enjoy a gallop. Keeping the mountains and "Mount Tajine" to your left, the ride alternates between long stretches of walk, trots and controlled canters before you reach your inn for the night.
  • Day 5 5: OUZINA DUNES - JDAID - 4-5 hours riding

    Inn Itrane Sahara
    Depart on horseback through the superb dunes at Ouzina. Your trail will take you from the dunes and onto plateaus - from sand to rocky mountain. Your day in the Sahara ends at the village of Taghaoucht-n-Jdaid - a place of water.
  • Day 6 6: JDAID - MERZOUGA - 5 hours riding

    In the morning, you will ride through various environments until reaching the highest sand dunes in Morocco: Erg Chebbi. Enjoy stunning views while your horses carry you safely through the large seas of dunes. Night in the desert.
  • Day 7 7: MERZOUGA - OUARZAZATE - 3 hours riding

    Fint hotel
    Your final morning on horseback takes you from Chebbi Erg to Taouz where you say goodbye to the team and horses. You are then transferred in the direction of Erfoud, Boumlane and Dades along the "road of a thousand kasbahs" until reaching Ouarzazate.

    Dinner in town and overnight in a hotel.
  • Day 8 8: DEPARTURE FROM OUARZAZATE

    After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to London. If you are flying from Marrakech then your flight must depart later than 15:00 to allow time for the road transfer (payable locally).

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights to your destination are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.     

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room during the ride. 

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 3 international riders and a maximum of 10 riders, plus guides. 

- There is a small group supplement if the group has fewer than 3 riders. Rides are confirmed from just two riders with the payment of an additional supplementary charge of c. €440/£375/$450 (€350/£305/$370 in 2024).

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will be charged a single room supplement of approx. €200/£170/$235 (€230/£200/$245 in 2024). You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date. It is possible to guarantee a single room for €140/£120/$150 for Ouarzazate only.

- There are no direct flights from the UK to Ouarzazate; a transfer from Marrakech airport on payment of an additional transfer charge is possible. This is currently €150 (€140 in 2024) for the vehicle each way and is payable locally and split between the number of people sharing the transfer. If flying into Marrakech your flight must arrive before 15:30 on day 1 and leave after 14:00 on Day 8.
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
1 groom

Logistics

1 cook
1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider
1 vehicle and driver

Accommodation

Double, twin or triple rooms in desert inns or riads
Double/triple room in hotel standard 3/4*

Meals

Filtered or bottled water
Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8

Additional equipment

First aid kit

Price doesn't include

Meals

Lunch on day 1 and day 8 are not included depending on your arrival/departure time
Beverage (except during the trek) and personal extra

Accommodation

Single supplement

Transport

Transfers outside normal hours or from Marrakesh
International flights

Extra

Tips to local team

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurances are not included. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked in case of cancellation

Optional

Accommodation

Transfers from Marrakech
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    31/03/2024 07/04/2024 £1,580 €1,817 $1,959
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    07/04/2024 14/04/2024 £1,580 €1,817 $1,959
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    06/10/2024 13/10/2024 £1,545 €1,777 $1,916
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    13/10/2024 20/10/2024 £1,580 €1,817 $1,959
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    20/10/2024 27/10/2024 £1,580 €1,817 $1,959
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    27/10/2024 03/11/2024 £1,580 €1,817 $1,959
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    03/11/2024 10/11/2024 £1,485 €1,708 $1,841
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    10/11/2024 17/11/2024 £1,485 €1,708 $1,841
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    17/11/2024 24/11/2024 £1,485 €1,708 $1,841
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    24/11/2024 01/12/2024 £1,485 €1,708 $1,841
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    01/12/2024 08/12/2024 £1,485 €1,708 $1,841
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    08/12/2024 15/12/2024 £1,485 €1,708 $1,841
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    15/12/2024 22/12/2024 £1,485 €1,708 $1,841
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    22/12/2024 29/12/2024 £1,545 €1,777 $1,916
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Equestrian info

Horses

The horses are Barb or Barb Arabian and many are stallions. They are forward going but sensible and perfectly adapted to the desert landscape with big hearts, small feet and smooth paces. They are not particularly big and stand 14hh - 15.2hh.

Guide & 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.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You need to be a competent rider and able to control your horse at all paces in open spaces. You should be able to canter in forward seat and be balanced with good hands.

There is a rider weight limit of 90kg. Please also advice us if you are tall so that we can ensure a suitable horse is available.

Pace

The pace varies depending on the terrain. There are plenty of opportunities for long trots and canters and when the terrain is suitable there may also be occasions to gallop. There are also long stretches of walking when the ground is soft sand or rocky.

Please note that the canters will be single file in places, particularly at the start of the ride, but it may be possible to spread out on some canters later in the week, depending on the abilities of the group.

Tacking ability and participation

You will be expected to groom, saddle and un-tack your horse. You can also assist with feeding and watering the horses if you wish.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You need to be physically fit for the long hours in the saddle, sometimes at a fast pace. You should be prepared for cold nights, particularly in December and January.
Experience of riding a trail of several days would be an advantage but is not required. Riders who do not ride regularly should ensure they are back in the saddle and riding fit before departure. It is of particular importance to ensure you are comfortable and balanced when riding at speed across rough terrain and open spaces.

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

Forestier trail riding saddles and comfortable tack.
Saddlebags are provided.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

You stay in comfortable desert hotels in twin or triple rooms with shared bathrooms. Showers are available every night.
In Ouarzazate you stay in a 4 star hotel.

Meals

You will usually have a cold picnic-style lunch with delicious salads and a hot evening meal. Breakfast is continental and evening meals are typical Moroccan cuisine.

Water is provided on the trail - please bring your own bottle to fill in the mornings.

Special diets can be accommodated, however please note that some foods can be difficult to find in Morocco. Certain diets may incur a supplement (gluten-free diets can be accommodated at a supplementary charge of €100/£90/$110 for instance). All dietary requirements must be specified at the time of booking.

Climate

In southern Morocco the rains are rare but not non-existent and in recent years the Sahara has experienced substantial rainfall.
In the Spring and Autumn months the temperatures are pleasantly warm. In October and April the temperatures can be 35c during the day, dropping to 20c at night whilst in November, February and March it is a little cooler (25c daytime and 12c night).
In the heart of the winter (December/January) the mornings and evenings can be cold, as low as minus 5c. At midday the temperatures will be 18-20c can drop rapidly once the sun sets.
In summer it is too hot to ride (45c) and so no desert trails run in the summer.

Tips

It is customary, as a sign of thanks to tip the local team. We recommend a tip of €50/£45, but you should give what you feel comfortable with. We recommend giving the tips to your guide who can distribute them amongst all of the staff members.

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 moving around the camp
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding

Nightwear
- Thermals are a good option for sleeping in, or a t-shirt and shorts for warmer nights
- You can also take a silk or fleece sleeping bag liner for extra comfort

Other useful items
- Swimsuit
- Water bottle (1.5 litre or two x 1 litre)
- Hand sanitiser
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Toilet paper and small plastic bags for taking rubbish away

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

Our Recommendations
- Please don't take a hard sided suitcase. Your luggage should be soft sided and you should pack it into two bags if it weighs more than 15kg so it's easier for the team to transport between camps
- Take a second, smaller bag to pack things you may need during the day such as a book or suncream then you can easily access it during the long lunch break
- 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!

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

On this horseback trail in Morocco you stay in riads and desert inns. 

Riads are traditional Moroccan houses which are inwardly focussed with an interior courtyard or garden. The main reason for this was the Islamic requirement for privacy for women but they also provided privacy for the whole family and protection from the weather. There are usually no large windows on the exterior walls and all rooms open onto the interior atrium space which often has orange and lemon trees and a fountain.

The walls of riads are adorned with tadelakt plaster and zellige tiles which often depict quotes from the Q'uran in Arabic. Many are very ornate and have been beautifully restored, particularly those in Marrakech and Essaouira. 

The riads and inns are very remote and do not provide alcohol, although the fare is delicious and traditional: couscous, tajines, kefta, etc. Water and electricity are precious resources and you will be asked to preserve them as much as possible. 

On the blog

It is difficult to convey the feeling of escape and total freedom one can experience on our “Horses, Dunes and Nomads” trail ride. Just a short flight from Europe, Morocco is the ideal destination for a riding holiday. Iris went on the "Horses, Dunes and Nomads" trail ride in southern Morocco in November 2017. Read her report on the blog

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • Kate aged 74 NEW PALTZ 2 trips
    January 2024
    I’ve ridden all over the world and this trip is in the top three. Don’t ask me my horse’s name. Assam was on his bridle so you’ll have to ask Abdel. He was a wonderful animal and once we came to an agreement—I would stay out of his mouth if he would stay with the herd and not tear ahead—all was peaceful in the Kingdom... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Anna Sofia aged 57 LOS ANGELES 1 trip
    January 2023
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Suzannah Maria aged 27 PLEASANT HILL 2 trips
    January 2023
    I was so impressed by how well behaved the horses were. I was slightly apprehensive, since I'd never ridden a stallion before this trip, but all of the horses were well behaved and forward-going. Our guides also matched everyone very well with horses appropriate for their skill level. I rode Moonlight and am already... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Antonia aged 22 Detmold 2 trips
    January 2023
    This trip was absolutely perfect to me, I really enjoyed every second of it. The landscape was different every day and simply beautiful. The food was so good and the guest houses were also beautiful and comfortable. The crew was really wonderful also, I got to ask so many questions about the culture and learned so... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Dan aged 70 Los Angeles 1 trip
    November 2022
    An incredible horse riding experience with well trained and spirited horses in the beautiful and varied Saharan desert, all under the guidance of first rate, informative, and friendly guides, who were all too willing to accommodate special requests from the riders, including for different types of meals (pastas!) and... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Martina aged 57 BERG 9 trips
    October 2021
    This trip was a last minute decision, because our first choice wasn´t available. It was my first time in Morocco, and now I can´t understand why I needed so long to go there. There was naturally a lot of walking, but were terrain allowed, there were trots and canters and some of the most amazing gallops I experienced... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide

    Equus Journeys' reply

    Thank you Martina for your kind words, and I am glad we were able to make this last-minute trip happen despite some covid-related challenges! :)

  • Janine aged 37 STRAFFAN 2 trips
    March 2020
    Floating across the shimmering golden sands of the Sahara Desert atop majestic Arab/Barb Arabian Stallions like the Nomadic Berbers of old, your very own Arabian Nights adventure. My little darling Moonlight is an absolute gem to ride. Incredibley comfortable paces, feels like you truly are floating across the desert.... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Catherine aged 64 3 trips
    January 2020
    A fantastic riding trip in the desert - riding beautiful forward going stallions across open wild landscapes under bright blue skies. Fantastic guides, good company, and lovely authentic accommodation and food - the guide, Abdel, was an incredible source of information about the country and a very knowledgeable... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Peter aged 64 1 trip
    January 2020
    A great experience from the beginning to the end! Everything was organized perfectly, questions answered within minutes and the local team and guides in Morocco were amazing and so were the horses! The horses were amazing, well looked after and a true pleasure to ride. I was able to look after Rahil for the 6-day ride... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide

    Equus Journeys' reply

    Thank you so much for your feedback! Glad you enjoyed this trail as much as I did :)

  • Paul aged 52 Seattle 1 trip
    January 2019
    This was a great trip. You ride through some beautiful areas in the desert, staying at wonderful riads, and enjoying excellent food. The guides we're absolutely outstanding. Abdel speaks excellent English and was extremely helpful, not just as a general guide, but also giving tips/training that I specifically sought... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • NICOLE ANNINA aged 27 Burgdorf 1 trip
    February 2018
    I made an old dream come true and went for a trail ride on the back of a stallion in the Sahara desert - with spirited but reliable horses, a helpful support team and comfortable accommodation despite in the middle of the desert. The desert landscape was surprisingly varied, from rocky hills over dry riverbeds and... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Olga aged 42 TURRIFF 4 trips
    December 2017
    I had the time of my life ! the view and horse made my time very good and very lovely staff and very helpful. bahar was very good horse a bit slow at first but after couple days i found want made him go fast.
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide