Two horses at Ranch les Gazelles

Moroccan Ranch

Our beautiful traditional Moroccan ranch is conveniently located south of Agadir, along the Atlantic coast. You will appreciate the flexible programme that will leave enough time to relax or enjoy the surrounding area. On this centre-based riding getaway, explore the argan fields and traditional villages of the Moroccan backcountry on horseback, ride along beautiful beaches, and improve your skills with riding lessons. A perfect riding holiday for families and all levels of riding are accommodated.
Book now Print the details for this ride
Centre based holidays
8 days (6 riding)
From £848
Family holidays
from 3 y.o
Open to non-riders

From the horse’s mouth

  • Moroccan Ranch
    February 2019 Ksenia aged 34
    I would like to say a huge thank you to Yussef, who was absolutely incredible and helpful. He is such an amazing guide and it's so much fun to ride and train with him!
  • A group of riders riding on the beach by the ocean
    This horseback adventure is suitable for all
  • Riders in Morocco with a view of the Atlantic
    Beautiful Morocco - best seen from the saddle!
  • Riders cantering on a beautiful beach, Morocco
    Beach riding at its finest near Agadir!
  • Rider standing with her horse in front of a view
    Every day, enjoy very scenic rides
  • An arabian horse on a horseback holiday in Morocco
    Ride beautiful Arabian and Barb-Arab horses
  • A horse in Morocco
    There is a horse for everyone at the Ranch
  • Riders and cactii in Morocco
    Enjoy trail rides in Southern Morocco
  • Riding in the Morocco countryside near Agadir
    Every day, your trail takes you to a new destination
  • A rider cantering on the beach
    Beach canters are a highlight of this horse holiday!
  • Horse and rider on a sand dune, Morocco
    Ride in the sand dunes near the Ranch

Itinerary

Highlights

- A very flexible programme suited to any riding abilities
- Take a break from the hustle and bustle in a relaxing environment, between the Anti Atlas and the Atlantic
- The beach is only a 10 min walk, with exceptional gallops guaranteed!
- Enjoy the excellent Moroccan gastronomy in a traditional and relaxed environment
  • Day 1 1 - ARRIVE IN AGADIR - SIDI BOU LFDAIL

    Ranch
    Upon your arrival at Agadir airport (flight not included), a member of the team will be waiting for you to drive you to the Ranch.

    After enjoying a cup of the traditional "thé à la menthe" (sweet mint tea) with the team, you are welcome to say hi to the horses before settling into your room. Depending on your arrival time, there might be time for a short riding lesson or ride in the surrounding area.

    Return to the ranch for dinner and a delicious traditional meal.
  • Day 2 2 - ON THE RANCH - 4-5 hours riding

    Ranch
    After breakfast, head to the stables to get the horses ready for your ride. You are expected to look after your horse, an efficient team of grooms is always on hand to help out. Beginners will be looked after and showed how to groom and tack up a horse.

    You can decide to take a riding lesson (lessons are tailored depending on your riding abilities) or head out on a trek through the countryside. Lunch at the ranch. In the afternoon, a 2-3h trek is your opportunity to explore the surrounding area.

    Please note: the full-day itineraries are suitable for competent riders. Young riders aged 10-14 and beginner riders will be offered a half-day riding programme instead.
  • Day 3 3 - ON THE RANCH - 4-5 hours riding

    Ranch
    In the morning, another riding session in the big outdoor arena will give novice riders the opportunity to start feeling more comfortable in the saddle. More experienced riders can enjoy dressage or jumping lessons.

    After lunch, you will go on another trek. Today you might have a beach day: ride up to the coast for an exhilarating gallop along the beach, or ride across the sandy dunes. In the evening, maybe you'd like to treat yourself to a henna tattoo (c. £4) before dinner!
  • Day 4 4 - ON THE RANCH - 4-5 hours riding

    Ranch
    In the morning, you may choose to train some more in the arena or go for a trek. This afternoon, we suggest riding to Sidi Bou Lfdail along the Atlantic, where the rugged coast offer beautiful views over the cliffs.
  • Day 5 5 - ON THE RANCH - 4-5 hours riding

    Ranch
    Lessons and/or treks are planned for today. Our guides will be happy to take you for a relaxing ride through the rolling landscape of the back country, getting closer to the Anti Atlas mountains. You may prefer to ride to the beach and enjoy the cool water of the Ocean!
  • Day 6 6 - ON THE RANCH - 4-5 hours riding

    Ranch
    Again, the team is at your disposal to organise a flexible programme depending on what you prefer to do. Make sure to ask for options!
  • Day 7 7 - ON THE RANCH - 4-5 hours riding

    Ranch
    Your last day on horseback. You might want to go for another beach ride or ride to the foot of the Anti-Atlas. Tonight, before dinner, why not enjoy a relaxing message and spa treatment? An excursion to the Mirleft souks can also be organised (payable locally).
  • Day 8 8 - RANCH - DEPARTURE FROM AGADIR

    After breakfast, transfer to Agadir airport for your flight back home.

Dates & prices

Price details

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

- Rates are based on two riders sharing a twin or double room.

- 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. €120/£105/$140 in 2023, or €140/£120/$155 in 2024. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date.

- Dates are flexible and you can arrive/depart on any day and stay for as long as you like. This holiday will confirm for one person and all departures are guaranteed.

- Rates are based on a full-day riding - the full-day itineraries are suitable for competent riders. Young riders aged 10-14 and beginner riders will be offered a half-day riding programme instead, starting at €880/£765/$910 in 2023, (or €940/£810/$1030 in 2024) for 8 days (6 days riding). Please contact us for details.

- Transfers are not included:
> Return transfers to and from Agadir airport cost around 1100 dh (approx. €110/£95/$115) and are payable locally.
> Return transfers to and from Marrakesh cost around 3000 dh (approx. €300/£260/$320) and are payable locally.

- Non-rider rate is €540/£470/$560 in 2023/2024 (+€120/£105/$140 single room supplement unless sharing with a rider) - includes full-board accommodation, activities payable locally.

- Families - children of 9 or younger can benefit from a special programme, for instance:
- 5-7/8 yo: 45 min vaulting + 30 short ride outside
- 7/8 yo: 1h lesson + 1h trek
- Children aged 10-14 will be offered half-day rides instead of full-day rides.

- Rider weight limit: 80 kilos, 176 lbs, 12.6 st.. This is a strict limit. Novice riders must be lighter.

- Additional activities that can be booked on request, payable locally:
Paragliding: DH500/per person (around €45/£40)
Yoga lesson at the ranch or at the beach: DH100 per person (around €10/£9) (min 3 participants)
Quad ride (2h): DH600 per person (around €55/£90) (min 3 participants)
Full-day quad excursion (lunch not included): DH1300 per person (around €120/£110) (min 3 participants)
Surfing lesson (2h): DH200 (around €20/£18) + surfing equipment on top
* Please note: If you do not have your own car, additional transfer costs may be required.
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 or instructor
1 groom

Logistics

1 cook
1 vehicle and driver

Accommodation

Full board accommodation at the ranch from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8

Additional equipment

First aid kit

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverage and personal extra

Transport

International flights
Return airport transfers from Agadir or Marrakesh - see dates and prices

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

Single room supplement

Extras

Massages and treatments, available at the ranch
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    30/03/2024 06/04/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    06/04/2024 13/04/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    13/04/2024 20/04/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    20/04/2024 27/04/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    27/04/2024 04/05/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    04/05/2024 11/05/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    11/05/2024 18/05/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    18/05/2024 25/05/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    25/05/2024 01/06/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    01/06/2024 08/06/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    08/06/2024 15/06/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    22/06/2024 29/06/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    29/06/2024 06/07/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    06/07/2024 13/07/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    13/07/2024 20/07/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    20/07/2024 27/07/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    27/07/2024 03/08/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    03/08/2024 10/08/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    10/08/2024 17/08/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    17/08/2024 24/08/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    24/08/2024 31/08/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    31/08/2024 07/09/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    07/09/2024 14/09/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    14/09/2024 21/09/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    21/09/2024 28/09/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    28/09/2024 05/10/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    05/10/2024 12/10/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    12/10/2024 19/10/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    19/10/2024 26/10/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    26/10/2024 02/11/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    02/11/2024 09/11/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    09/11/2024 16/11/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    16/11/2024 23/11/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    23/11/2024 30/11/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    30/11/2024 07/12/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    07/12/2024 14/12/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    14/12/2024 21/12/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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    21/12/2024 28/12/2024 £939 €1,080 $1,164
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Equestrian info

Horses

The cavalry is composed of about twenty horses, mares and geldings, barbs, Barb-Arabs and Arab x TB. Those are steadfast, voluntary and endearing horses, well used to the rocky and hilly terrain. There is a horse for every rider at the Ranch!

Guide & local team

Your hosts and guides are all experienced horsemen and trail leaders, who love their country and their horses equally. The ranch is predominantly French-speaking, although the team speak some English and a little bit of German.

Youssef, Mohamed and Aziz accompany the rides, and are always quick to smile and share a joke with their guests. Youssef is also an excellent farrier.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

All abilities are welcome. Novice riders will start with lessons to learn how to control their horses. More experienced riders will be able to enjoy jumping lessons or a more exciting trek.

Rider weight limit: 85 kg / 13.3 stone / 187 lbs (beginner riders: 80 kilos, 176 lbs, 12.6 st.).

Pace

Lessons are tailored to your level.
Rides out are mostly done at the walk, with good trots and canters whenever the terrain allows it.

Tacking ability and participation

Each person is responsible for grooming, tacking and untacking their horse. Beginners will be shown how to care for their horse. You also have the option to assist with feeding and watering if you wish.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

From beginners to experienced riders. No particular requirements are necessary as there are programmes to suit all abilities.

Please note: the full-day itineraries are suitable for competent riders. Young riders aged 10-14 and beginner riders will be offered a half-day riding programme instead. Not all weeks are available to novice riders, depending on what horses are available and what is going on at the ranch that week. If you are a beginner or novice rider, please contact us so we can double check availability for you.

Equestrian equipment

English tack, helmets are mandatory.
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

The ranch is lovely, built in a traditional Moroccan architecture style. There is a big outdoors arena, a common room, a few shaded patios and beautiful terraces with great views over the stables and the ocean.
There are 8 comfortable rooms, all en-suites with a private rooftop. Private, twin and triple rooms are available.
Limited wifi connection available.
Optional: massages

Meals

Excellent traditional Moroccan cuisine. Meals are varied and taken together in the common room.

The ranch does not have a license to serve alcohol.

Climate

The climate is most pleasant all year round and benefits from its proximity to the ocean. There are no really high temperatures during the summer (temperatures rarely go above 35°c) and winter temperatures stay mild. Nights in the winter can however be chilly and showers can happen: make sure to pack accordingly!

Tips

Tipping is customary, and we recommend about £25-35 for the whole team.

Packing list

Head
- Helmets are mandatory. Equus Journeys strongly recommend 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 to ride the sometimes dusty trails

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and dust
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold in the winter
- 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

Other useful items
- Swimsuit
- Water bottle (1.5 litre or two x 1 litre)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- 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...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Ear plugs, particularly if you are a light sleeper

Our Recommendations
- Please don't take a hard sided suitcase if possible as a soft sided one is easier for the team to handle.
- A bumbag might be useful to bring a small bottle of water, camera, lip balm or suncream during the ride.
- 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?

Stallions and mares in Morocco.

Traditionally, only the Barb stallions should be ridden, while the mares are reserved to the studs.

Not many male horses are castrated in Morocco, in line with local tradition. However, our Moroccan Ranch is also aware not every rider can or should ride stallions, and instead has a lovely selection of geldings and mares for you to ride!

If you want to experience the thrills of riding a Barb or Barb Arab stallion, you may like to take a look at some of our desert riding holidays: Desert Cavalcade, Horses Dunes and Nomads.

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.
  • Ksenia aged 34 LONDON 2 trips
    February 2019
    I would like to say a huge thank you to Yussef, who was absolutely incredible and helpful. He is such an amazing guide and it's so much fun to ride and train with him!
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide