Comfort
A charming lodge surrounded by the open outdoors and spectacular views of Morocco. After a long day in the saddle, you will be happy to relax in the comfort of the lodge.
- Simple lodge (64m2): 1 bedroom, living room with a convertible sofa- bed, bathroom, separate wc, private terrace.
- Double lodge (75m2): 2 bedrooms, living room with a convertible sofa- bed, two bathrooms, and private terrace.
Tented accommodation (comfortable Berber tents) is also available on request (shared bathrooms).
Meals
Moroccan inspired dishes with some French influences. All meals are home cooked and locally sourced. Cold meals will be provided at lunch, with lots of fresh salads and fruits, and hot hearty meals in the evening.
Please try to avoid the use of plastic bottles. We advise you to bring two reusable water bottles with you – the team will refill them for you.
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
The Atlas mountains have a typical mountainous climate with cold winters and the rides don't run during the winter months.
During the summer months the mountains offer a good alternative to the heat of the desert or Marrakech. The nights are cool without being cold (9-14c depending on altitude) and the days are usually sunny with temperatures around 25c. In short, the climate is ideal from May to September, with temperatures dropping in March/April and October.
Marrakech has a Mediterranean climate which is usually hot summers and a clear blue sky, with cold winters. The best season to visit this city is Spring/Autumn when the temperatures are pleasant all day (22-30c).
Guide and local team
Abdou Mountassir is has mastered the art of endurance, and is a highly qualified and capable trainer. He is assisted by an excellent team of guides, grooms and endurance experts meaning you will be left in good hands throughout your stay. Abdou speaks little English, but English-speaking riders can rely on his assistant Rachid who speaks really good English and is an enthusiastic guide.
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
- Helmets are mandatory on endurance rides. 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
Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and thorns
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Light waterproof jacket - the rains are rare but can be difficult to foresee
- 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 non-riding trips
- Casual clothes for the evening
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend comfortable riding boots with profiled soles with half chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots or shoes with a leather sole.
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for moving around the lodge and camp
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding
Nightwear
- PJs
Other useful items
- Camel back for the longer endurance rides
- Swimsuit
- Sarong (for going to/from showers)
- Binoculars for viewing game
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch
- Waterbottles
Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- 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. Your luggage should be soft sided and limited to 20kgs.
- 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!
- Evenings are nice and relaxed, and long sleeves and light trousers are recommended to avoid mosquitoes!
- Carry a copy of your passport and insurance details with you.
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. Some toiletries are provided by the camps so you can pack lighter.
In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat
