Trail guide leading a horse through the Moroccan countryside

NORTH AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST > Morocco

Moroccan Escapade

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.

Book now Print the details for this ride

Centre based holidays

4 days / 2.5 days riding

From £693

Family holidays
from 6 y.o

Open to non-riders

From the horse’s mouth

September 2026 Alexandra Annabel aged 55

We had a lovely four days in Morocco. The horses were all healthy, very well trained and incredibly sure footed. Rasheed and Mohammed were excellent guides, keeping us safe and clearly look after the horses very well. The lodge was ideal, very comfortable and friendly staff. I rode Zapheer (not sure how to spell it)... Read all
September 2026 Claire aged 53

The Moroccan Escapade was a lovely two and a half days riding on excellent, well behaved stallions, led brilliantly by Rasheed and Mohammad. The scenery was spectacular and every ride was different. The only downside was that some of our group didn’t seem to have hot water at the lodge and we all came home with a... Read all
January 2025 Alison

Incredible value for money. Excellent accommodation. Fast and professional support which gave us the confidence to go on this kind of trip. The stables was great with well cared for horses and an excellent guide. I rode Atlas. He was well cared for. Their quietest ride out horse i believe. Very comfortable in trot and... Read all

The eco-lodge is beautifully located with great views of Marrakesh!
Short riding break in Morocco
Enjoy riding Barb and Barb Arab horses on this short equestrian break
Enjoy yoga by the pool for a break from the saddle
A great riding holiday for low intermediate to experienced riders
The high ropes course and zipline are very popular with children
Something for everyone!
Lots of non-riding activities at available, making this a great family holiday

Itinerary

Highlights

- 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 such as cycling, zip lining and cooking classes.
- Tasty Moroccan cuisine.
- 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.

Book now

Day 1 1: ARRIVE IN MARRAKECH - ATLAS MOUNTAINS - 2 hours riding
Lodge
Daytime flight to Marrakech. Flights are not included but can be booked upon request.

You will be met in the airport and transferred to the lodge (approx. a 40 minute drive). Depending on your arrival time, you can have lunch at the lodge (not included in the price, payable locally).

In the afternoon you will meet the horses and set out on your first ride - this is a chance to get to know your horse and for your guide to assess your ability. You'll return to the lodge before sunset.

If you arrive after 2pm you will be transferred to the lodge in time for dinner but there won't be time for riding. You can enjoy a half-day ride on the last day instead.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 2 2: TOUBKAL AND HAOUZ PLAIN - 4-5 hours riding
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 3: FOREST AND VALLEY OF IRAKEN - 4-5 hours riding
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 4: ATLAS MOUNTAINS - DEPARTURE FROM MARRAKECH

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

If you arrived late on Day 1, then it is possible to have a final short ride this morning. Lunch can be provided by the lodge (not included, payable locally). You will then transfer back to the airport in the afternoon.

Dates & prices

Price details

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

- Rates are per person based on two riders sharing a standard twin or double room at the lodge for 3 nights.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 riders.

- Riders can also stay for 4 or 5 nights, and you can arrive and depart on any day (the dates shown are to give you an idea), but please note that a supplement is payable during high season and a discount is applicable during low season. Accommodation in Berber tents (shared toilets/bathroom) is also possible and this comes at a discounted price. Please contact us for a personalised quotation.

- To reserve your own room, there is a single room supplement in 2026 of €85 for a 3-night stay, €110 for a 4-night stay, and €140 for a 5-night stay. If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will also be charged a single room supplement. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date.

- Airport transfers to and from Marrakech airport are included. An additional fee of €60 (payable locally) may be charged for very early morning or late evening transfers, or transfers the day before the trip.

- Children are welcome at the lodge from 6 years old, 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. There is a 50% discount for children under 12 years old (riders) sharing a parent's room. For children under 12 (non-riders), the price is €50 per day.

- Other activities on offer at the lodge (for an extra fee, payable locally) include:

Cooking classes €15 pp
Zip lining €20 pp
Acro park €20 per child and €30 per adult
Glass painting workshop €18 per person
Cycling - 1 hour €10 pp, 2 hours €20 pp and half day €50 pp

- Certain diets may incur a supplement (gluten-free diets can be accommodated at a supplementary charge of €100 / £90 / $110 for instance, if you require specific gluten-free supplements). All dietary requirements must be specified at the time of booking.
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

Twin or double room at the lodge

Meals

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

Price doesn't include

Meals

Lunches on Day 1 and Day 4 are not included
Beverages and personal extras

Transport

International flights

Extra

Non-riding 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

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement

2026 2027 2028

Jan - Feb Mar - Apr May - Jun Jul - Aug Sep - Oct Nov - Dec

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
04/10/2026	07/10/2026	£724 €825 $934	Full	Contact an advisor
11/10/2026	14/10/2026	£724 €825 $934	Open	Contact an advisor
18/10/2026	21/10/2026	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
25/10/2026	28/10/2026	£759 €865 $979	Open	Book now

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
01/11/2026	04/11/2026	£759 €865 $979	Open	Book now
08/11/2026	11/11/2026	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
15/11/2026	18/11/2026	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
22/11/2026	25/11/2026	£724 €825 $934	Guaranteed departure	Book now
29/11/2026	02/12/2026	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
06/12/2026	09/12/2026	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
13/12/2026	16/12/2026	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
20/12/2026	23/12/2026	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
27/12/2026	30/12/2026	£759 €865 $979	Open	Book now

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
10/01/2027	13/01/2027	£693 €790 $894	Open	Book now
17/01/2027	20/01/2027	£693 €790 $894	Open	Book now
24/01/2027	27/01/2027	£693 €790 $894	Open	Book now
31/01/2027	03/02/2027	£693 €790 $894	Open	Book now
07/02/2027	10/02/2027	£693 €790 $894	Open	Book now

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
28/03/2027	31/03/2027	£759 €865 $979	Open	Book now
04/04/2027	07/04/2027	£759 €865 $979	Open	Book now

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
16/05/2027	19/05/2027	£693 €790 $894	Open	Book now
23/05/2027	26/05/2027	£693 €790 $894	Open	Book now
30/05/2027	02/06/2027	£693 €790 $894	Open	Book now
06/06/2027	09/06/2027	£693 €790 $894	Open	Book now
13/06/2027	16/06/2027	£693 €790 $894	Open	Book now
20/06/2027	23/06/2027	£693 €790 $894	Open	Book now
27/06/2027	30/06/2027	£693 €790 $894	Open	Book now

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
04/07/2027	07/07/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
11/07/2027	14/07/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
18/07/2027	21/07/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
25/07/2027	28/07/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
01/08/2027	04/08/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
08/08/2027	11/08/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
15/08/2027	18/08/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
22/08/2027	25/08/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
29/08/2027	01/09/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
05/09/2027	08/09/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
12/09/2027	15/09/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
19/09/2027	22/09/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
26/09/2027	29/09/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
03/10/2027	06/10/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
10/10/2027	13/10/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
17/10/2027	20/10/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
24/10/2027	27/10/2027	£759 €865 $979	Open	Book now
31/10/2027	03/11/2027	£759 €865 $979	Open	Book now

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
07/11/2027	10/11/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
14/11/2027	17/11/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
21/11/2027	24/11/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
28/11/2027	01/12/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
05/12/2027	08/12/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
12/12/2027	15/12/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
19/12/2027	22/12/2027	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now
26/12/2027	29/12/2027	£759 €865 $979	Open	Book now

Departure	Return	Price without flights	Status
02/01/2028	05/01/2028	£724 €825 $934	Open	Book now

Equestrian info

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.

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

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.

Travel info

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.

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, tajines and dessert.

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, if you require specific gluten-free supplements). All dietary requirements must be specified at the time of booking.

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.

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.

Packing list

Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring.

Head
- Equus Journeys strongly recommends 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 for cool evenings.
- Waterproof jacket - the rains can be difficult to foresee and it's better to be prepared.
- Casual tops 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 relaxed lunchtimes.
- Casual trousers for the evening.

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps.
- Sandals for non-riding hours.
- Trainers if you plan to do non-riding activities.
- Flip flops for wearing around the lodge.
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding.

Other
- Nightwear.
- Swimsuit (the lodge has a pool, but please note, the pool is not heated).
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding or doing other activities.

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, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc.
- Pain killers
- Rehydration sachets (dioralyte or similar)
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Ear plugs and eye mask if you are a light sleeper

Recommendations and other info:
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes / any essentials and valuables in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Please print copies of your passport and insurance documents and take them with you.
- If you can, please use a soft sided case/bag, as this is more easily transported.
- Backpacks should not be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets for small items needed during the day.
- Please carry any valuables (phone, money, ipad) in your hand luggage / on your person.
- Liquids carried in hand luggage should be less than 100ml.
- Power banks (max 100 Wh) are only allowed in your hand luggage luggage / on your person, and are strictly prohibited in checked bags.

Sustainable tourism

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!).
Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
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.
Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Our Moroccan Escapade is the ideal riding holiday for families or for group including non-riders, such as hen or stag parties. The lodge offers an incredible array of non-riding activities, as well as a beautiful pool, and you are sure to find something to do in addition to the riding. Activities include:

- Guided walks and trekking

- Mountain climbing

- Archery

- Zipline (the biggest in Africa!)

- High ropes course

- Mountain biking

- Arts and crafts workshops

- Team building games

- Orienteering

Some of these activities are at an additional and payable locally. Marrakesh is also 40 minutes away, and you may consider an extension to visit this beautiful and vibrant city! Contact us for more information.

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.

Alexandra Annabel aged 55 MELROSE 1 trip

September 2026

We had a lovely four days in Morocco. The horses were all healthy, very well trained and incredibly sure footed. Rasheed and Mohammed were excellent guides, keeping us safe and clearly look after the horses very well. The lodge was ideal, very comfortable and friendly staff. I rode Zapheer (not sure how to spell it)... Read all
- Horses
- Programme
- Accommodation
- Local guide
Claire aged 53 Bishops Stortford 2 trips

September 2026

The Moroccan Escapade was a lovely two and a half days riding on excellent, well behaved stallions, led brilliantly by Rasheed and Mohammad. The scenery was spectacular and every ride was different. The only downside was that some of our group didn’t seem to have hot water at the lodge and we all came home with a... Read all
- Horses
- Programme
- Accommodation
- Local guide
Equus Journeys' reply

Hello, thank you for your lovely review! We will follow up with the team regarding the stomach bug and do remind all riders that tap water is not for consumption in Morocco (not even to brush your teeth!)
Sarah aged 49 BEACONSFIELD 1 trip

April 2025
- Horses
- Programme
- Accommodation
- Local guide
Alison 1 trip

January 2025

Incredible value for money. Excellent accommodation. Fast and professional support which gave us the confidence to go on this kind of trip. The stables was great with well cared for horses and an excellent guide. I rode Atlas. He was well cared for. Their quietest ride out horse i believe. Very comfortable in trot and... Read all
- Horses
- Programme
- Accommodation
- Local guide

Contact an advisor

Iris LAPPRAND

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Moroccan Escapade

From the horse’s mouth

Itinerary

Highlights

Day 1 1: ARRIVE IN MARRAKECH - ATLAS MOUNTAINS - 2 hours riding

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

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

Day 4 4: ATLAS MOUNTAINS - DEPARTURE FROM MARRAKECH

Dates & prices

Price details

Price includes

Support Team

Logistics

Inland transport

Accommodation

Meals

Price doesn't include

Meals

Transport

Extra

Extras

Insurance

Optional

Accommodation

Equestrian info

Horses

Guide & local team

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

Pace

Tacking ability and participation

Trip conditions and Requested experience

Equestrian equipment

Travel info

Comfort

Meals

Climate

Tips

Packing list

Sustainable tourism

Did you know?

Did you know?

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

Contact an advisor