Horse Riding Holidays in Morocco, Africa can be desert, mountain or beach rides - or any combination. For riders coming from Europe it is unbelievable to think that with a short flight of a few hours you could be in a different continent with such a very different lifestyle and culture. It's a year-round destination, making it a great option for a winter escape to the sun. Even low cost budget airlines fly here now so whatever your budget, you can have a very special horse riding holiday - even a short break. The rides are mainly for intermediate to advanced riders and most are trail rides but based stays are also possible. In addition you can easily take in the incredible ancient city of Marrakesh for a few days. Whether you are a single rider, couple, family or group there's a ride for you here. At Unicorn, we consider our horse riding holidays in Morocco to be among the best in the World!
Morocco is Africa and the Middle East rolled into one. It is perhaps at its best in Spring (mid-March to May) when the country is lush and green. In the summer it is very hot - so head for the coast, and in the winter it can be very cold in the mountains - you will see snow on the peaks of the High Atlas from November to July. Autumn is very pleasant after the heat of the summer. It is a muslim country with a liberal attitude to women's rights.
Unicorn offers horse riding holidays in several areas of Morocco:
Situated in North Africa, Morocco has a long Atlantic coastine. It can be rather blustery at times but the long miles of beautiful sandy beaches and small fishing ports more than make up for this. Essaouira lies on the west of the coast, is very popular amongst the Moroccans. The Portuguese established trading posts here hundreds of years ago. Essaouira (which is pronounced 'Essa-weir-a') is a chic seaside town but it still has a busy port and boat building industry. You can watch the fisherman precariously fishing from the rocks, walk the ramparts, get lost in the medina or take part in the daily fish auction. You can catch the rays on the beautiful large beach, ride the surf or swim in the ocean - but you may be joined on your swim by the odd beach camel or horse! The town has good hotels and restaurants, most of which claim to have attracted Jimi Hendrix on his visits here. Our horse riding holiday in this area of Morocco is a week long trail along the coast and features plenty of riding along endless beaches interspersed with date palms, sand dunes and rocky peaks with views over the ocean.
In the cooler months, the horses spend their winter deep in the Moroccan desert. We are delighted to offer a selection of horse riding vacations here. From your horse on these trail rides you can experience the vastness of the desert dominated by the majestic Atlas Mountains and interspersed with kasbahs, oases, dunes and small adobe villages. There are beautiful valleys and prolific palmeraie to discover. The horses are magnificent Barb-Arabs. To appreciate these holidays to the full, you'll need to be a goodhorseman, fit with a sense of adventure. You'll fly to Marrakesh and then drive to the start point of the ride through magnificent scenery up and over the Atlas Mountains.
For the truly adventurous a must-do horseback trip is our High Atlas Crossing trail ride, high into and over the mountains. The first ever ride traversing the High Atlas Mountains was our trip in May 2004 and following its great success it has become a firm favourite. There are two trips per year, one in spring and then the reverse ride back in autumn. Immerse yourself into a different world following historic caravan routes. This is one of the most challenging riding holidays in our portfolio.
Another option is the Skoura to Tarbhalt Desert Trail where again you can experience the incredible desert scenery and meet the Berber people who have adapted so well to this landscape.
Both these horse riding holidays are camping trips with full backup support.
In the summer months of June, July and August Unicorn has a horseback trail in the High Atlas Mountains riding high through spectacular mountain passes and then lower in beautiful verdant valleys, through adobe Berber vilages and pine trees. You start and end the Central Atlas Summer riding holiday in a riad in Marrakech but camp on the trail.
Perhaps you've only time for a short break in the desert and mountains of Morocco. We are delighted to offer two year-round gems. On our Marrakech Short Break holiday you'll ride in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains which are just perfect for horseriding. The climate is ideal at any time of year and the riding routes can be adapted to suit all riding abilities. You have a choice of accommodation from hotel to luxurious lodge to private luxury camp. For the ultimate escape and a true adventure why not experience our Luxury Desert Adventure. Originally designed to be the best weekend break from the stresses of the workplace, this private trip can in fact be tailored to any length. You'll start by flying to the heart of the Moroccan desert before your fast, exhilorating trail ride, staying in kasbahs and luxury tents. A 4WD will then take you over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech for your flight home. We can extend your short break to suit you, perhaps more riding, perhaps you'd like to indulge yourself in a top class boutique riad in bustling Marrakech - just ask our staff and we'll happily suggest possibilities.
So whether it's luxury you're after or a back to basics camp, whether it's mountains or desert or the seaside Morooco is ideal for a horse riding holiday.
Unicorn staff are well travelled in Morocco and can offer lots of advice on extensions to your riding vacation. Most clients choose a stay in the bustling, colourful and chaotic medina of Marrakech but you may prefer to hire a car and drive to the Todra Gorge, the high dunes of the Sahara or the coast.
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