Morocco - Agadir Beach Ranch

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from JK of Jersey city on 23/06/2022

The stationary programme on the beach is entirely flexible and depends on the level and expectations of the riders.

Day 1
Guests will be met from Agadir airport and transferred to the ranch, approximately two hours. Meet the hosts Melanie and Antoine, and if there is time after check-in, there will be an introductory ride to familiarise riders with the horses and a chance for the experienced guides to assess riding ability and discuss the programme. A dinner featuring some Moroccan specialties, and relax before bed. Accommodation is in double or twin rooms set around a central courtyard, all en suite.

Day 2 onwards
Each day breakfast is served around 08:00 and then meet at the stables to prepare the horses. Riders are encouraged to help with the grooming and tacking up of the horses, but help is at hand for those less familiar and who are keen to learn the basics of horse management. Riders can choose between riding in the outdoor arena, or a ride out in the local area before returning to the ranch for a typical Moroccan lunch such as grilled meat with vegetables and a tagine. After a rest, the horses are saddled up once again in preparation for a two to three hour trail ride. Perhaps a fast beach ride along the 18km coastline for experienced riders, or a gentler meander for those with less experience, visiting local Berber villages, or a ride along the cliff tops.

A whole day ride with a picnic barbeque is also possible for those who wish to explore further afield. There is no on-site swimming pool, but there is a swimming pool on the way to the beach (around 100m).

As well as the based programme there is a 3-day mini-trail available:
Beach/Mountain mini-trail - available from October to June

Please note that French is the primary language at the ranch. Your hosts speak fluent English, most staff speak some English, but a reasonable understanding of French will enhance your stay in Morocco.

2024: YOGA AND RIDING SPECIAL (13-20 Jan; 16-23 March)

Arrival Saturdays in the afternoon - Depart Saturday after breakfast.

Sunday - Friday: The day starts with a morning yoga session followed by breakfast. After breakfast there is morning ride (approx 2.5hrs), except for Wednesday when there is a tour of Hammam. After lunch, the afternoons are free. On the Sunday and Friday there is a 5pm stretching and meditation class, on the Wednesday the group head out for a sunset ride, on the Thursday there are drinks and dinner on the beach.

The availability and timing of beach rides are affected by the tides.
The stationary programme can be confirmed for one rider while trails need a minimum of 2 to confirm.
If the trail is not confirmed at the departure date the ride will be converted to a stationary programme and the price difference refunded.
** Please note that guests riding ability will be assessed before they are allowed to ride on the beach for safety reasons.

Non-riders and other activities:
Hiking, swimming in the sea, visits to local villages, spa treatments. There is also a swimming pool within walking distance of the ranch which guests can use free of charge. Quadding, paragliding, surfing and yoga are all available within close proximity.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The ranch has 15 horses, most are pureblood Arab and Barb Arabs. Unusually for Morocco there are no stallions, just mares and geldings. The horses are fit and forward going but there are a few quieter horses available.

Arabs are famed for their endurance capabilities and are capable of all paces for long distances. Around four hours per day are spent on horseback depending on the programme chosen.

Riders must be confident and secure at all paces and have experience of riding out. The horses are lively and forward going and some are of a young age. For outrides and beach riding you should be comfortable both sitting and standing at all paces (rising in trot)

The weight limit for this ride is 176 lb/80 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Built in the Hacienda style, there are eight colourful guest rooms, suitable for twin or double occupancy, each with its own shower. Some overlook the ocean, whilst others offer views of the stables or the impeccably kept grounds, abound with flowers that perfume the air.

Meals are a sociable affair and are usually taken in the living room or on the terrace overlooking the stables and the outdoor arena. The local chef, Hamid, will delight you with Moroccan specialities throughout your time at the ranch and perhaps delight you even more with his banjo playing! There is no on-site swimming pool but en-route to the beach (about 300 yards) there is a swimming pool.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.

NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures

Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months on your date of entry to Morocco. When entering the country, make sure your passport is stamped. Some tourists have experienced difficulties leaving the country because their passport bears no entry stamp. Before travelling, make sure your passport isn’t damaged. Some travellers have been refused entry when travelling on damaged passports.

Morocco is a Muslim country which follows Islamic laws and customs. You should respect these at all times.

Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.
Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.

In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco

In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html

In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/morocco

The weather is ideal all year round because of the oceans influence, it is rarely hotter than 35 degrees in the height of summer and not too cold during the winter however, it is advisable to bring a warm pullover, the nights can be fresh.
Even though south of Morocco is not famous for its rain, you could be surprised. Take appropriate clothes, especially in November, December and January.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you, and spare, just in case.

Morocco has a poor road safety record. Please take care when travelling on roads.

Henna tattoos are common in Morocco. If considering a henna tattoo be aware that some henna paste contain the chemical para-phenylenediamine (PPD) which can cause a painful allergic reaction including swelling and an itchy rash in some people.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 150 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Morocco and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Sunscreen, any personal medication, insect repellent.

Although there are no compulsory vaccinations it is recommended you see your local doctor for up to date information.

Malaria has been known to occur in the northern coastal areas in Morocco at certain times of year if you are also travelling there.

Water must be purified or boiled if not using mineral water. Mineral water is widely available for purchase at about 40-60p per litre. If not buying mineral water you should bring water purification tablets or drops with you. We recommend Micropur tablets which are tasteless.

A first aid kit is carried on all rides but we would suggest basic travellers medicines such as Dioralyte, Immodium and any other routine medication you may require.

We do advise taking plenty of sunscreen, sunburm is common at high altitudes and often not detected early due to cooler mountain temperatures.

In Morocco the supply voltage is 220V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 220V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

If you want to bring a GoPro please ensure you have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Hat
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a small heel are acceptable (not too wide for the stirrups) (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Sweater or fleece for cooler evenings
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt to cover up from the sun
- Towel
- Swimsuit
- Protective Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Flashlight: essential for walking

Provided by hosts
- Riding hat

Please don't use big hard suitcases as they might not fit in the car boot during your transfer - Try to pack light and use soft bags.

Programmes are available throughout the year, from three to seven nights.

2024: Available year round
2024: Yoga and Riding special weekend 13-20 Jan; 16-23 Mar
2025: Available year round

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Hiking, swimming in the sea, visits to local villages, spa treatments. There is also a swimming pool within walking distance of the ranch which guests can use free of charge. Quadding, paragliding, surfing and yoga are all available within close proximity

The Kingdom of Morocco is on the north-west corner of Africa. Morocco has a history as an independent nation state stretching back to the 9th century interrupted only by the brief interlude of the Protectorate (1912-1956) when the country was divided into French and Spanish zones.

Morocco's cities are bustling and full of life, usually centering around the market place. The muslim country is deeply spiritual and this mysticism is echoed in the dazzling art work found throughout. The power of the evil eye is a potent force for many Moroccans. One way of warding it off is to show the open palm of the hand, fingers pointing upwards. This 'hand of Fatima' (the Prophet's daughter) can frequently be spotted on stickers, painted on doors or as jewellery.

Morocco is on GMT. The international dialling code for Morocco is 212 and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. They are on GMT.