Morocco - Desert Short Break

There are no reviews for this holiday at the moment

Day 1
Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel (+/- 40min) via the 'road of a thousand kasbahs'. After check-in at the guest house in the heart of the palm grove. Depending on arrival time, guests will be welcomed at the stables and meet the horses. The team will asses the riders and match to a suitable horse. A first ride around the palm grove.

Day 2
Saddle up and set off for the day alternating between desert plateau and palm groves. Picnic in the shade of the palms, amongst date, olive, almond and rose trees. After lunch, the ride crosses a plateau, offering a chance to gallop before heading back.

Day 3
The day is spent exploring the Palmerie area on horseback on small paths and tracks that criss-cross the region, giving the impression that riders have stepped back in time. (Approx 5 hrs riding)

Day 4
Meet at the stables after breakfast before setting off toward the Atlas Mountains. After crossing a desert plateau the group will arrive at the Imeder Valley, particularly beautiful at the end of winter when the almond trees are in bloom. Enjoy a picnic in the shade of the palms before riding through the village of Ait Said Mansour, dotted with fascinating kasbahs.

Day 5
Depending on the departure time, guests may be able to enjoy a last ride before bidding the horses and the team farewell.

For non-riders there are sightseeing tours, hiking and cycling available. Please enquire.

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 horses used for this ride are Arab Barb crosses, ideal for the climate and terrain. They are generally 14.2-15.3hh. Some of the herd are stallions as it is customary not to castrate riding horses. The stallions all have individual characters and are well schooled, of good temperament and no more difficult to handle than normal riding horses.

There are also Arab Barb geldings available to ride: these horses are more suited to novice riders and children. The tack is English saddles, snaffle bridles. Saddle bags are provided. Time is spent on the first day to match you to your horse.

The riding can be at all paces, if wanted, once everyone is comfortable with their horses. Experienced riders will be separated from novice and beginner riders. The terrain varies from vast open desert like plains to rocky riverbeds, rolling hills and forests. There are some rocky steep areas which can be avoided if you are not comfortable with this. The views are stunning and every day brings new delights.

All abilities are catered for on this ride. Experienced riders who are happy and balanced at all paces when controlling a horse in open spaces will be allowed to ride the stallions. Less experienced riders, and children, will ride the geldings and quieter horses. Your guide will be able to match you to the right horse. Experience over rough terrain may be beneficial but not essential as the horses are very sure-footed. Rider minimum age is 12 years old. Rider weight limit: 15 stone (95 kg)

The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Situated in the palm groves, the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace in authentic Moroccan décor. Guests are invited to relax in one of the lounge areas or under the Berber tent in the garden.

Offering a pool view, the guest rooms and suite are decorated in traditional, Berber style and include a fan and a wardrobe. They each have a private bathroom with free toiletries and a shower.

A continental breakfast is served every morning and Moroccan dishes can be prepared if you reserve in advance. Walks are possible in the area and excursions can be organised on request.

If this accommodation is booked, other similar comfortable guest houses are available.

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

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

The days are warm and the nights chilly. There is also a considerably different climate in the mountain to the desert. A guide is given below but these temperatures are averages and snow is not unheard of! Marrakesh is on average 5C warmer than the mountains.

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, sunburn 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.

You will be in a remote area and we suggest you bring sufficient film and batteries with you from the UK.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Fleece for cold mornings
Suncream/Insect repellent
Insect repellent/sun screen
Copy of your passport
Plastic bags for wet clothing

Items provided
- Saddle bags
- Riding hat (limited number available - best bring your own)

5 days / 4 nights / 4 riding days - Sunday arrivals
(Longer or shorter trips by arrangement)

2025: Low season: 5, 12, 19, 26 Jan; 2 Feb; 30 Nov; 7, 14 Dec
2025: Mid season: 9, 16, 23 Feb; 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar; 11, 18 May; 8 Jun; 21, 28 Sep; 5 Oct; 2, 9, 16, 23 Nov
2025: High season: 30 Mar; 6, 13, 20, 27 Apr; 4, 25 May; 15, 19, 26 Oct; 21, 28 Dec

Single supplement available - ask your travel consultant for details

• £
• €
• US $
• SEK

The Conquest of Morocco by Douglas Porch examines the takeover of Morocco by Paris, leading to the establishment of the protectorate.

Peter Mayne's highly readable A Year in Marrakesh is his account of time spent living among the people of the city and observations on their lives.

Their Heads Are Green is an intriguing collection of short stories about North Africa by the famous Tangier resident Paul Bowles (author of Sheltering Sky).

The House of Si Abdallah: the oral history of a Moroccan family, by Henry Munson Jr, is a unique insight into the daily life and thoughts of Moroccans, mainly through the eyes of a traditional pedlar in Tangier.

A fascinating look at the lives of Moroccan women is Leonora Peet's Women of Marrakesh. Over 40 years (1930-70) Peets got about as close as a non-Muslim can to the lives of local women.

Iain Finlayson's Tangier: city of the dream is an intriguing look at some of the western literati who found a new home in Morocco at one time or another.

For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

Inhabitants mostly speak the Berber language, but a few speak French. Most staff on-site speak Berber, Arabic, French, English and Spanish. Islam is the predominant religion and it is therefore necessary to dress and behave appropriately in the lodge as well as in the surrounding areas, as the team comprises local villagers.

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.