Morocco - In the footsteps of the Berber Nomads

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Day 1
Agadir: Meet at Agadir airport for the taxi transfer to the ranch. Upon arrival, settle in and enjoy the gardens and terraces, with views of the sea and mountains. Meet the team and the horses over a delicious cup of Moroccan tea.

Day 2
Ranch - Laouina: After breakfast, prepare the horses and leave the ranch for the first day of riding. Head to the mountains overlooking
the ranch and the ocean. Pass through Berber villages and encounter shepherds with their flocks. Relax over a picnic under the Argan trees. In the afternoon, descend from the mountains with a view of the Tiznit plain. The farmland and wadi terrain offers riders the chance to enjoy some cantering. Spend the evening in Lourina, staying with a local family, to discover the Berber culture and way of life.

Day 3
Laouina - Ouijane: Todays route crosses a shady Oasis shortly after leaving Laouina. After passing through the village and stopping at a spring to quench the horses' thirst, the route enters an arid stone desert, with the mountain as a backdrop. For lunch, stop in a village and admire the old adobe constructions. Caontinue through the rocky terrain and cross wadis before reaching the village of Ouijane, with its century-old olive forest. After navigating through a maze of alleys and shaded paths, arrive at Valérie and Michel’s place. Enjoy cooling off in the swimming pool before spending the night in traditional chaima tents (possibility of reserving a Kaïdal tent with private toilets, at an additional cost).

Day 4
Ouijane – Assounfou: From Ouijane, follow a scenic track overlooking the wadi. There are two options for the morning: a challenging passage through the mountains, requiring a good walk on steep paths (but with breath-taking views), or an easier walk along the mountain. Picnic with a view of the Argan plantations and rocky cliffs before heading off for the afternoon ride, which passes through villages at the foot of the mountains. Spend the evening in a comfortable hotel at the gates of the “little Sahara”.

Day 5
Assounfou – Palmeraie de Massa: Start the day by crossing sand dunes before following the Massa wadi, the largest in the Souss region. Lunch near a large farm, before reaching Massa, crossing ancestral lands along donkey paths that have shaped the landscape for centuries. The water creates lush vegetation in this delta, contrasting with the arid landscapes crossed earlier. On reaching the hotel, relax by the swimming pool before dinner with a view of the palm grove.

Day 6
Palmeraie de Massa – Les Grottes: Depart from Massa to reach the coast, following tracks that cross the desert landscape. Lunch at the top of the cliffs with a view of the sea. Continue along the sandy desert tracks to a lodge run by a Berber family. Spend the evening in troglodyte caves hidden in the cliff overlooking the ocean.

Day 7
Grottes – Le Ranch: On the last day of riding, travel through the desert and along the cliffs to the fishing port of Aglou, where the group will stop for lunch. Head back to the ranch via the beach, covering 15km of fine sand. Upon arrival, tend to the horses, say goodbye to these four-legged companions, and relax before dinner. Massages are available for those wanting to ease their muscles (extra, by appointment). Enjoy a farewell dinner, reminiscing about the week with fellow riders.

Day 8
Departure: Depending on the flight time, there may be the option to take a trip to Mirleft or Tiznit, or to enjoy a massage to relax before the return journey. Transfer to Agadir airport.

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 pure blood 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. Some tracks and paths may require riders to dismount to lead their horses. The itinerary includes beach crossings, but the duration and gaits used will depend on the tides.

Experienced, fit riders who are comfortable and able to keep control in all paces (speed and direction) and have good horse riding skills on various types of landscape. An average of 6 hours riding per day.

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

While offering comfort through a carefully selected range of hotels and guesthouses, this trek is fully immersed in the deep and authentic Morocco, far from the typical tourist routes. Accommodation along the way includes an evening in the home of a local Berber, a troglodyte cave, traditional chaima tents, and hotels. Some have shared ablutions. There is a limited single accommodation and availability must be checked at the time of booking.

All meals are included in the itinerary and include typical Moroccan cuisine. Certain special diets can be catered for with prior arrangement.

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

In Agadir, the summers are short, warm, muggy, arid, and clear and the winters are short, cool, and mostly clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 9°C to 27°C and is rarely below 5°C or above 32°C. It is advisable to bring a warm pullover as 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.

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.

Limited Wi-Fi is available at the ranch and some stops along the way. 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.

Please don't use big hard suitcases as they might not fit in the car boot during your transfer - soft bags would be the most suitable.

- 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 with a collar to cover up from the sun
- Light weight scarf
- 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

8 day / 7 night / 6 riding day itineraries available between September and end April.

2024/2025: From September - end April. Saturday arrivals preferred.

Check availability beforehand

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• 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

2024/5: Cooking workshop: 40€ pp, Massage: starting from 24€, Beach dinner: 25€ pp or 7€ supplement if a dinner already included in a package, Pool access: 5€ per person, Paragliding: 50€ per person, Surfing: 20€ per person for 1.5 hours with equipment + 30€ for taxi, Quad biking: starting from 40€ + 20€ for taxi.

Please note that Morocco has very few ATMs. Draw cash (Dirham or Euros) for additional purchases.

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.