Morocco - Luxury Agafay Ride

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Day 1
Equestrian Centre - The foot of Souktana: Morning transfer to the equestrian centre. After a presentation of the riding itinerary riders will saddle up for an assessment of riding skills. Once all riders are happy, the group set off through the hamlets of the valley, then over gentle hills on a track that is perfect for a gallop. Ride through olive groves while taking in the surroundings. End the day's ride below Souktana, the highest peak in the Kik region. Overnight in Oumnast at the guesthouse Riad Sougtani (or similar). Approx. 4.5hr riding

Day 2
After breakfast, head off to cross a small plateau (Anwor), a vast agricultural area where the land is dominated by cereal crops and livestock, the main resources of the region. In the afternoon the route leads up small hills and then crosses small villages and plateaus to return to the guesthouse.
Overnight in Oumnast at the guesthouse Riad Sougtani (or similar). Approx. 4hr riding

Day 3
The Afgay Desert: Leave the Riad after breakfast to cross large desert plateaus that overlook the Oued N'Fiss before crossing its abundant vegetation. The wadi flows all year round, allowing crops to grow along its banks. After crossing the wadi, climb to the Agafay desert. The early evening light brings out the best in the desert, and riders can enjoy some fast riding through the hills before arriving at Inara's charming camp. Relax and take advantage of the last rays of sunshine with a refreshing dip in the pool. Overnight at Inara Camp (or similar). Approx 4.5hr riding

Day 4
Morning and first light is special in the desert. After a breakfast with a view, head to the waiting horses for a day of discovery in this magnificent setting. Depending on the season, the group explore the remote valleys of this famous desert. Overnight at Inara Camp (or similar). Approx. 4.5hr riding

Day 5
Agafay desert - lake Lalla Takerkoust: Today the group saddle up to head due west crossing the hills that make up the desert before returning to a more wooded landscape through olive groves and crops. The route descends towards Lake Takerkoust where the last guesthouse of the ride is tucked away in magnificent Atlas Pistacho grove. Relax at the pool and terraces with aperitifs, followed by dinner. Overnight Kasba Beldi (or similar). Approx. 4-5hrs riding.

Day 6
Lalla Takerkoust lake - Souktana: An early morning breakfast in the first rays of sunshine before climbing back in the saddle for another day's riding toward the lunch venue, and transferring back to Marrakech for the homeward flight. (dinner and accommodation not included if staying an extra night in Marrakech).

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. They are well used to riding in a group.

There are also Arab Barb geldings available; these horses are more suited to novice riders and children on other groups but available on request for this ride. The tack is English saddles, snaffle bridles. Saddle bags are provided. Time is spent on the first day to match riders to the perfect horse.

Proficient in all gaits and comfortable riding in a group across diverse terrain. Fit enough to cope with up to 5hrs riding daily.

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

This is a luxury holiday, with accommodation to match. Three nights are spent in top-quality Riads in beautifully appointed, en suite rooms. Set in well kept grounds, they have swimming pool and seating areas. Two nights are spend in camps that are amongst the best of the region, with private 'rooms', made up beds and private bathrooms. The food is lovingly prepared and feature both local and western fare, with all meals included from lunch on arrival to lunch on departure. Special diets can be catered for. Please advise when booking.

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.

Wifi and signal is available at the accommodations. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.

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
Lightweight long sleeved shirts – light colours are best
Insect repellent/sun screen
Swim wear if wanting to use the swimming pools

This ride has an 6 day / 5 night / 6 riding days with fixed departures

2025: Low season: 19 Jan
2025: Mid season: 16 Feb; 16 Mar; 18 May
2025: High season: 20 Apr

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A good guide book is invaluable but in addition:

• 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

The local 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 when in public areas.

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.