Morocco - Trail to the Sahara

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 RH of on 05/05/2024

Day 1
Arrive Ouarzazate: Riders will be met at the airport and transferred to their hotel. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 2
Ouarzazate - Imi N'Chaabte - Tafraout: 2.5 hours riding: Meet in the hotel lobby at 7am in time to leave by car in the direction of Zagora, along the Draa Valley, until reaching Tansikht. The group is then driven along the Djbel Sagho and travels through Nkob and Tazzarine, leaving the asphalt towards Mcissi. The journey is approximately 420 km on asphalt and 60 km on a track. There will be a picnic en-route. Upon arrival, riders meet the team and are matched to a suitable horse before finally setting out into the desert, dunes and sandy riverbeds. Overnight in comfortable inn (or camping depending on choice of package).

Day 3
Tafraout - Foum Mharech: 4 /6 hours riding: Today's ride starts from the Tafraoute Village en-route to reach the Ahbouche Ktkouyte plateau (Tafraoute Lake). This is an ideal place for an exhilarating gallop. Ride at the foot of Tattihate, between Djbel Mohre to the right and Djbel Zireg to the left. The trail give riders the chance to admire the breath-taking landscape of the Sahara Desert; endless dunes with majestic cliffs in the background. The ride ends at a charming desert lodge located in Mharech Valley. Overnight in a cottage (or camping depending on choice of package).

Day 4
Foum March - Remlia Sand Hills - Ouzina: 5/6 hours riding: Today's trail includes perfect riding through beautiful scenery and continues through a small pass to the valley of Wad Ghriss. This area is true desert and initially it feels as if the horse could sink into the sand at any time. Grand landscapes of dry, austere mountains are highlighted by attractive dunes and welcome oasis settlements, a reminder that there is daily life in this seemlingly barren landscape. Overnight in a comfortable inn (or camping depending on choice of package).

Day 5
Ouzina Sand Hills - Jdaid: 4/5 hours riding: Today, ride along the splendid Ouzina sand hills - from dunes to rocky mountains. This Saharan day will end in the village of Tagthaoucht-n-Jdaid, where a water reservoir is located. Overnight in a comfortable lodge (or camping depending on choice of package).

Day 6
Jdaid - Merzouga Sand Hills: 5 hours riding: There are regular changes of scenery on this journey, and today takes the group through a landscape dotted with tamarisk before reaching the foot of the highest dunes in Morocco... the dunes of the Chebbi Erg! There will be time to enjoy these remarkable landscapes and give the horses a chance to roll in the sand. Overnight in a riad (or camping depending on choice of package).

Day 7
Jdaid - Merzouga Sand Hills: 2 hours riding: This is the last morning on horseback and follows the route through the Chebbi Erg to Taouz. Say a fond farewell to the team and horses before heading back in the 4WD in the direction of Erfoud, Boumalne Dades, across the 1000 Kasbah Valley until you reach Ouarzazate. Check in at the hotel and leisure time and a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel (or camping depending on choice of package).

Day 8
Ouarzazate - Departure. Transfer to the airport for your departure.


NOTE: This itinerary on this horse riding holiday is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

There is a full backup team with vehicle for the length of your stay. You will be requested to assist with grooming and saddling your horse.
 

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 all stallions as it is customary not to castrate riding horses. They all have individual characters and are well schooled, of good temperament and no more difficult to handle than normal riding horses. They are generally 14.2-15.2hh.

The tack is English saddles with snaffle bridles. Saddle bags are provided. Time is spent on the first day to match you to your horse. The riding is at all paces and there are some long days, so being comfortable on your horse is important. The temperatures can vary from very hot and dusty days in the desert, to cool nights. The terrain varies from vast open stoney desert to sandy riverbeds and plateaus. There are some steep rocky areas. The views are amazing and every day brings new delights.

To go on this ride you should be comfortable spending up to six hours a day in the saddle and ride at all paces including gallop. Experience over rough and challenging terrain is recommended but not essential as the horses are very sure footed. You should be fit and able to accept an adventurous environment. Weight limit: 15 stone (95 kg). Although the minimum age for this ride is 12 years, in general this is not a trip taken by children.

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 comfort trail so accommodation is in guesthouses and hotels. Showers are available each evening. Single rooms are available upon request (additional charge). There is shade available to eat at lunch times, either natural or a simple tent is erected. Please note that it can get very cold at night and there is no heating in most of the accommodation, so warm clothes for sleeping in is advised.

The food on the ride is thoughtfully prepared to give you a taste of Morocco and include a European diet. Remember, the language here is French and the French love their food, so it will be good!

Breakfast is simple continental style, lunches are picnic with beautifully prepared salads. Dinner will include balanced, slightly spicy, local food such as cous-cous and rice dishes served in a traditional Tagine. Traditional Berber mint tea is a really refreshing and welcome treat. All special diets can be catered for.

Alcohol is not included on the trail but you are welcome to buy your own before the trail starts to take along with you.

The back up includes a truck carrying the luggage and tent which will meet you most lunchtimes, there is a cook, driver, a horse guide who cares for the horses and an English speaking guide.

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 days can be warm to very hot (30's celsius) and the nights generally cooler (16-22C). It can be dusty and on occasion windy. It is usually very sunny and most of the water in this region is melted snow from the Atlas mountains in wide rivers that run for only a few months of the year.

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.

You will be in a remote area and we suggest you bring sufficient film and batteries with you. Remember your chargers.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384. If you do not have one we can arrange for you to borrow a helmet, please request before you book so we can confirm.
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- 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 definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
- Sunhat
- Fleece - Although the weather is generally very warm, the evenings can be a bit cooler
- Warm layers - At times the evening temperature drops significantly
- Casual Clothes - for when out of the saddle
- Raincoat - although it rains very rarely it may be a good idea to pack a waterproof/ windproof jacket
- 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
- Camera and Spare Batteries/Charger - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- A copy of your passport

Provided by hosts
- Riding Helmet

This is an 8 day/7 night programme with riding on 6 days available on set departure. Private departures for groups of 4 or more can be arranged.

2024 Low Season: 7, 14, 21 January; 3, 10, 17 November; 8, 15, 22 December
Mid Season: 18, 25 Feb; 3, 10, 17 March; 6 April; 24 November
High Season: 24, 31 March; 7 Apr; 13, 20, 27 October

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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

Cooking will be done for you but you will be requested to assist with grooming and saddling your horse.
We recommend you bring 2 water bottles, mineral water will be supplied. It is also possible to buy mineral water for about 60p per bottle in local shops as well as the usual array of carbonated drinks.

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.