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 HW of Tewkesbury on 07/04/2025

Day 1
Arrival at Ouarzazate airport and meet the transfer to the hotel in Ouarzazate
Dinner and overnight in hotel

Day 2
Meet at the front desk of the hotel at 7am. Transfer by road to Zagora through the Draa Valley (170 km, 3.5hrdrive). After following the Drâa Valley to Tansikht, the vehicles follow the chain of Jebel Sagho heading north. Cross Nkob and Tazzarine and leave the asphalt road towards Mcissi. Meet with the team and the horses for the allocation and a briefing. Overnight Les Jardins de Tafraout (or similar)

Day 3
Tafraout - Foum Mharech: Leave on horseback after breakfast and cross the village of Tafraout to reach the plateau of Ahbouche Ntkouyte (Lake Tafraout). The terrain is ideal for galloping. Follow a path at the foot of Tattihate between Jebel Mohre on the right and Jebel Zireg on the left. The landscapes of infinite dunes alternates with the cliffs in the background. Reach Riad Nomad, the overnight stop, for dinner (4/6 hours riding)

Day 4
Foum Mharech - Remlia – Ouzina dunes: A day of beautiful riding as the group head to a small pass to overlook the valley of the Wadi Ghriss. As the ride progresses into the desert, the surroundings are dominated by arid and austere mountains highlighted by beautiful dune cords in which some green oasis points cn be seen in contrast. Dinner and overnight in the guest house Ouzina Rimalat the foot of the dunes of Ouzina. (4/6 hours riding)

Day 5
Ouzina dunes - Jdaid: Head out along the beautiful dunes of Ouzina. The route alternates between the dunes or on the path between sands and mountains. Reach the hostel in the village of Taghaoucht-n-Jdaid, water supply point.Accommodation : Overnight: Itrane Sahara (or similar) (4/ 5 hours riding)

Day 6
Jdaid - Merzouga: The landscpe changes again today as the route heads through a landscape dotted with tamaris, The riders eventually find themselves at the foot of the highest dunes of Morocco - Erg Chebbi! Take advantage of these grandiose landscapes while the horses create sandy paths. Overnight at the guest house Nomad Palace hotel (or similar) close to the dunes of Merzouga. (5 hours riding)

Day 7
Merzouga – Ouarzate : A quick morning ride and say goodbye too the horses before enjoying a snack and catching the minibus return transfer to Ouarzazate (5hrs by road), Dinner at the restaurant and overnight at a 3 star hotel in Ouarzazate. (3 hours riding)

Day 8
Ouarzate - Airport:  Breakfast and transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule.

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.

The accommodation on this ride is in twin/shared rooms in hotels, guest houses and raids, all carefully chosen for their comfort and authenticity. Some ablutions may be shared.

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!  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

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 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.

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

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.

2025 Low season: 5, 12, 19 Jan; 30 Nov; 7, 14 Dec
2025 Mid season: 16, 23 Feb; 2, 9, 16, 23 Mar; 5, 12 Oct; 2, 9, 16, 23 Nov;
2025 High season: 30 Mar; 6*, 13* Apr; 19, 26 Oct; 21 Dec (*Limited Availability)

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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

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.