Morocco - Siroua Saffron Mountains

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 SM of Barnstaple on 21/10/2022

DAY 1
Arrival in Marrakech:Guests are met at the airport and transferred to the hotel for the night.

DAY 2
Anzal - Tamllakoute - 2.5 hours riding: Riders will meet the team and horses in the morning. After lunch, the first stage leads along the banks of Anzal Oued. You'll ride until the village of Tamllakoute for the first night camping. Dinner and overnight in the tent. 

DAY 3 
Tamllakoute-Amezri - approx 5 hours riding: Take a trail that will allow a gallop before reaching the village of Tinzaline. From here the trail becomes rocky paths until reaching Tizgzawine for a picnic lunch a short way from the village. Head for Merzoug in the afternoon, before reaching the huge plateau of Amezri with its incredible views over the surrounding mountains. Dinner and overnight at camp.

DAY 4 
Amezri- Talat n’Mdist - approx 5 hours riding: Today's ride heads to the Siroua summits, through Aït Tigga. This village overlooks the valley of Aït Semgane with its saffron terraced fields. While enjoying the view over the Berber villages of the valley, riders climb up to a small pass for a picnic lunch on top of the sheep pens of Tisswatine. The afternoon is spent on the way to the famous Tizi n’Anzommer pass (2732 m) to enjoy the the panoramic views of the whole mountain before riding down to the campsite along steep shepherd paths, deep inside the Mdist valley. Dinner and overnight at camp. 

DAY 5
Talat n’Mdist-Azazougzane - approx 5 hour riding: You will continue the trek along a beautiful trail that crosses a mountainous and dry area very rich in medicinal plants. The Siroua region is one of the richest regions as far as medicinal plants are concerned. The Berbers cut them and sell them on the markets all over the country. You will then go down to the riverbed to see a beautiful view over the Ighighi gorges. The horses can enjoy a well deserved rest in the river water before heading for the picnic spot at the foot of Djbel Tazoulte for lunch. Shortly after the break, you will ride uphill until you reach the high mountain pastures and the Azazougzane Azib (sheep pens), where the camp will be set. 

DAY 6
Azazougzane- Anmid - approx 5 hours riding: The whole day is spent riding through green fields, from one azib to another, sometimes in an exceptionally rocky areas with spectacular views. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the sheep pens. In the afternoon, ride up to Tizi n’Ait Qalla with its panoramic view over the village of Anmid. Camp down in the village.

DAY 7
Anmid - Amassine - approx 2.5 hours riding: This morning breakfast is the last on the trail. Ride in the direction of Agrilaoune village and continue up a long path that overlooks the Berber villages that seem to cling to the slopes of the mountain. End the ride with a gallop before saying goodbye to the horses and boarding our minibus for a transfer to Marrakesh (4 hours). Overnight in a 3* hotel in Marrakesh. 

DAY 8
Marrakech: Breakfast in the hotel and transfer to the 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 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 in Morocco. 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 horse and rider. The riding is at walk, trot and canter/gallop (once everyone is comfortable with their horses). The temperatures can vary from very warm in the daytime to cool nights. The pacing of the ride is around 60% walk, 25% trot and 15% canter/gallop.

To go on this ride you should be comfortable spending up to six hours a day in the saddle and able to ride at all paces on a good horse. Experience over rough and challenging terrain is recommended but not essential as the horses are very sure footed and capable.
Certain stages may force you to have longer days than usual. Certain passages in the mountains may mean you have to dismount and lead your horse. A sense of humour and common sense are essential as well as the capacity to enjoy remote mountain scenery. 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 although assistance is always available. The minimum rider age limit is 16 years. The maximum rider weight is 95kg.

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

The first and last nights of the trip are spent at a hotel in Marrakech. During the 5 nights on the trail riders will stay in simple two-person dome tents with 2 porches for bags. Foam mattresses are supplied, riders need to bring sleeping bags. Camp will also have a large mess tent for meals, a campfire and a shower tent with a large bucket of hot water for washing every day. There is one shower tent and one toilet (chemical). Private rooms and tents are available for an extra fee.

The food on the ride is thoughtfully prepared to give you a taste of Morocco and include European diets. 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. Most special diets can be catered for - please enquire.

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

This trails runs in the south of Morocco between mid October and mid May, will see temperatures rising to 20°C with cold nights. In April, May and October the day time temperatures will be hotter and the nights less extreme. Rain is possible but unlikely.

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 power pack for charging. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the permission from 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
Buff/Scarf/Bandana
Torch
Sleeping bag
Wet wipes
Portable/solar charger
Refillable Water bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
A copy of your passport

Provided by hosts
Saddlebags
Riding Helmet (Better to bring your own)
A laundry service is available at the hotel

This is a 8 day/7 night programme with 5.5 days riding available on set dates.

2025: 18**, 25*** May; 28** Sep
(** Mid Season) (***High Season)

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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

Depending on departure time, a tour of Marrakech can be arranged for an additional (reasonable) cost.

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.