Morocco - Valley of the Roses

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 EM of Expo Norte, Lisboa on 30/05/2024

Day 1
Arrive at Ouarzazate. If flying to Marrakech guests must be scheduled to arrive before 2pm to allow for the 4-hr transfer (extra cost) to Ouarzazate. If one can only get an evening flight to Marrakech, then they should plan to arrive the previous day. Meet at Ouarzazate and be transferred to the hotel. Overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 2
Skoura to Aghbalou - approx. 4 hrs riding: 8am transfer to Skourato meet the horses’ at their winter base. First there is an evaluation of riding levels and the allocation of horses. After a ride briefing, set off through the Skoura palm grove and onto the arid plateaus of Aït Saïd Oumanssour. Camp at the foot of the mountains.

Day 3
Aghbalou to Aguerd - approx. 5 hours riding: In the morning, cross the Tamassent plateaus to reach Toundount. Here the riders will have a beautiful view over the valley with its almond trees. In the afternoon there should be the opportunity for some long canters on the plateau until reaching Tiflit village. Climb up through steep gorges to the camp situated next to Aguerd village. Overnight in camp. 

Day 4
Aguerd to Taoujgalt - approx. 5.5 hrs riding: Today, ride along Nait Tounert and past many villages with beautiful views over the cultivated terraces. After a picnic lunch, ride across a plateau and then to a pass that overlooks the Azaghar-N-Aiguer valley. Finally, ride along a narrow path that leads to the camping spot (1900 m). Overnight in camp.

Day 5 
Taoujgalt to Agouti - approx. 5 hours riding: Today in the Assif El Qati Valley riders can see many examples of the beautiful architecture of the typical ksour (castle) of southern Morocco. These look spectacular against the green background of their gardens and the ochre cliffs behind which perhaps were once lived in by troglodytes. Camp in Agouti.

Day 6
Agouti to Boutaghrar - approx. 6.5 hrs riding: Well-preserved traditional villages will be part of the scenery as the route leads along the El Qati Valley. The paths followed are fenced with wild rose bushes, and in May the scent of the blooming roses fills the air. The kaleidoscope of colours - pink of the roses, green of the plantations & ochre of the rocks - form a delightful show. The rose essence is used in well-known perfume brands and is exported worldwide. Overnight in camp on the way to Boutaghrar.

Day 7
Boutaghrar to Timstiquite to Ouarzazate - approx. 2.5 hrs riding: Leave the refreshing area of the M’Goun River and ride along mule-paths until arriving in Timstiquite village. After lunch in the valley, return to Ouarzazate and the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Ouarzazate..

Day 8
Ouarzazate/ Marrakech
After breakfast transfer to Ouarzazate airport for the return flight. If departing from Marrakech the flight should depart after 4pm (to allow for the four hour transfer).

Alcohol
Alcohol is not provided on this trip. Riders are welcome to bring their own.

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, 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 once everyone is comfortable with their horses and there are some long days. The temperatures can vary from very hot and dusty days in the desert to cool nights. The terrain varies from vast open stony desert to sandy riverbeds and plateaus. There are some rocky steep areas. The views are amazing and every day brings new delights.

One must be a good horseman and fairly fit. The horses 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. Certain stages may force you to have longer days than usual. Certain passages in the mountains force us to dismount. A sense of humour and common sense are essential as well as the capacity to enjoy remote mountains and desert scenery.

There is a full backup team with vehicle for the duration of the trip. Guests are requested to assist with grooming and saddling the horses.

To go on this ride one should be comfortable spending up to six hours a day in the saddle and ride at all paces. Riders should be fit and able to accept an adventurous environment. 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 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

This is a camping trail so accommodation is in tents, and a hotel at the first and last day. Showers are available each evening. Single tents are available upon request (additional charge). Riders should bring their own sleeping bag. There is shade available at lunch times, either natural or a simple tent is erected. There is a large tent for eating and relaxing and also a shower tent and a chemical toilet. There is a separate shower tent and guests are provided with a large bucket of hot water for showering.

The food on the ride is thoughtfully prepared to give you a taste of Morocco and include 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. The horse often have a bath at lunch time! Dinner will include balanced slightly spicy local food such as cous-cous and rice dishes served in a traditional Tagin. Traditional Berber mint tea is a really refreshing and welcome treat. Most special diets can be catered for.

Alcohol is not included on the trail but riders are welcome to buy your own in Marrakech to take along with you. The back up includes a truck carrying the luggage and tents 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.

You will be in a remote area and we suggest you bring sufficient film and batteries with you from the UK.

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
Nice to have extras
Cycling shorts/padded underwear/seat saver if not used to long days in the saddle

Provided by hosts
-Riding Helmet
A laundry service is available at the hotel.

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

2025 Mid Season: 11 May
2025 High Season: 13, 20, 27 Apr; 4 May

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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.