Overview
We will start in Ait Benhaddou where we will discover the ancient caravan routes of the nomadic spice traders on route to the trading hub of Marrakech. We will explore the ancient ksar now a UNESCO world heritage site and catch a glimpse of cinematic history as we pass the set of Gladitor.
Follow in the footsteps of the Saharan nomads on the historic caravan routes in the surrounding areas. These routes follow the rivers and weave round the mountains, providing ever changing vistas from baron rocky landscapes to lush green valleys, incredible desert gorges to palm lined oasis’s.
Ride Information
8 Nights / 9 Days / 6 Riding Days
Cost: From £2000 pp sharing, Single person supplement: £250.
Where: Ait Benhaddou and Marrakech
When: Dates available Jan 2024 to June 2024 and September 2024 to June 2025
Riding level: Advanced, you must be able to control your horse cantering and galloping in open spaces in english saddles.
Riders: Maximum 8 riders in a private group, max group is usually six riders.
Weight limit: Maximum of 90kg
Time in the saddle: 4 - 6 hours a day
Highlights
6 hours of riding each day
Calm and well schooled Arab and Barb stallion horses
Discover ancient Ksars, Amazigh villages and nomadic farmers
Experienced guides fluent in Tashlaheet, Arabic, English and French
Accommodation in nomadic tents and local guest houses
Explore the incredible scenery of the Ounila Valley
Opportunity to learn about Berber and Nomadic culture
Diner, breakfast and lunch included
Water, tea, coffee and soda included
Horses and Riding
Our horses are all well schooled Arab and Barb stallions. They are strong and forward going but very kind in nature. The are equipped with English style tack and saddle bags.
The area of Ait Ben Haddou is home to ancient caravan routes used by the Saharan nomads to reach the trading centre of Marrakesh. Follow in their footsteps and explore the incredible landscapes the region has to offer whilst immersing yourself in Berber nomad culture.
The riding covers around 25km each day and takes in a variety of different landscapes, giving you a great introduction to the region of Ourazazate. Over the course of your trek we will ride through the over mountains, through the green valleys, across the desert and through palm lined oasis.
The riding covers a variety of terrain and there is plenty of opportunity for long stretches of trot and canter.
All of our horses are calm and well mannered but forward going with an experienced rider. This ride is best enjoyed by intermediate and advanced riders. A level of physical fitness is also required for the longer rides.
For the best experience we recommend that you are comfortable riding at all three paces and confident in riding a forward going horse over open ground.
Day 1
Arrive in Morocco and be transported to Ait Ben Haddou. After some time to explore the Ksar you can enjoy a relaxing night in a riad and a meal with your guides to prepare for the trip.
Day 2
Arrive at the ranch where you will be introduced to your guide and horse. We will set off via the lush green pasture at the edges of Ait Benhaddou, then on into the incredible gorges of the Oued Elmaleh. We will then pass through a dense birch forest to reach the Oued Ounila.
We stop for lunch on the hilltop of Tiggart overlooking the valley. After lunch we will continue along riverbed, before climbing back up into the rugged hillside to reach the village of Tamakouchte.
We will spend the night at the Auberge Achahoud, a traditional Berber guest house, where our hosts will prepare a hearty dinner.
Day 3
This morning, we will ride along the tracks towards Assaka, an impressive village built into the side of a cliff, taking in the views of the Taghoni and Tighora mountains. We pass through traditional berber villages, before descending to the river where we will stop for lunch.
In the aftermnoon we will alternate between high-level tracks that give us magnificent views of the Ounila valley and its villages, some extended canters, and the refreshing river.
We'll stop for the night in a gite in the village of Anmiter. In the evening we will visit Jacques Majorelle's house and the return to our accomodation for a cooking lesson.
Day 4
Departing after breakfast we will ride towards the Anfergal plateau. We'll make our way up the steep and rocky ascent to the small village of Tighza, with its bougainvillea-filled valley. We will reach a green plateau where only nomadic shepards live with their herds. Here we will stop for a picnic lunch.
In the afternoon, we'll continue across the plateau at a good pace. We'll set up camp in the middle of a plain entirely covered with fragrant thyme bushes. It's just us, the Toul'ntate countryside and a watering hole frequented by the reserved for the nomads.
Day 5
Today we explore the valleys of the Telouet region. We will follow the old salt track which has a mixture of terrains, some providing excellent opportunities to canter. The side of the mountains are lined with beautiful cedar forest. We will stop for lunch in the shade of the trees.
After lunch we head for Tabougamte, passing by the mausoleum of Rabbi Aaron Abehssera (better known as the Baba Salé of Colomb-Béchar), near the lake of the Tasga dam, before setting up camp this evening in Timjoujte, opposite apple ochards and olive groves.
The apples of Télouet, are arguably one of the best varieties in Morocco. During apple season, we'll have the privilege of tasting some with our evening meal.
Day 6
Today we will head to the centre of Telouet and will arrive there around lunch time. A shorter day on horse back, we will give our companions some well earned rest whilst we take some time to explore the town over an extended lunch.
We will eat in a local hostel and after have some free time to explore the town and meet the Berber crafts people who live there. Everything from carpet making, weaving, argan production and jewellery making takes place here.
We will visit the Kasbah of Télouet, before departing in mid-afternoon for our last night in camp near the remote village of Timentoute.
Day 7
After a traditional Moroccan breakfast, we will set off on a beautiful track that takes us to the village of Ankhsa,. This offers spectacular views of the distant mountains, which are capped with snow in the winter and early spring. The route follows the valley and allows plenty of opportunity to trot and canter.
We will stop for lunch at the Tamdakhte caves, which you can explore whilst a local cook prepares a traditional hot lunch for us.
After lunch we head back to the village of Ait Ben Haddou, passing through various villages and the river before exploring the Ksar itself.
In the late afternoon you will be transported to Marrakesh where you will have the evening to explore before staying in a riad for the night.
Day 8
Enjoy the day exploring Marrakesh. Activities can be arranged and we are always happy to help you plan your day! Night in riad in Marrakesh
Additional days in Marrakesh or Ait Ben Haddou can be arranged.
Day 9
Return transfer to airport
Itinerary
Accomodation
On the day of arrival you will be transfred to Ait Ben Haddou, where you will spend the night in a local hotel. Decorated in traditional style with a modern touch, its the perfect place to rest before embarking on the trek.
The hotel has a roof top terrace where we can enjoy yoga sessions and a delicious Moroccan breakfast.
During the trek we will stay in a mixture of traditional nomadic tents and Berber guest houses. Our campsites are akin to wild camping, food will be prepared over camping stoves or open fire.
Berber Guest House
This allows you to experience traditional way of life and the peace and tranquility of the Berber villages. Our local hosts provide the warmest of welcomes and are always happy to share their culture with you. All rooms are shared.
Nomadic Tents
There is nothing quite like sleeping under the stars, enjoying dinner prepared over open fire and hearing nothing but the birds and our horses. Our camps have a shower tent and chemical toilet.
Marrakesh Riad
We will spend our last night in a beautiful riad just outside Marrakech's ancient medina. The riad is beautifully decorating retaining original features with a modern twist. The location means it is a short stroll to all the major attractions but is quiet and peaceful to ensure a great nights sleep.
Additional nights in Marrakech can be added.
Next Departures
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Additional Information
Price
From £2000 per rider, £250 single supplement.
Whats Included
Your horse riding holiday is all inclusive. It includes all meals and drinks (soft drinks only), accommodation as outlined in the description and transfers.
Not Included
The price does not include international flights, additional activities, transportation from other cities in Morocco (can be arranged) and travel insurance.
Transfers
Arrival in Marrakech or Ourazazate airport included.
Arrival in other cities, transfers available at a supplement (preferential rates)
Food
A traditional Moroccan breakfast is served daily which includes breads, jams, honey, cheese and eggs. We also serve seasonal fruits, oatmeal and yogurt.
Lunch varies during the trek. On most days we will have a picnic lunch and BBQ over open fire (when safe to light). Some days we will stop at local restaurants. Usually lunch is a selection of fresh grilled meats or fish, vegetables and salads.
Dinner is usually traditional Moroccan cuisine. We prepare various styles of tagine, cous cous, grilled fish and more. If there is a Moroccan dish you are desperate to try make sure to let us know!
All of our meals are made using fresh, local and seasonal produce. If cooking is your thing we are more than happy for you help us with the preparation and learn some Moroccan dishes.
We can cater for most dietary restrictions, but please do let us know at the time of booking.
Please note that we do not serve alcohol on the trips and request that you do not bring any along with you.
Safety
Helmets are not compulsory for this ride, however we strongly recommend that one is worn at all times when working with horses. We also suggest that you check the terms of your insurance policy before making a decision.
Helmets are available, however for your own comfort we recommend bringing your own.
What to wear
You will receive a full packing list for your ride around 6 weeks before departure. The temperature can change dramatically throughout the day in Morocco and so for all our trips we recommend packing light layers that can be easily added and removed throughout the day.
Optional Extras
Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakesh have a huge amount to offer. We can arrange additional activities for you from an evening sunset ride, quad biking, camels, cooking classes and more. Our activities page has a full list of options.
We are also able to arrange additional nights stays and much more.