The Desert Trail

July 3, 2024

Caitlin Hoskins

Head to magical Morocco and embark on a nomadic trail at the gateway to the Sahara. The Touareg Desrt Trail takes place in February each year and swishes riders away to magical Morocco. A country of dazzling diversity, Morocco has epic mountains, sweeping deserts and ancient cities, and it greets travelers with warm hospitality alongside a perfect glass of mint tea. Discover why the traditional Berber Arabian breed is such great fun to ride and admire the fast-flowing,waters of the Oued Draa river. Hotel accommodation on the first and last night with traditional bivouac accommodation (with hot showers!) makes for an authentic glimpse into the Moroccan nomad life.

Randonnée à cheval dans les dunes de Merzouga ©A Champert

Ride through the epic and diverse Moroccan landscape on sure-footed Berber-Arabians, crossing varied terrain and spending your nights at a comfortable bivouac camp. Begin in the town of Tameghourte, southeast of Zagora. On the way, you can visit the village of Ouled Driss, before crossing the large Draa palm grove, where you can admire the gardens surrounding the ancient castles of Morocco.

The second stage of the trail is a total immersion in the natural landscapes. You will cross large spaces, sometimes covered by dunes and sometimes by rocks. This is the entry point to the Sahara desert. During this trail you will have the opportunity to gallop on the large sandy shelves of the desert and climb to the top of Mount Jebel Bani to admire the plain below; a breathtaking view.

The first and last night of the trail is spent in a hotel in Casablanca (on your own account). This leaves you able to catch the Royal Air Maroc flight from Casablanca departing at 7.50 am and arriving in Zagora at 11.05am where you will meet the horses and begin the trail.

While out on the trail you’ll experience the life of a nomad, sleeping in bivouac camps in either a shared or private tent. Your bivouac is equipped with a hot shower, toilet facilities, and a cooking and dining tent. Evenings are spent sitting around a campfire and enjoying traditional Moroccan flavours prepared by your travelling chef. The camp moves each night and is set up among a sea of golden crescents resulting in a quiet and enveloping desert experience, offering spectacular night skies illuminated by the enormous arc of the Milky Way.