Agafay Desert Trail

6 Daysย  |ย  From ยฃpp

Morocco ( Best airport: Marrakech / Essaouira)

Just a stone’s throw from Marrakech, this unique trip welcomes you with luxurious accommodation and majestic Barb-Arab horses.The magnificent desert landscapes of the High Atlas mountains are perfect for exploring on horseback. The colors of this region gradually change depending on the time of year, going from lush green to hay yellow around October. The landscape will radically change shape as you approach the Agafay desert, the open horizon perfect for letting go of the reins.

The Riding

You will ride through the High Atlas Mountains, renowned for being the most beautiful in Morocco! Pass through Berber villages to discover the traditions of the region, far from the metropolitan life of Marrakech! Our goal is to reach the Agafay desert; the terrain gradually opens up and you should be prepared to ride at a varied pace with lots of trots, canters and full gallops when the terrain allows. This trail is only suitable for intermediate and experienced riders.

The pace in the Agafay Desert can be fast and exhilarating at times, during the mountainous parts the pace is walking, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your surroundings.

Level of Riding and Fitness

This trail is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. Riders should be confident in the saddle, in control at all gaits and have experience riding on open terrain. Riders should be in good physical condition, happy to be in the saddle for 4-5 hours per day. The weight limit is 90 kilos.

Guides and Group Size

You will be guided by a Moroccan local from the Sport Travel team whose local knowledge is second to none. All guides speak Arabic, French and English fluently and are friendly and enthusiastic horsemen and women, keen to show visitors rural Morocco at it’s best. An experienced and passionate equestrian support team will meet the group for meals and at overnight stops.

The maximum group size is 8 riders.

The Horses

Morrocco may well win the prize for the most stunning-looking horses! Known as Barb-Arabs, this breed was created almost a century ago to produce the perfect war horses by crossing fine Purebred Arabians and Barb (Berber) horses. This crossbreeding provides horses perfectly adapted to the mountainous and desert environment of the region, they are strong and robust, with the speed and beauty of Arabian horses. The horses stand at approx. 15hh and almost every possible colour is represented. All the horses used on the trail are owned by your hosts and are well cared for and loved. They live a happy lifestyle, as evidenced by their willing, friendly temperaments and when not on the trail, they live as nature intended in a large herd.

Tack and Riding Equipment

The tack used is English style, with high quality English leather saddles with comfortable suede or sheepskin padding. Leather bridles and saddle bags are provided for participants to carry water and equipment for the day. the rest of your luggage is transferred between overnight stops by vehicle.

Agafay Desert 6
Agafay Desert 2

Accommodation and Dining

This trail is unique for our Moroccan trails in that it offers much more luxurious accommodation than is usually used on a horse riding holiday and especially considering this is a desert trail. All the hotels have swimming pools and on your final night, the hotel offers a hamman and spa. Accommodation is based on two sharing although single rooms are available for an additional supplement. Click on the links below to view the accommodation options. Please note these are the usual options but your hosts reserve the right to use alternative accommodation (of a similar standard) should these be fully booked.

Day 1: 5* Riad with swimming pool

Day 2: 5* Riad with swimming pool

Day 3: Luxury desert camp with swimming pool and restaurant

Day 4: Luxury desert camp with swimming pool and restaurant

Day 5: Lakeside hotel with spa and swimming pool

This trail includes all meals from lunch on your arrival day to lunch on your departure day. You can expect traditional Moroccan cusine, breakfast is served at your accommodation each morning and is usually a selection of bread, preserves, cakes, fresh fruit, eggs, tea, coffee and juice. Make sure to sample msemen, a delicious crepe served in this region. Dinners will be typical and traditional Moroccan fare featuring plenty of vegetables, chicken, beef, and lamb in the form of tagine, soups, stews and couscous. Lunch is usually lighter, with fresh salad, pasta, rice or couscous and a selection of seasonal and delicious fruits. Allergies and special diets can be accommodated if communicated in advance. One of the loveliest features of riding in this part of the world is the delicious sweet mint tea served throughout the day, incredibly refreshing and worth getting used to as English-style tea with milk is not widely available here!

Itinerary

Agafay Desert Trail

6 days / 5 nights / 6 riding days
ยฃpp

Single room supplement: ยฃ550 (not payable if happy to share and a sharer can be found)

Flights & Transfers

Do NOT book flights until you have received the ‘Booking Confirmation Email’ from saddletravel.com

You should fly into Marrakech airport and book a flight that arrives before midday. The airport transfer time is between 45 minutes and one hour.

Your departure flight on the final day should be after 5pm or we recommend staying an additional night in Marrakech.

Price Includes
  • 6 days trail riding (between 3 and 5 hours per day)
  • 5 nights accommodation
  • Trail riding horse, tack and saddlebags
  • All meals from lunch on arrival day to lunch on departure day
  • Tea, coffee, soft drinks and water
  • Airport transfers
Price Excludes
  • Flights
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Optional spa/hamman at the final hotel