Touareg Desert Trail

8 Daysย  |ย  From ยฃ853pp

Morocco ( Best airport: Casablanca)

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 Riding

The horses used on this trail are well trained, fit and forward going and the tack is good quality English-style saddles. Guests normally assist with grooming and tacking up their horse but assistance is on hand at all times.

The riding is a mix of paces to suit the terrain. In some places it will be slow, either because it is very rocky or the ground is very soft. Where possible there are plenty of fast canters and gallops which may be along hard tracks. You need to be confident riding in open spaces and in control at a fast pace. You must also be physically fit as well as riding fit since there is some walking on foot on steeper descents.

During the ride you will cross the last mountain range that separates you from the Sahara. With small bends you’ll continue to the top, where you will discover a magnificent panorama. The descent leads to an oasis, on desert plateaus where only a few acacias resist drought. As you advance towards the south, the first dunes approach, whose size progressively increases.

Level of Riding and Fitness

This trail is suitable for intermediate and experienced riders. The riders should be comfortable and confident in all three paces and have previous experience in riding out in the open. Good riding fitness is required as youโ€™ll be spending 5 hours in the saddle each day, and a love of the outdoors is beneficial! The weight limit is 90kg.

Guides and Group Size

You will be accompanied by two local guides while out on trail. Omar and his team are knowledgeable, friendly & calm, with a lifetime experience of riding, training horses and looking after guests.

The group size is 3-10 riders, but will confirm for 2 riders with a small group supplement.

The Horses

The horses used on this trail are local Berber-Arabians. The breed was created as the perfect warhorse nearly a 1000 years ago by crossing refined Arabians and Barb (Berber) bloodlines. It is the ideal breed for the hot desert environment, being tough and robust with the speed of an Arab. The horses stand at approx. 15hh.

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Accommodation and Dining

The first and last night of the trail is spent in a hotel in Casablanca (on your own account). We recommend a hotel close to the airport such as the Onomo hotel, Atlas hotel or the Relax hotel. 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 (not included, price around 80โ‚ฌ) to begin the trail.

While out on the trail you’ll experience the life of a nomad, sleeping inย  in bivouac camps in either a shared or private tent (please bring your own sleeping bag).ย  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 meals prepared by your travelling chef.

Get a free Touareg Desert Trail mini-brochure in PDF format.

Itinerary

Touareg Desert Trail

8 days / 7 nights/ 6 days riding
ยฃ853pp

ยฃ850 pp sharing
ยฃ60 single supplement (payable if no sharer available)

Flights & Transfers

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

Fly to Casablanca, arriving at any time on Day 1 and departing on Day 8. We recommend allowing some time to explore Casablanca.

Price Includes
  • 6 full days trail riding
  • 5 nights camping
  • Trail riding horse, tack and saddlebags
  • All meals while on the trail (from lunch on Day 2 to lunch on Day 7)
  • Transfers to and from Zagora
Price Excludes
  • Flights (international and internal)
  • First and last night hotel accommodation in Casablanca
  • Dinner on first and last night.