Sahara Crossing
Get ready to truly live the landscape and culture as you ride Arab-Berb horses an incredible 875km. From the legendary dunes of Merzouga to the vast Iriki lake, through vibrant plantations and beyond, your journey culminates at the Atlantic coast.
This isn't a guided tour; it's a shared expedition. You'll be a crucial part of the community, contributing to daily camp life, assisting with horse care, and supporting your fellow riders and the dedicated support team. This is a demanding and incredibly rewarding ride, exclusively for fit, advanced riders craving an unparalleled adventure, genuine connections, and total cultural immersion.
This trail offers a varied and engaging riding experience. While there are opportunities for enjoyable canters and gallops on suitable terrain, it's important to note that this is not a fast-paced ride and that the pace is primarily walk. You'll often find yourself leading your horse on foot through certain sections, navigating the diverse landscape alongside your mount.
Beyond the saddle, this adventure requires a team-oriented spirit. Riders should be physically fit and ready to actively participate in the daily rhythms of camp life.
This trail is designed for experienced riders seeking a true test of endurance and skill. You'll be spending 24 days on horseback, covering a remarkable 875km through ever-changing landscapes. You'll navigate a diverse array of terrains, from the challenging rocky passes and vast plateaus dotted with acacia trees to the soft sands of desert dunes and winding riverbeds. Riders can anticipate long hours in the saddle, with daily distances often ranging from 35km to 44km, the pace is mainly walking although there are some exhilarating canters and magnificent gallops across the open plains and along the pristine Plage-Blanche (White Beach). This is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding ride, requiring participants to be in excellent physical health.
- Cross the Moroccan Sahara on a 30-day riding expedition
- Ride 875km across dunes, plateaus and Atlantic coastline
- Experience true expedition life with full camp participation
- Ride Arab-Berber horses through ever-changing desert landscapes
- Camp under the stars with a mix of bivouac and hotel stays
- Journey from the Sahara dunes to the Atlantic Ocean
itinerary
Day 1
Your desert journey begins! Arrive in Morocco with a direct transfer to the luxurious Nomade Palace in Merzouga.
Day 2
After breakfast you'll be introduced to your horse. We'll then have a short introductory ride to help you get acquainted with your mount before heading to our desert camp for dinner and your first night under the stars.
Day 3
Ochre Mountains, Dunes & M'harch Plateau (35 km)
Experience a thrilling ride through diverse landscapes, crossing ochre mountains and sands of every shade. There are some nice trails for cantering before you enjoy a picnic near the impressive Remlia dune, and traverse captivating dunes before reaching the vast M'harch plateau for your night's camp
Day 4
Jebel Zirg & Lmaaidr Plateau Views (35-40 km)
Continue across the M'harch plateau, ascending to Jebel Zirg for a panoramic picnic amidst acacias. The afternoon offers stunning views of the immense Lmaaidr plateau as you ride towards your camp nestled at the foot of a majestic mountain
Day 5
Desert Gallops & Palm Grove Beauty (40-46 km)
Today brings exhilarating long gallops across easy desert terrain. Enjoy a shaded picnic under acacias, concluding your ride after exploring the beautiful Tismoumine palm grove.
Day 6
Plateau Exploration (40-45 km)
Start with a gentle gallop, then cross mountains with magnificent plateau views. After a picnic, descend on foot to the bivouac, followed by an afternoon of invigorating short gallops across the plateau
Day 7
Jbel Mrah Crossing & Oum Lkhab (35-40 km)
Diverse Landscapes to Nesrat Palm GrovesA day rich in variety! Begin with a mountain crossing revealing stunning arid landscapes, then enter the vibrant Nesrat palm groves. Meet friendly locals before spending the night at the charming Casa Juan inn.
Day 8
Relaxation & Exploration in Nesrat
Enjoy a well-deserved two-night stay at the magnificent Gîte Chez Casa Juan, known for its unique decor and perhaps the best breakfast in Morocco. An included taxi excursion to Zagora offers shopping and essentials, with an optional traditional Moroccan hammam experience available.
Day 9
Draa Valley & Free Gallops (38-42 km)
Resume your horseback adventure through the historic Draa Valley. Cross Jebel Selman for stunning desert views, enjoy a picnic, and explore vast open areas perfect for free gallops. Camp near a well, surrounded by majestic dunes and tamarisks.
Day 10
Desert Vistas & Sacred Oasis (40-45 km)
Discover expansive landscapes with imposing sand dunes to your left and the majestic Jebel Bani to your right. Ride westward, refreshing at water points, and bivouac near the sacred oasis of Oum Laalg
Day 11
Cheggaga Dunes & Lake Irikki Plateau (38-40 km)
Awaken to the sight of the massive Cheggaga dunes. Ride through these impressive sands, picnic under tamarisk trees, and then enjoy beautiful gallops across the vast plateau of Lake Irikki. Your bivouac is nestled within the dunes, offering spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Day 12
Rocky Landscapes & Foum Zguid (40-46 km)
Continue across the vast plateau with a magnificent morning gallop. Lunch at a well near Lmdowar Sghir, then traverse the fascinating rocky landscapes of Lmdowar Lkbir. Camp near this mountain, close to Foum Zguid village.
Day 13
Sahara Crossing to M'ghimima (40 km)
Cross a large, varied plateau dotted with acacia trees, offering rocky areas and ideal galloping spaces. Continue your Sahara journey, camping in the desert near the village of M'ghimima.
Day 14
Oases & Riverbeds to Kasbah Faija (40 km)
A magnificent day through Sahara landscapes, following small trails, dried riverbeds, and the beautifully preserved Tissint oasis. Dine under date palms and cross numerous dry riverbeds before camping near the oasis and village of Kasbah Faija.
Day 15
Journey to Tata & Well-Deserved Rest (44 km)
Ride through palm groves and along rocky paths, reaching a small oasis near Tata. Your horses rest while you transfer to a comfortable hotel in Tata for two nights of well-deserved comfort.
Day 16
Rest and Relaxation in Tata
Enjoy a full day of rest and comfort at your conveniently located hotel in Tata, perfect for recharging and exploring at your own pace.
Day 17
Back in the Saddle to TazoltAfter breakfast, regroup with your horses and remount for another exciting day of adventure, heading towards Tazolt to discover new and captivating landscapes.
Day 18
Oases & Old Rally Tracks to Tizouinine (38-40 km)
Follow streams dotted with small oases, with the possibility of encountering nomad camps. Picnic in an oasis, then ride along an old Paris-Dakar rally track, marked by more oases, to your desert camp near a mountain.
Day 19
Agricultural Region & Ancient Engravings (34 km)
Continue on a pleasant ride through an agricultural region. Enjoy a picnic under acacias, followed by a short walk to a remarkable archaeological site with ancient animal engravings. Bivouac in a charming small oasis.
Day 20
Sculpted Mountains to Icht (38-42 km)
An exciting day awaits with landscapes of finely sculpted rocky mountains, carved by desert erosion. Picnic amidst lush agricultural fields, then continue to the village of Icht, camping a few kilometers away.
Day 21
Acacia Plateaus & Argan Trees to Tagjgalte (38 km)
After leaving Icht, enjoy an energetic gallop over an acacia-covered plateau, then follow a peaceful stream. Picnic under argan trees before continuing along the stream to the plateau and village of Tagjgalte, where you'll camp.
Day 22
Majestic Mountains to Taghjijt Oasis (35 km)
Ride across a beautiful plateau surrounded by majestic mountains towards your picnic spot. In the afternoon, follow a field and a well-used track directly to the village and oasis of Taghjijt for your night's camp
Day 23
Picturesque Palm Groves to Igherm n'Igouzeln (35 km)
A truly picturesque day! Cross the lush palm grove of Taghjijt. After a morning ride and lunch with your support team, follow a winding riverbed through a small village to your campsite with spectacular mountain views.
Day 24
Wadi Seyad & Nomadic Landscapes to Tighmert (35 km)
Trek along the peaceful Wadi Seyad, crossing a dam and water reservoir, then arrive on a beautiful plateau where nomadic camps are often seen. Finish crossing the plateau to reach the Tighmert oasis for your last night of rest in the desert.
Day 25
Rest and Relaxation in Tighmert
Enjoy two well-deserved nights of comfort in a local hotel in Tighmert, allowing you to recharge and explore the charming surroundings at your own pace.
Day 26
Coastal Scents to Zriwila (40 km)
After breakfast, regroup with your horses and set off towards the small village of Zriwila. The day unfolds through varied landscapes before you bivouac near the village's peaceful palm groves.
Day 27
Rolling Hills & Sea Anticipation to Labyar (40-43 km)
The enchanting scent of the sea accompanies you as you cross rolling hills. Picnic near Labyar, then follow a riverbed, building anticipation for your final bivouac, just a few kilometers from the famous white sandy beaches.
Day 28
White Beach Gallop! (44 km)
The fragrant scent of the sea guides you to the magnificent White Beach. Here, the vast sands offer an exhilarating gallop before you set up camp in the desert or near the beach.
Day 29
Farewell to the Desert & Journey to Agadir
After breakfast, experience a joyful, emotion-filled gallop on the stunning White Beach with your excited horses. After a refreshing wade in the water for the horses and a delicious lunch, bid farewell to the team and horses. Transfer by minibus to Agadir for overnight stay and dinner, celebrating your incredible adventure.
Day 30
Enjoy breakfast before catching your flight home or continuing your journey, marking the end of an exceptional Moroccan horseback adventure.
Get a free
Sahara Crossing
Mini-brochure PDF
know before you go
This is an exciting and demanding ride, specifically designed for fit, advanced riders who are looking for a unique adventure. Any rider who wishes to participate needs to ensure they are in perfect physical health and have multiple years of riding experience with long-distance trips, or be an experienced rider.
To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone, you should be confident and comfortable riding at all paces, including long trots and gallops over varied desert terrain. You'll be spending long hours in the saddle, often covering significant distances each day:
- First week: 6 days on horseback covering approximately 240 km in the region of Zagora.
- Second week: 7 days on horseback covering approximately 288 km to arrive at Tata.
- Third week: 8 days on horseback covering approximately 222 km to Guelmim.
- Fourth week: 3 days on horseback covering approximately 125 km to arrive at White Beach.
This trip also requires a willingness to participate actively in daily camp life and be part of a close-knit team throughout this journey. The minimum age is 18 and the weight limit is 95 kilos.
The group size will be between 6 and 12 riders and the group will be guided across the desert by Abdel, the head guide. It's said he was practically born on a horse in the Agadir region, a testament to his profound connection and lifelong passion for horses. While his background includes working with racehorses, his true calling now lies in leading unforgettable journeys on horseback. Abdel has personally ridden all of our trails in Morocco and numerous others in France, before making the desert and Atlantic coast his home. Beyond his exceptional horsemanship and outstanding organizational skills, Abdel is a fluent speaker of Berber, Darija, French, and English, ensuring seamless communication for all riders.
The horses on this trail are all Barb-Arabs, an ancient breed created almost a century ago which 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. You will be matched to a suitable horse depending on your experience and preferences. 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.
All saddles are English saddles, specially designed to fit each horse perfectly. These saddles are typically made of high-quality leather, providing durability and comfort. They feature long flaps that allow for a better connection between rider and horse, as well as a deep seat that ensures a stable and balanced position. Additionally, they often feature double or triple-point girths for a secure fit. Saddlebags are provided for all riders to carry daily essentials.
Price includes
- Accommodation for 29 nights (8 in a hotel and 21 camping)
- All meals from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day
- Trail riding horse, tack and saddlebags
- Mineral water
- 4-7 hours riding on 24 days
- Airport transfers from Ouarzazate on Day 1
- Airport transfers to Agadir Airport on Day 30
- Luggage transfer
Price Excludes
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Marrakech Airport transfers
Accommodation
Throughout the expedition, you will experience a unique blend of authentic bivouac camping (21 nights) and comfortable hotel stays (8 nights) during designated rest periods. The bivouac camps are fully equipped tents sleeping 2-3 people on foam mattresses (single tents are available for a supplement), there is also a communal dining tent, and individual shower (with hot water!) and toilet facilities.
You'll be amazed at what can be cooked up in the desert as most days will begin with a delicious breakfast, featuring freshly brewed tea, coffee, and milk, alongside warm, crusty bread, sweet jams, golden honey, and fluffy pancakes. You'll also find creamy cheese and a selection of cereals to fuel your morning.
Lunches will feature a fresh salad, typically made with ingredients like tomato, peppers, sweet corn, and beetroot. This is usually accompanied by rice, pasta, or lentils served with a traditional Moroccan sauce. You'll also have the option of cheese, canned tuna or sardines, and bread. Tea and mineral water are always served with lunch.
Dinner will be a delightful experience of traditional Moroccan cuisine, such as couscous, tajine, Berber Omelette, and Kefta. For dessert, you might enjoy a fruit salad or even traditional Moroccan patisserie, depending on what's available in the local town. Tea and mineral water is always on hand. If you prefer soft drinks, these can be purchased during one of the town stops and stored in the support truck.
Sahara Crossing
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.Flights and transfers.
Do not book your flights until you have received the confirmation email from saddletravel.com
Flight and transfer information
- Ouarzazate (OZZ) or Marrakech (RAK)
- Arrival time: Arrive into Ouarzazate by 15:00 on day one to join the included transfers. For Marrakech arrivals, an early morning landing is required due to a 10-hour transfer.
- Departure time: On the final day, depart from Agadir Al-Massira Airport (AGA) after breakfast. Alternatively, a transfer to Marrakech (RAK) can be arranged for a €150 shared supplement (3–4 hour journey).
The single supplement is available upon request and subject to availability. We cannot guarantee a solo room.