Horseback Riding Vacations in Morocco

Morocco “The Gateway to Africa”

Morocco is an independent country since 1956. Its history, climate and geography seem to be more closely related to the Mediterranean than to the rest of Africa.

Located in North Africa, it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and is characterized by its Berber, Arab and European cultural influences.

Its name comes from that of the ancient capital, Marrakech, which means “Land of God”in the Berber language. After its independence in 1956, Rabat became the capital.

Morocco's cities are among the most fascinating on the continent. They invite you to follow in the secular footsteps of nomads and merchants up to the ancestral heart of different cities such as Fez or Marrakech.

It has snow-covered mountains and sandy deserts, green plains and long, white-sand beaches. This country has a lot to offer visitors – ancient ruins and modern tourist centres.

From the Sahara sand to the mountains of the High Atlas, Morocco offers a wide range of landscapes.

The Atlas Mountain Range crosses the country. Among the high and arid peaks rising over 4,000 m, there are forests of cedar, oak and pine trees, open grasslands and small lakes.

In the north of the country, the Rif Mountains border the Mediterranean Sea, reaching heights above 2,500 m in their central part. These mountains are covered with cedar and holm oak forests.

In the south, there is the Sahara Desert that, far from being completely empty, has oases with date palms and Berber communities.

If you do a horseback tour here, you will have the chance to visit its bustling and ancient cities with their colourful Souks and Kasbahs, as well as some remote Berber villages whose agriculture is much related to horses.

Horse riding holiday proposals in Morocco

Horse riding is the perfect way to explore this fabulous country. The mountains, the exuberant valleys, the highlands and the sandy deserts with their oasis, alternate with ancient villages.

Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays has selected some suppliers of Equestrian Tourism that should be taken into consideration.

Equi Evasion

Established in 2005, in Diabat village, Essaouira. Their rides vary from one hour to a full day and up to 6-day routes through the dunes, trotting along empty beaches, forests and idyllic surroundings.

In these trips through Argan forests, you will meet the locals in remote Berber villages, ride through the dunes or along endless beaches; this is the truly authentic Morocco.

Their riding programs include airport transfers, accommodation before and after the ride, in double rooms, full days on horseback, the supervision of an experienced guide and full board.

If you contact them in advance, they can organize tailor-made trips or special events.

In their treks you can ride along Oued El Ksob, a river surrounded by dunes in Berber lands, forests of native bush, and you´ll visit ancient villages frozen in time, where nothing has changed in hundreds of years.

Donkeys, goats and sheep will cross your way.

At noon, there is a picnic break. And in the afternoon, you will visit local villages. The night will find you on a little beach where you will camp near the sea. Tea and pastries will be waiting for you at the campsite. A perfect moment to enjoy the sunset on the beach.

All treks are accompanied by at least 1 guide, 4×4 back-up vehicle and a mobile kitchen. All the logistic work is prepared in advance and arrives at the place before you do at the end of each day.

Visit their web site: www.equievasion.com.

Ranch Acienda Noura El Ghazali

Located in Agadir on the Atlantic Ocean, they offer different routes; all of them last more than 6 days, and combine beaches and mountains.

Route “Paradise Valley and the Great South Desert Litoral”

Magnificent horse trekking in Paradise Valley, a mountain area in the High Atlas with sloping trails. Also, discovery of the Great South and Chtouka Desert, the coastline with wild beaches.

• A riding trip of 6 days on horseback, 7 days of accommodation in the place.
• Program for riders with an average level and good riding skills.
• The guide will be Noura, the first female guide on horseback in Morocco and Brahim.
• In the price is all included, accommodation, transfers, breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner.

Sand tracks, mountains, oases, ancient villages, dunes and beaches are the settings of this extraordinary equestrian program.

Their horses

Their horses are Arabs Berbers. Selected for their beauties, their kindness and their endurance. They train them from an early age to European riding.

The Arabs Berbers are docile horses, endearing and not shy. They go everywhere. Real 4x4 mountain and desert. That is, their natural habitat where they feel comfortable.

Their particularity is to have a shorter back (one less vertebra) than other horses. It allows them to be stronger and behave like real athletes.

In their herd, there is something for all levels. Beginner, average or good rider.

You can find more information on their web site: chevalagadir.jimdo.com.

Amazir Cheval

They are located in Agadir, with them, you will discover the authentic, traditional and sometimes wild Morocco. They define themselves as a team that is passionate about horses, nature, travel, gatherings, trekking…

They offer horseback tours ranging from 2 to 12 days.

The scenery is varied: you will go through either argan or eucalyptus tree forests, Berber or fishermen villages, see rivers, waterfalls, fields, hills, mountainous regions or huge sand dunes where you will feel in the middle of a desert, and huge beaches for galloping. All in one day on horseback.

Your saddle will be a beautiful Barb Arab, totally adjusted according to your riding level, and especially designed for trekking. Their horses are in great condition and trained for trail rides. Their speed and endurance will surprise you!

The guide will tell you stories about the region, his culture and will give you precious advice about the horses to make the most of your ride.

In the morning, at noon and in the evening, the cook will prepare you delicious and various traditional dishes. The camel driver will carry your luggage on camelback until each bivouac where your.

Berber tent will be set up for the night, under the stars of the Moroccan sky.

You can discover a lot more about them on their web site: www.amazircheval.com.

From the dunes of the Sahara to the peaks of the High Atlas, Morocco seems to be tailor-made for horseback riding. Discover its medinas, its cuisine and do not miss the sunsets from different points of the country.

Do you also love the idea of exploring Morocco on horseback?

So that you have all the information you need for your horse riding holidays in Morocco and other African countries, we recommend that you read our eBook on Equestrian Tourism in Africa.