Morocco - Agafay Desert Short Break
The Agafay Desert holiday offers the same great horses and exciting riding as on any of the Moroccan holidays and you stay in lovely desert camps and lodges (no camping on this holiday).
On horseback you explore the region’s varied terrain setting off from the foothills of the High Atlas mountains, not far from Marrakech.
Seasonal changes influence the landscape’s appearance, with vegetation shifting from green in wetter months to golden tones by October. As you approaches the Agafay Desert, the scenery becomes more open and arid, characterized by wide horizons and sparse vegetation.
The horses are mainly stallions. They are Barb and crossbred Barb/Arabian.
They are well trained, fit and forward going - they behave well on the trail. You need to remember (as on all rides, but of even more importance when riding stallions) to keep a distance from other horses at all times.
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. These holidays are not suitable for nervous riders.
On this holiday you stay in carefully chosen luxury Kasbahs and desert camps. Single rooms are available (at a supplement) for solo travellers.
Riad Sougtani
Surrounded by olive groves, this 100-year-old riad has a number of beautiful rooms and suites. You can relax in the gardens or by the pool.
Inara Camp
Pitched in the Agafay desert, all the spacious tents at Inara Camp have amazing views. The tents each have a king-sized bed, a lounge area and a separate bathroom with hot showers and loo. There are also two heated pools.
Kasbah Beldi
Kasbah Beldi is on the top of a hill with magnificent views. There are two large swimming pools and also a spa with traditional hammam.
The food in Morocco will be a highlight of the holiday. Each evening, you enjoy traditional Moroccan hospitality with delicious dinners, and start your mornings with a classic Moroccan breakfast. Lunches are usually simple picnics carried during the rides.
Special diets and allergies can normally be accommodated but you must discuss them in advance with us.
This itinerary is scheduled during the cooler months of the year.
| Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
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| Agafay Desert Short Break | 22 Mar 2026 - 27 Mar 2026 | 5 nights 5 ngts | £2,157.96 |
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| Agafay Desert Short Break | 26 Apr 2026 - 1 May 2026 | 5 nights 5 ngts | £2,157.96 |
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| Agafay Desert Short Break | 24 May 2026 - 29 May 2026 | 5 nights 5 ngts | £2,157.96 |
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| Agafay Desert Short Break | 14 Jun 2026 - 19 Jun 2026 | 5 nights 5 ngts | £2,157.96 |
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| Agafay Desert Short Break | 27 Sep 2026 - 2 Oct 2026 | 5 nights 5 ngts | £2,157.96 |
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| Agafay Desert Short Break | 18 Oct 2026 - 23 Oct 2026 | 5 nights 5 ngts | £2,157.96 |
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| Agafay Desert Short Break | 22 Nov 2026 - 27 Nov 2026 | 5 nights 5 ngts | £2,157.96 |
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| Agafay Desert Short Break | 20 Dec 2026 - 25 Dec 2026 | 5 nights 5 ngts | £2,157.96 |
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SMALL GROUP SUPPLEMENTS A supplement of £386.96 will apply if there are only two people confirmed onto the ride. This will be removed once there are three or more people confirmed.
INCLUDES Accommodation; full board (from lunch on arrival to lunch on departure); riding; drinking water while riding; return transfers from Marrakesh.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A supplement of £547.24 is payable if you are in a single room.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Drinks in hotels; tips.
NEAREST AIRPORT Marrakesh
TRANSFERS Included from Marrakesh
Transfers are included from Marrakesh Airport to the start and finish of the ride.
There is no set arrival/departure time although we recommend arriving before 11:00 so that you can have lunch, followed by your first ride that afternoon. On the last day, your flight should depart after 18:00 so you can have a final morning ride and lunch.
The transfer from Marrakesh Airport to Terres d'Amanar is a 45 minute drive.
Transfers are shared and so you may have to wait for others arriving at a slightly different time.
Collection can also be arranged from Koutoubia Car Park (J2F4+J27, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco) if you are staying in Marrakesh before the start of the ride.
Riding in the Agafay Desert, 30 minutes drive south of Marrakesh.
Morocco has a warm climate year-round with very little rainfall.
December to February: Daytime temperatures are around 20°C, dropping below 10°C at night.
March to June & October to November: Generally pleasant, with daytime temperatures between 20–30°C and nights above 10°C.
This tour is not offered in July or August due to the heat.
In The Saddle - Personally Inspected Riding Holidays Worldwide says
Combining great riding with beautiful accommodation.