Morocco - Desert Trails
In the south of Morocco lies the Sahara Desert, but it is far from being empty. Here you will find date palm tree oasis and Berber communities. There are two camping itineraries to choose from.
Desert CavalcadeHeading south east from Ouarzazate, pass through the Draa Valley which makes its way towards the desert and along a beautiful string of oasis. This ride is in the very south of Morocco, near the Sahara and has the most opportunity for faster riding. It is the most challenging of the desert trails.
sesThis trail sets off from Skoura palm grove, one of the most beautiful oasis of the south and continues to a region famous for its rose plantations. The rose essence is used in well-known perfume blends. There is one long day of over six hours riding but in general this trail is not as challenging as the other desert trails.
If camping isn’t your thing then have a look at the Horses, Dunes & Nomads ride which is also in the Sahara Desert but staying in comfortable riads each night.
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.
The first night and last nights are in hotels and the other nights are in a simple camp which is moved on each day. A support vehicle meets you each day for lunch and then goes ahead to set up camp. There are two nights in hotels and five nights in camp.
When camping you stay in two person dome tents with a porch area for baggage. Normally everyone helps with the setting up of the tents. There is a large mess tent for eating and relaxing in the evenings. There is also a separate shower tent and you are provided with a large bucket of hot water for showering. On some nights, instead of camping, you might stay in local accommodation where there could be 3 or 4 to a room.
For other itineraries with no camping, you should have a look at the Agafay Desert Short Break, Horses, Dunes & Nomads, or Essaouira Coastal Trail
The food in Morocco will be a highlight of the holiday. A meal typically begins with hot and cold salads and is followed by a tagine which may be served with couscous.
Because alcohol is not provided and is not easily purchased during the trails, you should bring your own alcohol from home or buy from duty-free if you wish. There are some shops where you can buy alcohol in Marrakesh and Ouarzazate, but the choice is very limited and can be expensive.
These itineraries are scheduled during the cooler months of the year and will be guaranteed to run with two guests in the group.
For other rides in Morocco, have a look at the Toubkal Mountain Trail. If you would prefer not to camp, the Agafay Desert Short break, Horses, Dunes & Nomads or the Essaouira Coastal Trail itinerary would be ideal.
| Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Valley of the Roses | 26 Apr 2026 - 3 May 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,081.21 |
|
Full | |
| The Valley of the Roses | 3 May 2026 - 10 May 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,081.21 |
|
Book | |
| The Valley of the Roses | 10 May 2026 - 17 May 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,081.21 |
|
Book | |
| The Valley of the Roses | 17 May 2026 - 24 May 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,054.58 |
|
Book | |
| The Valley of the Roses | 24 May 2026 - 31 May 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,054.58 |
|
Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 11 Oct 2026 - 18 Oct 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,165.54 |
|
Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 18 Oct 2026 - 25 Oct 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,192.18 |
|
Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 1 Nov 2026 - 8 Nov 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,192.18 |
|
Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 8 Nov 2026 - 15 Nov 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,165.54 |
|
Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 22 Nov 2026 - 29 Nov 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,165.54 |
|
Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 29 Nov 2026 - 6 Dec 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,165.54 |
|
Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 13 Dec 2026 - 20 Dec 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,121.16 |
|
Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 20 Dec 2026 - 27 Dec 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,121.16 |
|
Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 3 Jan 2027 - 10 Jan 2027 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,192.18 |
|
Book |
SMALL GROUP SUPPLEMENTS The following supplements will apply if there are only two people confirmed onto the ride. This will be removed once there are three or more people confirmed:
Desert Cavalcade £665.77 per person
The Valley of the Roses £387.92 per person
INCLUDES Accommodation; full board (from dinner on night of arrival to breakfast on last morning); riding; camping equipment and transfers from Ouarzazate.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A supplement of £116.29 (Desert Cavalcade) or £132.27 (The Valley of the Roses) is payable if you are in a single room/tent but please note that you will have to be prepared to share a room on the nights you stay in local accommodation (likely to be 2 nights). If you are prepared to share this will be refunded once a sharer is found.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Lunch on arrival or departure day; drinks in hotels; alcoholic beverages; tips.
NEAREST AIRPORT Ouarzazate
TRANSFERS Are included from Ouarzazate. It is possible to be transferred from Marrakesh and this is an additional €150 per vehicle each way (payable locally and shared between all those in the vehicle).
Your first and last night is in Ouarzazate and transfers from Ouarzazate airport are included (there may be a small extra charge if arriving/departing in the very early hours).
We can also arrange transfers (extra charge) from Marrakesh airport to Ouarzazate. For the possibility of a shared transfer your flight should arrive into Marrakesh before 15:30 for the shared transfer departing latest at 16:30.
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.
Return flights should depart from Marrakesh after 16:00 to allow for the transfer back from Ouarzazate.
Your first and last night is in Ouarzazate and transfers from Ouarzazate airport are included (there may be a small extra charge if arriving/departing in the very early hours).
We can also arrange transfers (extra charge) from Marrakesh airport to Ouarzazate. For the possibility of a shared transfer your flight should arrive into Marrakesh before 15:30 for the shared transfer departing latest at 16:30.
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.
Return flights should depart from Marrakesh after 16:00 to allow for the transfer back from Ouarzazate.
Transfers from Ouarzazate airport on the 17 January are included (there may be a small extra charge if arriving/departing in the very early hours). You should arrive before 15:00, to allow for the 5 hour trasnfer to your first nights accommodation.
We can also arrange transfers from Marrakesh airport. For the possibility of a shared transfer, your flight should arrive into Marrakesh before 11:00. This transfer fee from Marrakesh is €150 each way and payable locally, shared between all guests in the vehicle.
If you arrive into Marrakesh before the 19 January, collection can also be arranged from Koutoubia Car Park (J2F4+J27, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco).
The transfer from Marrakesh to your first nights accommodation is around 10 hours.
Return flights should depart from Agadir (AGA) on the 15 February at any time, but during the day is best. This transfer is included.
A transfer back to Marrakesh is also possible on the 15 February. Your flight would need to depart after 16:00. The transfer fee of €150 is shared between all travelling back to Marrakesh.
These trails are in the deserts of southern Morocco.
The Desert Trails running in the south between mid October and mid May, will see temperatures rising to 20°C with cold nights. In April, May and October the day time temperatures will be hotter and the nights less extreme. Rain is possible but unlikely.
It was a fabulous holiday. We really enjoyed it. The guides charming, friendly and fun. The horses spirited and ideal for the job. The scenery stunning and the views of rural Morocco often surprising and very special.
Patrick, Herefordshire
Overall rating: 4/5
