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 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.
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.
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.
If you would prefer not to camp, then you should consider the Horses, Dunes & Nomads itinerary.
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 Morocoo, have a look at the Essaouira Coastal Trail or Toubkal Mountain Trail. If you would prefer not to camp, the Horses, Dunes & Nomads itinerary would be perfect.
| Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Valley of the Roses | 27 Apr 2025 - 4 May 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,075.40 |
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Full | |
| The Valley of the Roses | 4 May 2025 - 11 May 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,075.40 |
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Book | |
| The Valley of the Roses | 11 May 2025 - 18 May 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,042.48 |
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Book | |
| The Valley of the Roses | 18 May 2025 - 25 May 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,042.48 |
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Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 5 Oct 2025 - 12 Oct 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,152.21 |
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Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 12 Oct 2025 - 19 Oct 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,185.13 |
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Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 26 Oct 2025 - 2 Nov 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,185.13 |
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Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 2 Nov 2025 - 9 Nov 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,097.34 |
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Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 9 Nov 2025 - 16 Nov 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,152.21 |
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Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 16 Nov 2025 - 23 Nov 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,152.21 |
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Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 23 Nov 2025 - 30 Nov 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,152.21 |
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Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 30 Nov 2025 - 7 Dec 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,097.34 |
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Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 7 Dec 2025 - 14 Dec 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,097.34 |
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Book | |
| Desert Cavalcade | 21 Dec 2025 - 28 Dec 2025 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,185.13 |
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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 £658.41 per person. The Valley of the Roses £384.07 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 £113.03 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.
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: 5/5
