Morocco - Toubkal Mountain Trail
Starting and finishing at the very comfortable Terres d’Amanar you follow mountain trails and ride at an altitude between 1,500 – 3,100 m.
This exciting trail takes you through the High Atlas Mountains and near to Jbel (Mount) Toubkal, at 4,167 m the highest mountain in North Africa. These stunning mountains and valleys are a world apart from the bustle of Marrakesh and offer a place of peace and seclusion. Here you will see people, villages and a way of life which has remained unchanged for centuries.
This is a challenging trail, not because of the speed of the ride but because of the technical riding which includes a lot of climbing and some walking on foot. You need to have good physical fitness, but you will be rewarded with spectacular mountain scenery.
A highlight of this trail is riding along the Kik Plateau ridge. Here you should see brilliant views over the Haouz Plain and Mount Toubkal.
This is technical mountain riding. The pace depends on the terrain. In some places it is very rocky and suitable only for walking but where possible there are opportunities for trots and canters which may be along hard tracks
The terrain is varied and includes steep ascents and descents and there may be holes to avoid. You need to be able to mount and dismount your horse whilst on rocky paths so as to assist your horse during hard climbs and tricky descents.
You also need to be confident riding in open spaces and in control at a fast pace since where the terrain permits the pace can be fast.
You must be physically fit as well as riding fit since there is some walking on foot on the steeper descents. The African sun and high altitude can be exhausting and the trails are not suitable for nervous riders.
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 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 and the only thing you need to remember (as on all trails but of even more importance when riding stallions) is to keep a distance from other horses at all times.
The first and last night is at Terres D'Amanar (or a hotel in Marrakesh), one night is at a local guesthouse and the remaining nights are in tented camps which are moved on each day. A support vehicle normally meets you each day for lunch and then goes ahead to set up camp.
When camping you stay in two person tents. There is a large mess tent for eating and relaxing in the evenings. There is shower tent (with hot water provided in a bucket) and a toilet (chemical) tent. This is a participatory trail and your help with camp tasks such as putting up tents or watering and feeding the horses is appreciated.
It is possible that on some nights, instead of camping, you stay in local accommodation when 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. A cook prepares all the meals.
Alcohol is not provided and not easily purchased during the trail. There are some shops where you can buy alcohol in Marrakesh, but the choice is very limited and can be expensive. You should bring your own alcohol from home or from duty-free if you wish.
These itineraries are scheduled during the summer months and will be guaranteed to run with two guests in the group.
For rides in different regions of Morocco, have a look at the Essaouira Coastal Trail and Desert Trails. 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toubkal Mountain Trail | 13 Sep 2026 - 20 Sep 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,090.49 |
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Book | |
| Toubkal Mountain Trail | 20 Sep 2026 - 27 Sep 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,090.49 |
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Book | |
| Toubkal Mountain Trail | 27 Sep 2026 - 4 Oct 2026 | 7 nights 7 ngts | £1,090.49 |
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Book |
SMALL GROUP SUPPLEMENTS If there are only 2 people confirmed there is a supplement of £498.79 per person. This will be removed once there are three or more people confirmed.
INCLUDES Accommodation; full board (from dinner on night of arrival to breakfast on last morning); riding; camping equipment.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A supplement of £109.57 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 Marrakesh.
TRANSFERS included from Marrakesh at set times.
Transfers (shared and at a set time) are included from and to Marrakesh Airport.
If your flight arrive before midday then you will be on the first transfer to your accommodation for a relaxing afternoon. Alternatively a second transfer will be arranged for those arriving prior to 16:00.
On the final day you should depart after 12 noon.
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 if you are staying in Marrakesh before the start of the ride.
In the High Atlas mountains south of Marrakesh.
The high interior can be visited year-round, although it does get cold in winter. The Toubkal Trail runs in the summer months when the mountains are clear of frost and snow. On the first and last day of the trail it may feel hot, but once into the mountains, the temperatures are pleasant.
The horses were top quality, in great condition (no sores which unfortunately can be all too common on some riding holidays) and very willing and able to cope with the challenging terrain.
I cannot praise Rashid and his team too highly - all very genuine guys.
Sadie ,Lancashire
Overall rating: 4/5
