Horseback Riding in Morocco

The Agadir Sable d’or Ride (Golden Sands of Agadir)

Overview

On this horseback riding vacation in Morocco enjoy long gallops on sandy roads and through deserted villages with their labyrinths of cacti.  This is a world of rich plantations and dry and barren land at the foot of the Anti- Atlas mountains.

Ride through rocky fields where only herbs grow, and catch sight of Berber women in colorful clothing before reaching the Atlantic coast.  Gallop for miles along the beach on your fit and eager horses as shore birds swoop and dive above the waves.

Morocco is only a 7-hour flight from the US, and has long been a favorite winter destination for Europeans who revel in its vital and colorful traditions. The spectacular landscape has not escaped the attention of the film industry which has taken advantage of the varied and beautiful terrain to shoot many films here, including “Lawrence of Arabia.”

All nights are spent in hotel accommodations along the route. You can expect cleanliness, hot water, and all your basic amenities.

One night is spent in a location with only 4 guest rooms, so single rooms can not always be guaranteed for that night.

Meals are taken in a large dining tent while on the trek and are a sampling of the Moroccan cuisine. The cook will prepare dishes such as tagines and couscous. Tagines are stewed or steamed dishes traditionally cooked over a small charcoal brazier with olive oil or butter, liquids and spiced meat to which vegetables are added. The picnic lunches feature prepared salads. Breakfast is simple, continental style.

  • Overview:
    As is the custom in Morocco, the horses are Arab / Barb mares and stallions, 14.2 - 15.2hh. They are strong, calm and well trained for trekking. The horses are accustomed to traveling together, however, riders must be aware of the stallions and not allow them to come too close to each other. On Day 2, time is spent matching each rider with a suitable mount. English saddles and snaffle bits are used.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Arab, Barb
  • Trip Pace:
    Moderate to fast.
  • Tack:
    English
  • Weight limit:
    185 lbs (85 kg)

Agadir

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Agadir airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight. The meeting time is 7pm; if you have a later arrival a taxi will be ordered for you at extra cost (about 25 Eur).

Day 2

After breakfast you head to ride, about 40 km outside of Agadir. try out your horses, arrange saddle bags and coats etc., and make any changes necessary to horse and rider combinations. Enjoy a short and slower morning ride before having a picnic lunch at the coast of the Atlantic, with a beautiful view over the ocean.

In the afternoon ride away from the coast, across the fertile plains of the Souss with many sandy roads allowing for good gallops. In this region vegetables are grown in greenhouses to protect them from the fluctuating temperatures. Tomatoes, potatoes and zucchini squash can be enjoyed year round! The dry brush in the open fields is used by the local people to feed their sheep and goats. The last hour will be a slower pace over stonier terrain to reach an inn for overnight in the village of Massa.

Day 3

Today long sandy tracks take you from Berber village to Berber village. The red clay walls are mostly hidden by cactus bushes, from behind which you may see a pair of curious eyes watching as you go, as horses and riders are an uncommon sight in these regions. Under the hot sun, the farmers manage to grow a few crops but mostly live on the sheep and goats, usually tended by young children and older villagers.

Have lunch on the sandy plains and reach the Massa riverbed, where cacti and succulents grow.

Day 4

Ride today in another sandy area with few dunes. You can canter between or over the small bushes growing. It’s an area where nomads camp, so you may see their sheep, goats or camels. After riding for 3 hours you will have lunch and leave the horses before taking a car to the city of Tiznit. Tiznit was built in 1882 by the Sultan Moulay Al Hassan I, form the Alaouiten dynasty. It was built as a fort as protection against Berber invasion. The city is famous for its silverwork, and in the afternoon you can visit the medina and see the local creations. Have dinner and spend the night at a hotel in Tiznit.

Day 5

Drive back to the horses in the morning and continue through the sand plains intersected with agriculture. In addition to the herding nomads you may also see nomads who travel with their honey bees. Enjoy long canters before you reach your inn near Aglou.

Day 6

Today as you scale the hills you will feel the fresh wind from the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll ride on the coast, on the beach and in the dunes, enjoying the magnificent blue of the water. Depending on the timing of the tide, you’ll have lunch on or near the beach and then enjoy canters while the tide is out. Your inn is in Sidi Rbat, very close to the beach, and you have the rest of the day to enjoy the ocean or walk along the Massa river in the nearby bird reserve.

Day 7

Today’s ride is the longest of the week. This morning you ride along the coast and into the dunes and low hills along the coastline, ending on an enormous deserted beach where you have the opportunity for fast gallops. Only the cries of seagulls and the sound of the waves reaching the shore break the silence. Waves of birds, seagulls and flamingos will make way as your horses race along the beach. Before lunch you reach the dry bed of the Souss that is a large bird reserve. Their cries will accompany you for some time as you ride. Lunch will be in a large eucalyptus forest. Slowly you ride back into civilization and say good-bye to your horses. Transfer to your hotel in Agadir for your final night and farewell dinner.

Day 8

Departure after breakfast, or as needed for your outbound flight.

Itinerary Addendum

This itinerary is flexible and changes may occur at the guide's discretion due to unforeseen circumstances.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Feb 10, 2024
Feb 17, 2024
Feb 18, 2024
Feb 25, 2024
Dec 21, 2024
Dec 28, 2024
Dec 29, 2024
Jan 5, 2025

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $1,425Per person price based on group of 4-9 riders on trip.
  • Pricing Variation
  • $1,575Per person price based on group of 3 riders on trip.
  • $1,650Per person price based on group of 2 riders on trip (not always possible)
  • Single Supplement
  • $190One night a single room may not be possible, as there are only four guest rooms so you may be required to share.

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Feb 9, 2025
Feb 16, 2025
Feb 16, 2025
Feb 23, 2025

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Contact Megan Barrett

I had an absolutely perfect week riding these strong, eager, fit, friendly horses. Every aspect of the trip was truly perfect. This is definitely an adventurous trip for fit, experienced riders. I rode 5 different horses during our week, and each one was fantastic and unique - I loved them all, and was so happy to get to see beautiful Morocco from the backs of these amazing horses. The host is wonderful and it was such a pleasure to spend the week with her and her team. I can't recommend this trip highly enough - it's definitely my new favourite place to ride!

Naydani, 2017