2 -11 January 2026

On this trail, we stay in comfort desert inns or guesthouses. Showers and toilets are provided every day.

Day 1 Friday 10th

Arrival in Marrakech and transfer to a captivating traditional riad. After settling in, immerse yourself in the city's allure as you embark on a leisurely exploration of its enchanting narrow streets. Discover the essence of Marrakech by visiting iconic landmarks and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds you. This introductory day sets the stage for the adventures that await. Overnight.

Day 2 Saturday 11th

Begin the day with a hearty breakfast. Today's adventure leads us to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its historic mud-brick architecture and cultural significance. We'll be staying at a charming traditional riad, a hidden gem we've decided to keep a surprise for you. The place holds a special place in our hearts, and we're eagerly anticipating sharing its unique charm with our travellers. Delve into the mesmerizing labyrinth of intricate kasbahs, meandering alleys, and captivating views of the encompassing desert landscape. Enrich your understanding of the site's vibrant past and cultural importance through the expertise of your knowledgeable tour leader. Dinner. Overnight in a riad.

Day 3 Sunday 12th

Breakfast. Travel through the captivating landscapes of Morocco, witnessing the changing scenery along the way. Afternoon arrival in Ouarzazate. Meet our local guide and horseman. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 4 Monday 13th

Meet at your hotel's front desk at 7 am. After breakfast, we depart for Zagora through the Draa Valley (170 km, 3h 30 drive). After following the Drâa Valley to Tansikht, the vehicles continue towards the Jebel Sagho range, heading north. Crossing Nkob and Tazzarine, the route veers off the asphalt road toward Mcissi. Lunch on the way. First meeting with the team and horses for initial saddle adjustments. Embark on a ride through a genuine Saharan landscape of sandy valleys and dune fields. Dinner. Spend the first night at a local guest house.

Day 5 Tuesday 14th

Breakfast. Its time to embark on our horseback journey through the village of Tafraout and onto the Ahbouche Ntkouyte Plateau (Lake Tafraout). The terrain allows for exhilarating gallops. Lunch. Pass by Tattihate at the base of Jebel Mohre and Jebel Zireg, revealing the Sahara's breathtaking landscapes. The ride concludes at an enchanting desert inn. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 6 Wednesday 15th

Breakfast.Today we ascend a small pass, overlooking the Wadi Ghriss Valley. We keep progressing through the desert, immersing in its captivating environment. Lunch. Witness the harmonious blend of arid mountains and dune cords interspersed with green oases. Dine and rest at a guest house near the Ouzina Dunes.

Day 7 Thursday 16th

Breakfast. Embark on a ride along Ouzina's stunning dunes, alternating between dunes and reg (rocky desert). Lunch on the way. Traverse diverse landscapes of sands and mountains. The Saharan adventure leads to your accommodation and the village of Taghaoucht-n-Jdaid, a water supply point. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 8 Friday 17th

Breakfast. Experience a daily change of scenery as you journey through tamaris-adorned landscapes, reaching Morocco's highest dunes, the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Marvel at the grandeur of these landscapes and navigate through sandy passages with your horses. Lunch. Spend the night at a guest house near the Merzouga Dunes. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 9 Saturday 18th

Breakfast. Enjoy more time on horseback around the dunes before settling down. Have a snack and reunite with minibuses for the return trip to Ouarzazate, a 5-hour transfer. Dine at a restaurant and overnight at an Ouarzazate hotel.

Day 10 Sunday 19st

Have breakfast and transfer to Marrakech airport, or choose to continue to Essaouira for a ride with Yassine Cavalier.

Price: 2200 EUR | 2400 USD

Single room supplement, if expressly requested:

580€ for all nights (subject to availability)

Deposit: 800 EUR

*Your passport expiry date should be no less than 6 months from the return date

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Accommodation:

- 1 night with breakfast in traditional Riad House in Marrakesh

- 1 night with breakfast and dinner in traditional Riad House in Aid Benhaddou

- 2 nights with breakfast and dinner at hotel 3* in Ouarzazate

- 5 nights with breakfast, lunch and dinner in traditional riads or guest houses in small desert villages

• Water, tea and coffee for the entire ride in the desert

• Tour Leader

• Private Transportation and Transfers to and from the airport in Marrakesh

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Flights to and from Marrakesh

• Extra 3 days in Essaouira with a sunset ride + photo shooting with Yassine Cavalier (request additional info)

• Medical Insurance – obligatory

• Visa - if required

• Personal expenses

• Tips

Level: Intermediate and Advanced

The Rider

This activity requires you to be experienced in horse riding and fit enough to enjoy and take advantage of the ride. Every rider should be capable of controlling a horse at walk, trot, and canter in the open across varied terrain. The riders should be capable of riding spirited, forward-going horses over terrain for up to 6 days. Keep in mind that we ride only stallions on this trail. English style riding is required for this expedition. The saddles are mainly trail / English saddles and saddle bags are available.

Horses

Most of the horses are Barb horses, selected for their stamina and incredible ability to cope with the harsh conditions of the desert. The horses you ride on the trip are almost all stallions or geldings. Expect regular trots and gallops every half day, ranging from gentle collected canters to exhilarating unbridled gallops whenever the terrain permits. Take note that gallops are conducted in a line, particularly at the beginning of the ride, due to the stallions' temperament. The horses are forward going with an active walk and can be strong in canter, so the ride's pace will be set by the ability of the weakest rider. The weight limit is 90kg. You will find the horses forward going yet responsive, and they are ridden English style.

Route: The average daily riding is between 25 — 35 km (4— 6 hours).

CLOTHING

• We recommend clothing that can be layered for warmth when it's cold and easily shed when it warms up.

• Comfortable riding trousers / jodhpurs.

• Riding boots / sturdy shoes + chaps (if you use them).

• T-shirts with short and long sleeves / long-sleeved shirts.

• Raincoat / lightweight jacket for rain and wind.

• Fleeces / sweaters for evenings and early mornings.

• A thick jacket! Temperatures in January can be very low especially during the night.

• Riding gloves.

• Sun glasses.

• Casual clothing - for when you're not riding.

• Comfortable shoes - for when you're not riding.

• Socks and underwear.

• Thermal socks and thermal underwear - some traditional riads in the desert may not heat up well in the evening, so bring warm clothes for sleeping.

• Woolen hat and a regular sun hat.

• Helmet

TOILETRIES AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES

• Hand sanitizer.

• Wet and dry wipes.

• Personal medical kit with antiseptic cream, pain relief tablets, and adhesive plasters. Baby powder, Sudocrem, E45, Vaseline, or similar to soothe irritated skin + any regular medication you take.

• Sunscreen.

• Lip balm.

• Rehydration sachets (Hydralyte or similar). Imodium or equivalent.

EQUIPMENT

• Although everyone will have saddlebags, it might be handy to carry a small waist bag for storing items like your phone, camera, lip balm, hand cream, a snack for the ride, etc.

• Pocket knife (but remember to pack it in your checked baggage for flights).

• A small flashlight / headlamp.

• Cloth bags - always useful for separating wet and dry clothes.

• Flip-flops.

• Earplugs - if you're a light sleeper.

• A bandana or Buff.

• Camera