Morocco - Sahara

11 Days | 7 Riding Days

Discover the Moroccan Sahara through two extraordinary horseback expeditions, each revealing a different side of this vast and captivating landscape. Ride across endless dunes, remote desert plains, hidden oases, mountain passes, palm groves, and traditional Berber lands, immersing yourself in a world shaped by nomadic traditions and ancient caravan routes. From spectacular sunsets over the Sahara to nights under a sky filled with stars, both journeys offer an authentic and unforgettable adventure.

The two routes, however, each have their own character. West to East is designed for riders who love open spaces, forward-going horses, and long canters and gallops, crossing the immense dry Lake Iriki and some of the most expansive desert landscapes in Morocco. Mountains & Dunes, slightly slower paced, takes riders through a constantly changing scenery of mountains, palm groves, hidden lakes, Berber villages, and golden dunes. More diverse and immersive, it offers some of Morocco's most breathtaking landscapes and a deeper connection with the culture and people of the region.

Adventure Level 2 - Explorer

  • Day 1 – Marrakech
    Arrival in Marrakech. Free time to explore the medina, gardens, palaces, and the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna square. Overnight in a traditional riad.

    Day 2 – Across the Atlas Mountains
    Scenic drive over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass through the High Atlas, passing Berber villages, palm groves, and dramatic valleys before reaching Zagora. Overnight in a hotel.

    Day 3 – First Day on Horseback
    Meet the horses and ride along the Bani Mountains through farms, steppe landscapes, and the first desert dunes. Overnight in a desert camp.

    Day 4 – Mountains & Oasis
    Ride through dunes and mountain passes with sweeping Sahara views before reaching a hidden palm oasis, once an ancient caravan stop. Camp under the stars.

    Day 5 – Across the Hamada
    Cross vast rocky plains and dry lakebeds, with opportunities for long canters and gallops through some of Morocco's most remote desert landscapes. Camp among acacia trees.

    Day 6 – Into the Great Dunes
    Ride through open desert towards the towering dunes of Erg Chigaga, passing nomadic landscapes and endless horizons. Overnight in a comfortable desert camp.

    Day 7 – Erg Chigaga
    A full day exploring the dunes, with spectacular gallops, panoramic viewpoints, and sunset over the Sahara's largest dune system.

    Day 8 – Return to Zagora
    Final ride through the desert before transferring back to Zagora. Farewell dinner and overnight stay.

    Day 9 – Aït Ben Haddou
    Travel through the Draa Valley to the UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Ben Haddou. Explore the ancient fortified village and enjoy a traditional Moroccan evening.

    Day 10 – Marrakech
    Return to Marrakech for final sightseeing, shopping, or relaxation before departure.

    Day 11 – Departure
    Transfer to Marrakech Airport and onward flight home.

  • Day 1 – Marrakech
    Arrival in Marrakech. Explore the medina, palaces, gardens, and the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna square before settling into a traditional riad.

    Day 2 – Into the Atlas Mountains
    Cross the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass through the High Atlas, passing Berber villages, palm groves, and dramatic valleys before reaching Foum Zguid, gateway to the Sahara.

    Day 3 – First Taste of the Sahara
    Meet the horses and begin the journey across vast desert landscapes scattered with ancient fossils, salt flats, and distant mountains. Camp beneath acacia trees at the foot of the dunes.

    Day 4 – Lake Iriki
    Ride across the immense dry lake of Iriki, a surreal expanse offering endless horizons and perfect terrain for long gallops. Overnight near nomadic camps in the heart of the desert.

    Day 5 – Towards the Great Dunes
    Cross open plains, desert shrublands, and remote wilderness before reaching the towering dunes of Erg Chigaga. Overnight in a comfortable desert camp.

    Day 6 – Erg Chigaga
    A day to slow down and immerse yourself in the Sahara. Enjoy a camel ride through the dunes, time with the horses, sandboarding, and a spectacular desert sunset.

    Day 7 – Across the Dunes
    Return to the saddle and ride through rolling dunes, sandy tracks, and remote desert valleys, with opportunities for long canters and gallops.

    Day 8 – Desert Wildlife & Borderlands
    Ride through landscapes bordering Algeria, where mountains, dunes, and savanna-like plains create a constantly changing backdrop. Overnight near an ostrich reserve.

    Day 9 – The Last Desert Camp
    A final day through a blend of dunes, rocky plains, and desert vegetation before reaching a traditional camp with the comfort of beds and showers.

    Day 10 – Aït Ben Haddou & Marrakech
    Say goodbye to the horses and travel back through Ouarzazate, visiting the UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Ben Haddou before returning to Marrakech.

    Day 11 – Departure
    Transfer to Marrakech Airport for your onward flight home.

Exclusions: flights, lunches on the way to Zagora, Marrakech and Aït Ben Haddou, entrance fees to sites, insurance, tips.

Please note that itineraries are indicative and may be adjusted at any time to reflect local conditions, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, always with the aim of preserving the quality and integrity of the experience.