Sand Dunes Horse & Camel Ride Morocco Morocco Experience the spectacular sand dunes of Morrocco and majestic red-gold desert landscapes in the most natural and traditional way - on horseback and astride a camel! This adventure combines the experience of the passionate horse culture here with the local camels use with a mix of nomadic camping and charming Moroccan inn and hotels with local character. This tour begins in Ouarzazate from where we must travel to meet our string of horses and saddle up for a week of adventure in the desert. Escaping into the mystery of a new and foreign land, we know that the next few days will bring thrilling canters, new and interesting cultural experiences, amazing vistas of golden sand dunes as far as the eye can see, and peaceful grazing camels and tall pink flamingos. Along the way we visit exciting destinations such as the Oasis of Thinghras (the set of many desert movies), the Mausoleum of Moulay Al Cherif, the lake of Dair Srji (where birds flourish and pink flamingos can occasionally be spotted), desert villages such as Erg Chebbi, sand dunes that reach heights of over 200 meters, and small Moroccan settlements where we experience Gnawa music, a mix of sub-Sharan African, Berber and Arabic religious songs and rhythms that  is both a prayer and a celebration of life. We will ride camels into the heart of the sand dunes and travel and camp like the nomads.  We will wake each morning by a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and golds of the sunrise as we set off for the day’s voyage. Come enjoy the desert of Morocco on horses and camels – the unique people, animals and their land will make you never want to leave! Near the end of the trip you will be also afforded free time for independent exploration and shopping. Camping Ride with vehicle support Progressive Ride (no camping) Meeting: Ouarzazate Airport: Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ) Transfer: Ouarzazate Airport Riders: Min 4 riders Max 9 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up is available from Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ) after 12:00pm on Day 1 of the trip. Check-out on the last day is at 12:00pm. Drop-off transfers are not included on the last day of the trip.

Sample Itinerary: camping option - subject to changes

Note: In hotel option, all nights in hotels

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival in Ouarzazate
Transfer from the airport to your hotel for the evening and rest up from your travels.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Ouarzazate

Day 2 (Monday): Tinghrir to Erfoud
Drive from Ouarzazate through the valley of thousand Kasbahs to Tinghrir by car. Reddish- yellow valleys in the desert and groves of palm trees with the Kasbah castles gives you a first impression of the desert. Drive on through the desert to the horses. After a short lunch you start riding the horses. You ride along the groves of the palm trees through nice little fields of grain or lucerne in direction of Erfoud. Afterwards, you get to the real desert landscape. Sandy ground, dried out river bed and the first sand dunes begin. Towards the evening you reach a little hill range which is covered by sand. Only a few black rocks stick out the top. In these mountains there are many fossils which are old coral riffs.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping near Erfoud (Hotel or riad if Hotel option)

Day 3 (Tuesday): Erfoud to Ergchebbi
You ride over little hill ranges, you gallop through wide plains, cross dry river valleys and again sand dunes overgrown by halfgrass. Soon you reach the black hills. Even though the ground is stony you´re able to do good gallops because the stones are fine. In between, there is red desert sand.  From far away you can already see the pink colored sand dunes of Ergchebbi. Finally you are there. Everybody should definitely take the time to enjoy the sunset from the sand dunes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at Guesthouse in Ergchebbi

Day 4 (Wednesday): Ride around Ergchebbi
After an ample breakfast in the guesthouse you ride along a dune in direction to Algeria. At the front side of the big sand dune you can find many little guest houses. But we ride at the other side where it´s very lonely. The sight of the huge dunes is always very impressive. You cross the dunes to get back to the flat country side on the other side. A few short gallops leads you to the camp at the lake, which is not always filled with water. Only after a rainy winter it gets filled and attracts many different kinds of birds. Sometimes you can even see flamingos.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping near Merzouga (Hotel or riad if Hotel option)

Day 5 (Thursday): Ergchebbi to Rissani
In the morning you ride over the black lightly bumpy plain. Endless gallops brings you to a river bed. On the other side, the ground suddenly turns white and sandy. In the distance you can see the groves of palm trees of Rissani. On little paths you ride through an oasis to the hotel. The horses are located right next to the hotel by the palm trees. In the afternoon, you drive to Rissani to the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the first king of the dynasty of the Alaouites. Afterwards there is still time left to get to Rissani and have a break in a café. The turbulent life in the desert city  is very impressive.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Rissani

Day 6 (Friday): Ride to underground canals
Today you ride through groves of palm trees again out to endless plains. Over and over again there are little sand dunes. Endless gallops bring you to the distant mountains. In the afternoon, you reach the area of the underground canals which date from the middle ages. Like molehills the sand of the excavations rises.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping near Fezna (Hotel in Erfoud if Hotel option)

Day 7 (Saturday): Last Ride
You cross a little farmer village. Some of the farmers are quiet rich and built beautiful houses. Then again, we enter in the empty landscape. Little sand dunes alternate with dry river valleys. After that, you can see huge tufts of grass where sometimes rabbits live-in. Soon you get to see something sticking out in the distance. It’s the skystairs built by a German artist. This monument made out of natural material is very impressive.  A little later, you will see the Orion town and the Golden Spiral (by the same artist). Then long canters brings you back to the cars where the horses are left. After a short lunch you drive back to Ouarzazate.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at a Hotel in Ouarzazate

Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
Individual return trip from the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            Errachidia area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	60	64	71	78	85	94	102	100	90	79	68	61
Average Low Temperature (°F)	37	42	48	55	62	71	78	77	68	58	47	39
Average High Temperature (°C)	16	18	22	25	29	35	39	38	32	26	20	16
Average Low Temperature (°C)	3	5	9	13	17	22	25	25	20	14	8	4

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Winter is usually bright and crisp, while autumn brings delicious fresh produce in the markets. Nights can be cold around that time.
Spring sees the Atlas Mountains covered in flowers, while the summers are hot.

The average annual precipitation is less than 102 millimeters (less than 4 inches) in the Sahara.

Sunny weather all year! Isn't that great!? Actually, you can expect warm to hot weather with a nice breeze in the open country. At noon, we typically siesta to stay out of the hottest sun. Expect sunny weather most of the time, so bring light yet comfortable clothes with you. The most comfortable clothes in warm environments are covering your body yet are light and airy to make sure that the air can circulate.

Nights can be chilly however, so be sure to take some warm clothes as well. Any moment of the year you may have a thunderstorm - so better you bring a rain coat with you too!

Morocco is a country where almost everybody is Muslim. They are very welcoming towards foreigners, but still it might be better to dress modestly and not to show a lot of uncovered skin, especially when you're a woman.

Recommended equipment
- Warm sleeping bag
- Comfortable riding clothes
- Flashlight
- Multipurpose shoes (riding and walking)
- Non-revealing city clothes for occasional visits to towns and hotels
- A warm sweater and coat
- Raincoat
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Water bottle
- Pocket knife

Note that old clothes and riding equipment you no longer need are very welcome.

Average ratings from 1 tour feedback (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date sandra kowalski 2/20/2012

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so  nights are spent in different locations.

Description
Camp option: 4 nights in hotels and 3 nights camping
Hotel option: all nights in hotels/ riads

Camp Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 7: Hotel in Ouarzazate
Night 2: Camp near Erfoud
Night 3: Guesthouse in Ergchebbi
Night 4: Camp near Merzouga
Night 5: Hotel in Rissani
Night 6: Camp near Fezna 


A riad is a old house turned into a guest house. They often have very beautiful mosaics and wooden decoration. They are old homes from very rich people which often look like little palaces. They have few bedrooms but in style of 4* to 5* hotels. Hotel rooms are mostly naturally air-cooled and most of the hotels have their sun-warmed swimming pool! The average hotel has a small bar. Please note that hotels are subject to change based on availability. Laundry can be arranged in hotels. Inquire at the hotel for price.

Hotel Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 7: Hotel in Ouarzazate
Night 2: Hotel in Erfoud
Night 3: Guesthouse in Ergchebbi
Night 4: Hotel in Merzouga
Night 5: Hotel in Rissani
Night 6: Hotel in Erfoud 



Hotel in Ouarzazate
Since 2005, the hotel « Les Jardins de Ouarzazate » welcomes guests in a warm and friendly atmosphere. It offer 31 air conditioned rooms, a pool, an enclosed garden with trees, a large terrace and free Wi-Fi.

Guesthouse in Ergchebbi
This authentic guesthouse offers simple rooms, all with private bathrooms with hot water. Free WIFI is available at this property.

Hotel in Merzouga
This traditional Moroccan-style lodging offers bedrooms with ensuite facilities and air conditioning. The hotel also has a relaxed restaurant, an outdoor pool & gardens. Free Wi-Fi is available at this property.

Hotel in Rissani
This charming hotel displays a traditional Moroccan architecture and offers simply furnished bedrooms that come with air conditioning, mosquito net, a patio and private facilities with free toiletries. Hotel amenities include an outdoor pool, a terrace, and hammam where guests can relax. Free Wi-Fi access is provided at this property.



Camping   
You will overnight in comfortable dome tents with ground mats. There are rustic portable toilets (no flush) on site and no showers. There will be some rivers along the ride where you can bathe and wash up. Make sure to being your own sleeping bag!
 
Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day. 

You will enjoy a mix of food: some "western food" and some very good local specialties!
Some days a car will meet us for lunch and on some days we will have a picnic on the trail - you will take the food with you in your saddle bags.

Drinks in hotels or restaurants and alcoholic drinks on the ride are not included. In general, tap water should not be used for drinking but only for washing.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions if given prior notice.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English trekking
Horses:		Arab, Berber stallions & mares
Pace:		4-6 hours and up to 50 km. Riders must have at least 5 years experience | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3.5 to 4 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Weight:		Max 190 lbs / 85 kg
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 9 riders

Horses
You will ride small but very surefooted Arabian Berber horses with a great courage and stamina. Mares and stallions go together on the ride. Stallions and mares go well together, but some of the stallions need extra space when two are in the same area. A whip is suggested for the stallions, as they need strict orders. This does not make them difficult to ride, they just require more firm direction and more attention. These horses can get very attached to their riders and are always ready to please.

Tack
Mostly English and some military tracking saddles. Some people bring their own gel-cushion or sheep-skin cover to put over the saddle since we ride for long hours.

Staff
Driss and Rena have been organizing treks on horseback in Morocco since 1982.
Rena, once a schoolteacher in Switzerland, came to Meknes in the year 1984 to realize her dream of living in harmony with horses and nature. In love with Morocco and its inhabitants, she will help you discover another Morocco, away from the beaten track, authentic and enchanting, as your guide on the treks.
Driss is a riding instructor who used to work for the National Studfarm of Meknes. He has more than 25 years of experience with horses and he has taught a great many students (a lot of them French) who for the most part have gone on to be high level riders).

Passports

Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart.

Passport Note

Visitors should ensure that their passports are stamped when they enter the country.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months.

Visa Note

(a) Visa extensions are possible upon request at the nearest police station. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.