Did you know that three breeds of horse are raised in Morocco? The most famous is the purebred Arabian, known worldwide for its majestic elegance, followed by the Barb, sturdy-looking but still striking, and the Arabian-Barb, a cross between the other two and the one you’ll most often see in the streets of Morocco.
This fun fact isn’t just for its own sake: it’s a way to introduce one of the experiences most loved by travelers visiting Morocco who love animals and nature. A horseback tour appeals to most travelers, both those who already have some riding experience and those who simply want to go for a horseback ride in Morocco.
Discovering Morocco on horseback: how to prepare
Morocco has a long equestrian tradition, and it’s very common to see these beautiful animals parading through streets and markets, some still used as working animals. Horseback riding isn’t just a vacation activity in Morocco: it’s everyday life for most Moroccans who own horses.
On the back of Berber horses you’ll have the privilege of exploring this North African kingdom, crossing the vastness of the desert, admiring majestic mountains and even touching the ocean foam on the beaches.
As with every experience I offer on my tours, horseback trekking in Morocco also requires proper preparation and a few precautions so you can enjoy the excursion in the most pleasant and rewarding way.
My first recommendation has to be to choose a reliable tour, which means only going with experienced, well-organized tour operators who, above all, only work with horse breeders who take good care of their animals, love and respect them, and would never put either horse or rider at risk. Not to blow my own horn, but I work very hard to make sure all of this is guaranteed.
My second tip is to pick the right time of year for a horseback excursion in Morocco. Here, too, I can advise you, and I’ll tell you right away that the best months are in spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when you won’t face extreme heat. Trekking in very hot weather isn’t good for your health or the horses’.
Although you don’t need to be an expert rider for a horseback ride, it’s best to choose this experience only if you’re used to spending several hours in the saddle. Some routes can be long, and if you’re uncomfortable or get irritated, the horse will also struggle to complete the route.
I’d also remind you that the travel insurance I recommend taking out for peace of mind covers horseback activities. If you book with other tour operators, make sure this option is included.
As for the gear you need for trekking in Morocco, you won’t need to bring anything special. Most of it will already be in your luggage, because it’ll come in handy for all the activities on your trip.
For horseback riding you need comfortable clothing, like sturdy pants or leggings, breathable shirts and a fleece for the evening; suitable shoes, like ordinary hiking boots; sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the Moroccan desert sun; and a light backpack for your personal items and water bottle.
Horseback rides in Morocco: routes not to miss
In Morocco you’ll find perfect places for horseback trekking. One of them is Essaouira, where you can ride through argan forests, along unspoiled beaches and among sand dunes. A very varied route that will certainly never bore you. The Essaouira region is also famous for its horses descended from ancient Berber and Arabian breeds, well trained and perfect for trekking thanks to their stamina and sure-footedness. In Essaouira you’ll find 1-hour, 2-hour or half-day rides, even for beginners: my very first horseback ride was in Essaouira!
In Ouarzazate, too, you can admire breathtaking scenery from the saddle. Known as the “Hollywood of the desert”, Ouarzazate is full of mountains, plateaus and wide, flat expanses, with terrain perfect for galloping and long, unobstructed rides. Along the way you pass through Berber villages where you can enjoy traditional hospitality and experience authentic local culture.
If you dream of riding among the golden dunes of the Sahara, with endless landscapes and a magical atmosphere, you’ll love Zagora and M’Hamid. Here the sandy terrain takes some getting used to, making it a truly adventurous challenge.
Finally, a horseback excursion suitable for everyone is in Marrakech. The ochre city has many riding centers where you can take half-day or full-day rides through fabulous natural landscapes like the Palmeraie of Marrakech, a centuries-old oasis home to hundreds of thousands of palm trees, and Lalla Takerkoust Lake, a lake of deep blue water at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.
Lisa
