8 Day Morocco Horse Riding Tour: Atlantic Coast to Ait Ben Haddou & Marrakesh
Horse Riding Tour in Morocco
Surrender to the rhythm of Morocco - a land where horses, history, and hospitality come together. This experience weaves together thrilling rides, soulful landscapes, and cultural gems, creating an unforgettable journey for riders of all levels (beginners on request).
Key information:
- Rider maximum weight: 95 kg / 209 lbs
- Horse breed: Berber horses
- Horse heights range: 14 to 16 hands
- Daily riding time: 2 to 8 hours of riding per day
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- Ride through undisturbed nature: argan forests, mimosa groves, and shifting dunes
- Visit a women’s argan oil cooperative
- All levels welcome (beginner on request) - must be confident at walk, trot, canter, and gallop
- Endless Atlantic beaches, perfect for exhilarating gallops or calm, meditative strolls
- All ride photos included, plus a personalized gallop video
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily Moroccan breakfast, picnic lunch, and hot dinner
- Airport pick up and drop off
Skill level
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Types
7 days with instruction in English
Average daily hours of activity: 5
Accommodation
You will stay at a villa in Sidi Kaouki, as well as riads or guesthouses along the way, depending on availability.
- Private villa in Sidi Kaouki with pool
- Riads or guesthouses with private bathrooms
Program
Itinerary overview
Day 1: Arrival in Essaouira - Seaside beginnings and Game of Thrones echoes
- Arrival and private transfer to your riad
- Free time to explore this artistic coastal town, where Game of Thrones scenes were filmed
Arrive in the laid-back coastal town of Essaouira, a UNESCO-listed medina filled with art, sea air, and cinematic beauty. It even served as a filming location for Game of Thrones, standing in as the city of Astapor. A private transfer will escort you to a peaceful riad tucked into the heart of the medina.
Spend the day unwinding, wandering through winding alleys, and soaking in the magic of this bohemian town that once inspired legends like Jimi Hendrix.
- Meals: No meals included today; enjoy discovering local cafés and restaurants at your own pace
Day 2: Horseback trek begins - Argan forests and dunes - Into the wild
Enjoy a hearty Moroccan breakfast in your riad before heading out to meet your horse for the start of a two-day adventure. Ride through undisturbed nature: argan forests, mimosa groves, and shifting dunes. The air will be alive with the scent of eucalyptus as you follow scenic trails across open fields and wild terrain.
Stop mid-ride for a scenic picnic lunch, before continuing to a peaceful countryside villa, your home for the night. Settle in, relax by the pool, and enjoy a homemade Moroccan dinner under the stars.
- Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and Moroccan dinner (at the villa)
Day 3: Coastal gallops and return to Essaouira
Wake up to birdsong and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the villa. Then, saddle up for a final morning ride along endless Atlantic beaches, perfect for exhilarating gallops or calm, meditative strolls. Ride along endless beaches before returning to Essaouira. Stop for a rustic lunch in a fisherman’s hut or panoramic cliffside spot, with ocean views stretching to the horizon.
Return to Essaouira by late afternoon. On this evening, gather for a festive Moroccan dinner with live music and local flavors, celebrating the magic of the ride and the energy of the medina.
- Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and festive dinner with music (at the medina)
Day 4: Argan roads to Marrakech - Personalized discovery
- Visit a women’s argan cooperative en route
- Afternoon in Marrakech with two historical sights of your choice (e.g., Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, El Badi)
After breakfast, you will head inland. En route, visit a women’s argan oil cooperative and witness the ancestral techniques behind Morocco’s “liquid gold.” It will be a meaningful stop to connect with the roots of rural craftsmanship.
Arrive in Marrakech, the “Red City,” where colors and chaos blend in beautiful harmony. After checking into your riad or chic AirBnB, Sand & Saddle will help you choose two iconic sights to visit based on your interests - perhaps the Saadian Tombs, the elegant Bahia Palace, or the cinematic El Badi Palace.
As the day winds down, explore the souks, sip mint tea in the square, and enjoy Marrakech at your own pace.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch; dinner not included
Day 5: Road to Aït Ben Haddou - Sunset ride through history
- Transfer to Aït Ben Haddou
- Late afternoon one and a half to two-hour sunset horseback ride through the ksar, where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed
After breakfast, depart Marrakech and journey into southern Morocco’s cinematic landscapes. Arrive at the ancient fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - famously featured in Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and The Mummy.
In the golden light of late afternoon, saddle up for a one and a half to two-hour sunset horseback ride through and around the ksar, where the glow of the sun paints the clay walls in deep, dreamy hues. Let time slip away in this timeless setting. Enjoy a warm Berber dinner and overnight stay at a local guesthouse, where traditional hospitality will welcome you with open arms.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Horses of Hollywood, the Silver Screen - Exploring Ouarzazate
- Visit Atlas Film Studios and ride through cinematic landscapes.
After breakfast, head to Ouarzazate, home to the legendary Atlas Film Studios, where many Hollywood epics were filmed. Meet some of the horses who starred in movies like Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven. Continue your adventure with a ride across the stark and stunning landscapes surrounding the studios - cinematic in every sense.
Enjoy a local lunch, followed by a relaxed afternoon exploring the area. In the evening, share stories over a delicious dinner and rest in a comfortable guesthouse or kasbah stay.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Return to Marrakech - Reflection and farewell
- Scenic drive back to Marrakech.
After a final breakfast in the south, begin your journey back to Marrakech through the shifting landscapes of Morocco’s heartland. Upon arrival, you may choose to extend your stay or transfer directly to the airport.
As you retrace your steps, carry with you the rhythm of hooves on sand, the scent of argan and mint, and the memories of a soulful journey through Morocco’s wild heart.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Departure day
- After breakfast you have a transport to the airport Marrakesh or Essaouira
- Meals: Breakfast
Instructors
Oussama Es Samlali
Oussama began his journey on horseback as a young boy, helping his uncle run a stable that offered local rides and treks. He later joined a renowned stable specializing in large group treks and professional photo and video shoots. Before founding Sand and Saddle, Oussama traveled to the UAE to explore stables in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah, enriching his expertise and gaining insights from some of the best in the field. Oussama’s mission is to share his passion for horses in a natural, authentic environment.
Location
The tour will start in Essaouira and will take you to Marrakech, Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and back to Marrakech.
Food
- Daily Moroccan breakfast, picnic lunch, and hot dinner (Day 1 / arrival day - no food included / Day 4 and 7 - dinner on own expense)
- Locally sourced cuisine: tagines, couscous, grilled fish, seasonal salads
- Dietary needs accommodated (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free)
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Lactose Free
- Other dietary requirements on request
What's included
- Horseback rides (2 to 8 hours of riding per day)
- Riding helmet
- Guide (English, French & Arabic Speaking)
- Transfers during the tour
- All ride photos
- Personalized gallop video
- Private airport pick-up (Essaouira)
- Airport drop-off on last day (Marrakesh)
- 7 nights accommodation
- Meals
What's not included
- Airfare
- Other transfers
- Day 1 / arrival day - no food included / Days 4 and 7 - dinner on own expense
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer included
Essaouira-Mogador Airport
12 km away from your destination
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU) and depart at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK). Airport pick up and drop off is included in the price.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
Reviews
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