Horseback Riding in Morocco
ATLAS SUMMER CROSSING |
On the Atlas Summer Crossing, the trail follows the tracks and bridle paths used by villagers and their mules, crossing from one lovely valley to the next over mountain passes with panoramic views of the highest peaks of the Atlas Mountains.
Along the way you will meet the Berber people in traditional villages who call this challenging land home.
This ride will suit the adventurous person who enjoys camping, remote riding and mountainous and desert scenery.
|
| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Arrive in Marrakech. From the airport you will transfer to a small riad in the Medina of Marrakech and spend the night.
|
| Day 2: | Abaynou / Aît Tchouarit. Transfer by minibus to Abaynou (180 km, 3 hours), at the foothills of the Central Atlas northern side, in the area of Azilal. Here you will have an evaluation on your riding level and suitable horses will be chosen for your trek. We make a few final adjustments necessary for the trip and in the afternoon set off on our adventure. We ride through hills planted with olive and almond groves, winding our way through till we reach Igourdane, a small Berber village located above the lake of Aït Tchouarit. Here we camp for the night. 3 to 3.5 hrs riding. |
| Day 3: | Aît Tchouarit / Tizi N’Oubadou. Today we traverse the foothills of the Atlas on remote paths before descending into the valley of Lakhdar. The beautiful village of Tizi N’Oubadou welcomes us for the night and we will camp nearby. 5 to 6 hours riding. |
| Day 4: | Tizi N’Oubadou / Abachkou. We continue to head straight to the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. Riding along the steep, high valleys, we discover the terraced cultivation terraces and the superb Berber villages that appear to be clinging on to the steep mountainsides. Witness the lifestyle of these Berber people as it has been for centuries. Spend the night in camp. 5 to 6 hours riding. |
| Day 5: | Abachkou / Arous / Ait Bougmez. Among the forests of pines covering the slopes of the Central Atlas, we finally reach the green valley of Aït Bougmez dug on the foothills of Djebel M’Goun (4068m). Gardens, irrigated cultures, orchards, and villages built with earth all contribute to the spectacular views. Spend the night in gîte at 2000 m elevation. 4 to 5 hours riding. |
| Day 6: | Aït Bougmez / Sremt. Today we cross the high pass of Tiz N’Ait Ourit (2600 m) on the easiest possible path. We can appreciate the deep stillness and a beautiful panorama on the mountains of the High Central Atlas and its forgotten valleys. Night in camp. This is a long day with 6 to 7 hours riding. |
| Day 7: | Sremt / Bernat. We undertake the last leg of this adventure with our Barb X Arab companions descending the foothills of the Atlas and find ourselves once again among the olive and almond trees. Here we say goodbye to our horses who have been our trusted companions.Our minibus is waiting for us to return to Marrakesh. Your last night will be in a hotel in Marrakesh. 4 to 4:30 hours riding. |
| Day 8: | Marrakech. After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for your departure connections. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
|
|
|
| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Marrakesh |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 4 full, 2 half days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-6 Maximum-12 |
| Riding Per Day | 6-8 hours |
| Pace | moderate / fast |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Arab-barb stallions |
| Weight Limit | 190 lbs |
| 2008 Dates | June 22-29, July 6-13, July 10-17, July 27 – Aug 3, Aug 17-24, Aug 31-Sept 7 |
| 2008 Price | $1,180 |
| Single Supplement | $135 |
|
|
|
|
