The Loop of Iftane Horse Riding Holiday in Morocco

4 Days, Multiple Departures

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The Loop of Iftane Horse Riding Holiday in Morocco
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind

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Embark on an unforgettable horseback riding holiday in Iftane, Morocco, where every hoofbeat echoes the rhythm of adventure. Traverse rugged trails and winding paths as you immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of this enchanting region. From the lush almond valleys to the majestic kasbahs, each day promises new discoveries and unforgettable experiences.

Encounter nomadic tribes and their majestic herds, soak in panoramic views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and marvel at the lunar landscapes unique to the stone desert. After a day of exploration, retreat to our high-standard camps, where comfort and adventure converge. Join us for a horseback riding adventure that will awaken your senses and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

About

On horseback:

Helmets are provided

Airfare

Recommended personal equipment

1 big and strong luggage.

A warm sleeping bag, 4-5 T-shirts, a long-sleeved shirt to avoid sunburn, 1 or 2 warm layers for the evening, waterproof jacket, light cotton trousers, swimming costume, hat and sunglasses, scarf or shawl, casual shoes/sandals (to wear when you’re not in the saddle), toiletries, first aid kit, torch with spare batteries, 1 liter flask for drinking water (preferably thermos), toilet paper and lighter for its elimination. For your comfort, please ensure that your towel is not too thick so it will dry quickly.

Jodhpurs or tracksuit bottoms elasticated under the feet. We do not recommend that participants wear jeans. Trainers/Sneakers to wear whilst you are in the saddle avoid bulky styles because of the stirrups!

From November until mid-March, some rain is possible. It is thus recommender to bring waterproof clothing.

Provide some pocket money in dirhams for your personal expenses (tips, souvenirs, craft in the argan oil cooperative).

For the night in camp:
- take your sleeping bag
- a camp authorization from the authorities is required and imposes us to close the bookings 2 weeks before departure.

"My partner and I left for a 3-day bivouac. It was an incredible experience both in terms of discovering Morocco on horseback and on a human level. Three days of total disconnection. The horses were all very nice and in good condition, the food delicious and a supervising team at the top. The cook is excellent and our guide Abdu is great. He shared with us his love of horses and his country. It was total immersion. I advise and recommend."

- Nathalie C, Sept 2022

"Very docile and well-groomed hair. Very good quality equipment. Professional and very friendly guide. A driver came to pick us up and took us back to the hotel. We felt that the horses are very well cared for and happy. It was a fabulous experience!"

- Eloise K, Sept 2022

"2-hour morning walk for two. The climate was perfect, the route varied and the guide (Mohamed) was super friendly and respectful of the horses. They are in good hands. To do again!"

- Najiba T, Jan 2023

Gallery
About The Host
Sophie and Najib

Sophie and Najib

Sophie

She discovered Morocco on horseback and has never left it since! She practiced horse riding at club level for 15 years and then started to discover the world on horseback. She has also led many horse rides along the bridle paths of France. She ensures coordination and logistics, takes on the role of Webmaster, and accompanies some trials. She will be able to inform you about the camps, the trails, the team, and the horses (their character, what you need to know when riding a stallion …). She manages all booking requests and will help you to organize your stay with us.


Najib

Najib was born and grew up in a small village on the outskirts of Essaouira and has an unrivaled knowledge of the area. His training and passion for horses began at the age of 14 when he began working for the French society, UCPA. During this 4year period, he gained experience leading many horse riding holidays. He then furthered upon this experience by working at The Palmeraie horse riding center in Marrakech for 3 years. It was there where he gained his professional qualifications. He then decided to return to his home town where he now organizes horse rides and trails around the local area. With his calm and gentle nature, he will astonish you with his professionalism and local knowledge which he will impart to you through the course of your activity.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Essaouira or Marrakesh airport and transfer to your riad in Essaouira for your overnight stay (20 min or 2h45 drive, respectively). Enjoy dinner (not included) with your fellow riders and discuss the trail ahead. Night in riad.

Day 2

Meeting at 9.30 am at the riad and transfer to the stables (15 min). First contact with the staff and horses in Diabat. Departure. You will first ride along a river or oued to reach the village of El Ghazoua that we will cross. Then you will travel through the Moroccan countryside passing on small paths and crossing argan tree forests on your way. Lunch is prepared by our cook and served in a field. After some rest, you will go back in the saddle and take the direction Argana where is located our first camp. You will cross several traditional Berber villages. Visit of a women's cooperative of argan oil and tasting of local products (oil, honey and amlou). You will spend the night under the oldest and largest argan tree of the area. Night in tent.

Day 3

In the morning, you will cross a small Berber village then a plateau located between small hills, along the coast. After being gone down in the middle of a small valley, you will join “the source” where you will lunch with the team. After lunch, you will ride on small paths surrounded by fields and cultivations. In the late afternoon, you will appreciate an extraordinary panorama with a unspoilable view on the sea. You will arrive at the small fishing village of Iftane. After a gallop on the beach (small deserted creek), you will go up on the cliff dominating the sea where our camp is based.

Day 4

In the morning, we will cross fields and small villages located in all along the sea or ride along cliffs dominating the sea if the day is not too windy. We will take the direction of the cascades of Sidi Embark where we will lunch. The cascades flow directly into the sea. After lunch (2h break and time for swimming), you will take the direction of Sidi Kaouki by the beaches and cliffs and enjoy some gallops. Arrival at the camp based in Sidi Kaouki in midafternoon. Y

Location
Things to keep in mind

If you have to cancel your booking, Activ Retreats will keep a part of the amounts already paid as follows:

– more than 30 days before departure: 30% of the total amount will be kept

– 30-21 days before departure: 50% of the total amount will be kept

– 20-10 days before departure: 75% of the total amount will be kept

– 9 days before departure up to the departure day: 100% of the total amount will be kept

Not being present at the meeting time or place will be considered a cancellation. In this case, 100% of the total amount will be kept.

If you abort or stop a trail for any reason, you will not be refunded.

Price:

Our prices are VAT included.

This price includes:

– Your return transfers from/to your arrival airport (Marrakesh / Marrakech, Agadir or Essaouira) / Essaouira and 2 nights in a riad in the medina of Essaouira (meals not included except breakfasts).

– A horse trail/hike with full board and bottles of water, the provision of the equipment for the camps, the assistance of a guide during the trails and a driver who will transport all personal equipment and material and the presence of a cook throughout the circuit. The rental of a horse or a camel and all related equipment (saddle, bridle, saddlebags, helmet).

Booking:

The booking is confirmed after receipt of a non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total amount for your stay, the reminder should be paid at least 3 weeks before departure. For last-minute booking (i.e., one month before departure, we will ask the payment of the total for your stay at the time of booking. We will provide our bank details at this time. The fees related to the bank transfer of money are for the sender (fees to be checked with your bank).

Insurance:

You are liable of your participation in sport activities and you should check before departure whether you are able to participate depending on your physical condition or riding experience. Our prices do not include an insurance with medical assistance and repatriation. You can take an insurance for sport trips in foreign countries from numerous companies in your country before departure from 10 euros so do not hesitate to contact your insurer before departure.

Weight of the riders limited to 85 kg