Horse riding in Morocco
Berber trails through the High Atlas, desert dunes, and coastal plains — riding where few tourists ever reach.
Best time to visit
October to April
Riding style
Mountain trails, desert, valley routes
Local breeds
Barb, Arabian Barb cross
Difficulty range
Moderate to Challenging
About riding in Morocco
Morocco is one of the most dramatically varied riding destinations in the world. In a single trip you can ride through pine forests in the High Atlas, across open scrubland at altitude, down into the Draa Valley, and out onto the edge of the Sahara. The landscape shifts constantly — and unlike many North African destinations, Morocco has a genuine tradition of horsemanship that goes back centuries.
The Barb horse is Morocco's native breed — compact, tough, and bred for exactly this terrain. You will also encounter Arabian crosses throughout the country. The best stables use horses that are genuinely accustomed to the mountains, the dust, and the heat.
The riding season runs from October to April in most of the country. The High Atlas in summer is cool enough to ride, but the lower valleys can be extremely hot. Spring is spectacular: wildflowers in the Atlas foothills, snow still visible on the higher peaks, and temperatures that make long days in the saddle genuinely comfortable.
Reviewed stables in Morocco
1 listing — all first-hand reviews
Practical information
Visas & entry
Most Western passport holders (US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia) can visit Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. Check your government's travel advice for your specific nationality.
Getting there
Main gateways are Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN) and Marrakech Menara (RAK). Both have connections from across Europe. Marrakech is convenient for High Atlas and southern rides.