Some experiences arrive like a silent calling. They don’t make noise, yet they carve out space inside you. And when you feel that calling, you understand that it's time to go. To let yourself be guided by the wind and the sand, to listen to what you've kept quiet for too long.
The horseback trekking in the Moroccan desert is exactly that: a deep, essential, radical journey. And in 2026 it returns with three exclusive dates, ready to welcome those seeking authenticity, beauty, and transformation.
A desert to cross, a horse to listen to
“The desert carries an energy you can’t explain. You have to live it, walk barefoot on it, feel it under your skin.”
The Moroccan desert is not an empty place. It is essential, yes, but incredibly rich. Rich in silence, in colors that shift with the sun, in landscapes that never stop surprising you: from stretches of sand to earthen villages, from the Jebel Bani mountains to rivers that must be crossed, like the Oued Draa.
In the heart of the desert, you are never truly alone. There is a silent companion who watches you, listens to you, walks beside you: your horse. This trekking is not a simple excursion, but a shared journey. You move forward together across endless sandy plains, you gallop when the wind allows it, you dismount to walk side by side, and you sleep close, under the same star-filled sky. It’s a bond that forms day after day, gesture after gesture, gaze after gaze.
The Arabian-Berber horses of Ranch de Diabat are carefully chosen and lovingly prepared: before the start of the trekking, they are brought into the desert to acclimatize. Here, immersed in the metal-rich red earth, their bodies transform. Their coats grow shinier, their muscles strengthen, their eyes brighten. They, too, experience a kind of rebirth.
Among them is Sultan, the horse with whom Erika—one of the guides on this journey—crossed the desert for the first time back in 2008. A bond born almost by chance, but one that deepened like the connection between kindred souls. Seventeen years later, Sultan traveled another 300 kilometers with her, across two of the three stages, to avoid tiring him too much.
For Erika, seeing him there again felt like coming home.
A legendary route through rivers, oases, and Touareg villages
The itinerary winds through one of the most fascinating regions of southern Morocco. The Oued Draa river—lifeblood of date and watermelon cultivation—accompanies the first part of the journey. On horseback, you pass Berber and Touareg villages, meeting communities that still live according to the ancestral rhythms of the desert. The stages echo the ancient routes of the Paris-Dakar, whose stories, songs, and traces can still be felt.
One of the most powerful moments is the ascent to Jebel Bani, a mountain range that offers a breathtaking view over the desert plain. From up there, the world seems still. Time expands. And the rider becomes part of the landscape.
Life in the desert: bivouacs, campfires, and nights under the stars
Each day ends with the setting up of camp: comfortable tents, warm food, and the vibrating silence of the desert settling around you. In the evening, the fire is lit and a circle forms. Stories emerge, laughter mixes with the wind, and everyone rediscovers what it means to be human, present, alive.
The starry sky of the Moroccan desert is unmatched. The moon lights up the tents, and the stars feel close enough to touch. In those moments, your phone becomes useless, thoughts quiet down, and your connection with yourself deepens.
Who is this journey for?
For those who dream of an authentic experience.
For those who love horses and want to discover Morocco from a different point of view.
For those ready to be changed by a journey.
Is this the right journey for you?
Yes, if you are looking for an intense but accessible experience, designed for people who love nature and horses.
Yes, if you want to slow down, disconnect, and truly listen.
Yes, if you long for the silence of the desert, the connection with an animal, and the warmth of a group that becomes family.
“Even those who arrive filled with thoughts find peace here. The desert strips away the superfluous. It reconnects you with what matters.”
The heart of the journey: what stays with you
This is not a tour. It is an experience. When you return home, you find yourself thinking about the sunset over the dunes, the breath of your horse, the encounters in the villages, the silence that no longer scares you.
The desert takes away everything unnecessary. And gives you back yourself. A journey like this can’t truly be told. It must be lived. And once you live it, you carry it with you forever.
There are trips you forget, and others that stay with you. This trekking is one of those that leave a mark.
“You have to do the horseback trekking in the Moroccan desert at least once in your life. Because it’s unique. And because afterward, you won’t be the same person.”
If you want to be part of it, the time to decide is now. Hurry—spots are limited!
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this horseback trekking in the desert suitable for?
For intermediate and experienced riders. You need to be in good physical shape, have team spirit, and be comfortable with outdoor life (bivouacs, nights in tents).
When does it take place and how many spots are available?
The journey returns in 2026 with three exclusive dates and limited spots. If you feel “the call of the desert”, we recommend reserving your place in advance: groups are small to ensure authenticity, safety, and a deep bond with your horse.
What does the itinerary include?
The route crosses southern Morocco between the Oued Draa river, Berber and Touareg villages, and the panoramic ascent to Jebel Bani. You alternate between riding and walking alongside your horse, with landscapes that change light and colour throughout the day and moments of gallop when the wind allows it.
What is life like during the trekking (bivouacs, horses, atmosphere)?
Each stage ends with setting up camp: comfortable tents, an evening fire, stories shared, and nights under a sky full of stars. The Arabian-Berber horses of Ranch de Diabat are carefully chosen and prepared: a month before departure they are acclimatised in the desert, so they can face the journey in full balance and build an authentic connection with you.
