About this trip
AN IMPACTFUL ADVENTURE
Embark on a captivating Moroccan horseback adventure through the enchanting "Valley of the Roses," where stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and exceptional riding experiences await. Journey through dramatic canyons, snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and vibrant rose-filled valleys.
Explore traditional kasbahs, Berber villages, and breathtaking gorges, with exhilarating gallops on Moroccan Barb and Arabian stallions across open plateaus. Camp under starlit skies with quality camping service to ensure your comfort amidst nature. Restore and recharge with guided meditations, yin yoga, and breathwork thoughtfully woven into your journey.
The journey concludes with a stay at the world renowned Kasbah Bab Ourika in the serene Ourika Valley. With its eco-friendly design, organic cuisine, and panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains, this boutique hotel offers the perfect blend of sustainability and indulgence. A natural horsemanship workshop and two restful nights here in your own private suite provide the ideal opportunity to reflect and integrate. This unforgettable trail ride is a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and experiences that celebrates Morocco’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and timeless equestrian traditions.
Highlights
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Ride through canyons, snow-capped mountains, and valley's filled with fragrant roses
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Ride past the gorges of M’goun and Dades, famous for their roses, oasis, and kasbahs which are considered to be the most beautiful in Morocco
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Guided in tandem with local horse trainer, Safia Khider
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Ride well-trained traditional Moroccan Barb and Arab stallions
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Experience a high level of service while camping during the ride
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Deepen your ‘touch’ and ‘feel’ with a natural horsemanship workshop
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Experience two nights of integration at the renowned Kasbah Bab Ourika, as seen in the film Lonely Planet
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Restore and recharge with guided meditations, yin yoga, and breathwork thoughtfully woven into your journey
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OUR OFFERINGS
01 Mindful Riding
Mindful riding is the practice of riding in a state of meditation through developing a present connection of mutual trust with your horse. Riding in this state of trust, presence and openness allows the rider to receive countless somatic benefits by being held by an intuitive, pure, and grounded sentient being. The rider will learn about their own energy through slowing down enough to see how they communicate and in turn receive messages from their horse’s body language. They will tap into the naturally meditative energy of horses and sensitize their intuition, the ability to energetically communicate, and connect with their true nature.
OUR OFFERINGS
02 Equine Guided Empowerment®
Equine Guided Empowerment® is a unique Somatic Reprogramming® practice developed by Cassandra Ogier. This practice provides an opportunity to ground and discover your true nature through the reflection of horses. Through being led by horses as an energetic guide and dropping into Somatic Reprogramming® exercises participants are invited to deepen into their empowerment and discover their inner wisdom. By doing so, the possibilities are endless in finding connection, belonging, individuation, authenticity, healing, and purpose.
OUR OFFERINGS
03 Integrative Breathwork
The practice of breathwork is a journey of cultivating awareness in the body through the presence of breath. Practicing breathwork allows the body’s natural wisdom to cleanse, heal, and re-center the nervous system. Through the exploration of breath you can release tension and trauma that have become embedded within the body. Breathwork serves as the bridge into the present moment and into expanded states of consciousness. This practice creates new internal pathways for safety and connection, which supports you to receive life with more awareness and authenticity.
OUR OFFERINGS
04 Somatic Yin Yoga
Somatic-based yoga is an embodied and energetic practice that invites you to explore your inner environment. This practice supports you to listen to the subtle language of your body and to reconnect with the rhythm of your essence. By slowing down and synchronizing breath with movement, this integrative practice assists in letting go of physical, mental and emotional stress and conditioning. Intuitive somatic yoga regulates your nervous system, opens you to deeper meditative states and guides you to the innate wisdom that resides within.
Join us
AVAILABLE TO INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED RIDERS
Comfortable and in control at all gates and terrains in the open country. Comfortable in the saddle up to 6 hrs per day.
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE
April 28th - May 7th, 2025
PRICING
$4,250
If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on February 10th. Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.
Price includes meals, guides/wranglers/cooks. A natural horsemanship workshop. Shared tent & hotel accommodation for seven nights and a final two nights in your own private suite at the Kasbah Bab Ourika. Price doesn’t include : travel insurance, taxi transport to your airport departure, flights to and from Morocco. Group size: 10 riders
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ouarzazate
Arrive at Ouarzazate airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by our team. After a short transfer to your 3-star hotel, settle in and unwind from your travels. Spend the evening relaxing as you prepare for the journey ahead. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 2: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Aghbalou
In the morning, we’ll transfer 45 minutes from Ouarzazate to Skoura, where your adventure begins. After evaluating riding levels and assigning horses, you’ll set off through the lush Skoura palm grove and cross the arid plateaus of Aït Saïd Oumanssour. Arrive at our mountain camp at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and enjoy a peaceful evening under a starlit sky.
Day 3: Aghbalou – Aguerd
The day begins with a ride across the Tamassent plateaus, offering breathtaking views of the almond tree valley. In the afternoon, experience long gallops across vast plateaus as we journey to Tiflit village. Afterward, ascend the rugged gorges and arrive at our camp near Aguerd village for the evening.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 4: Aguerd – Taoujgalt
Today’s ride takes us along Nait Tounert, passing through picturesque villages and terraced fields. After a picnic lunch, cross an expansive plateau and ascend to a mountain pass overlooking the Azaghar-N-Aiguer valley. Follow a narrow path that winds to our scenic campsite near Taoujgalt.
Day 5: Taoujgalt – Agouti
Ride through the Assif El Qati Valley, where you’ll encounter stunning ksour (castles) set against verdant gardens and ochre cliffs. These architectural gems, once home to troglodyte communities, are steeped in the rich history of southern Morocco. Camp in the serene village of Agouti.
Day 6: Agouti – Boutaghrar
Journey through the enchanting El Qati Valley, known for its well-preserved traditional villages and fragrant wild rose bushes. In May, the blossoming roses fill the air with their delicate aroma, creating a kaleidoscope of pink, green, and ochre hues. Camp en route to Boutaghrar in the heart of Morocco’s renowned rose-growing region.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 7: Boutaghrar – Timstiquite – Private Kasbah
Begin the morning with a 2.5-hour ride along mule paths to the charming Timstiquite village. After lunch in the valley, we’ll embark on a scenic 5-hour drive to a private kasbah. Here, you’ll enjoy a tranquil evening in shared accommodations, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Atlas Mountains.
Day 8: Natural Horsemanship Workshop – Kasbah Bab Ourika
Begin the day with an immersive natural horsemanship workshop, refining your touch and deepening your connection as you experience the healing and mirroring potential of horses. Afterward, transfer to the luxurious Kasbah Bab Ourika, where your private suite offers the perfect haven for rest and reflection. Nestled in the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, this breathtaking retreat invites you to unwind and soak in its tranquil beauty.
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Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 9: Integration and Relaxation at Kasbah Bab Ourika
Begin the day with a transformative breathwork session, grounding and weaving the insights of your journey into your sense of self. Stroll through the lush gardens, unwind by the pool, or savor the tranquility of your luxurious private suite. In the afternoon, indulge in a nourishing yin yoga and yoga nidra session, inviting deep relaxation and reflection. Embrace the serenity and elegance of this extraordinary mountain retreat as you honor the profound transformation of your adventure.
Day 10: Departure
Enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast at Kasbah Bab Ourika before departing, carrying with you the memories of an unforgettable Moroccan adventure.
Itinerary
Meet your guides
Aniela Gottwald
CALIFORNIA, USA
Aniela Gottwald is the founder of Riding Wild, a 1% For The Planet nonprofit organization that takes women on transformative wilderness expeditions, com- bining personal and collective healing with intersection- al environmentalism. With over 20 years of experience in horsemanship, Aniela is a certified Equine Guided Empowerment® facilitator specializing in integrative somatic trauma and attachment therapy. Aniela’s lifelong connection with horses began in childhood, but it was her solo 1,300-mile backcountry expedition with wild horses she trained herself that deepened her understanding of the mirroring power of these animals in the healing process. Her work with Riding Wild stems from this understanding, offering equine-guided journeys that foster empowerment, personal sovereignty, and a sense of freedom. Through these immersive experiences, Aniela helps women, especially BIPOC and Indigenous communities, reclaim their voices and rediscover their inner strength. Guiding horse-riding expeditions throughout the world, Aniela has created a powerful program that seamlessly integrates tools for nervous system regulation and therapeutic practices into each journey. Her approach is grounded in the belief that individual healing contributes to collective well-being, creating a ripple effect of generational healing and transformation. Riding Wild’s purpose is to make these healing experiences accessible through scholarships, providing safe spaces for adventure, connection, and the discovery of new possibilities. Through her work, Aniela invites women to step into a journey of personal growth and resilience, supported by the essential connection between humans and nature.
Safia Khider
MARRAKECH, MORROCCO
For as long as Safia can remember, she has had a deep desire to be with horses. Her journey began at the age of 12 when she was disheartened by the dominant approach humans took toward horses in Morocco; even as a child, she felt this was wrong. After working in France, where she was far from horses but eager to understand their world, she dreamed of a new way to connect with them. During this time, she met Anna Twinney, a world-renowned trainer and the head instructor of Monty Roberts for ten years. Anna sponsored Safia to become a certified horse trainer, allowing her to learn and practice this methodology in Colorado. Upon returning to Marrakech, Safia launched a project called CavaliSpirit (where "Cavali" means "horse" in Native American) to give horses a voice, inspire humans to co-create with them compassionately, and empower people to reach their full potential through horse coaching. Her daily aim is to guide her four-legged partners to feel their best physically, mentally, and emotionally. Safia considers herself a lifelong student of horses, driven by a passion for learning and teaching authentic feel. She uses the language of energy to connect with horses, grow from her experiences with them, and share that knowledge with the world around her.
HORSES
The horses are Barb Arabs or Arabian stallions, known for their toughness, sensibility, and sure-footedness across diverse terrain. They are well-schooled but require soft handling and careful distance from other riders as stallions. Their average height is 15 hands.
GUIDE & LOCAL TEAM
You will be guided by local Moroccans who are deeply familiar with the horses and the landscape, accompanied by grooms. At least one guide will speak English, while the grooms may primarily speak French and Arabic.
MINIMUM RIDING ABILITY
Please refer to our riding ability guide here, to ensure you are an intermediate-advanced rider capable of joining this ride. You need to be a competent rider, capable and in control in all gaits in open spaces, and comfortable in the saddle for up to 6 hrs a day. It is also important to be a confident rider as you will be riding stallions. The weight limit of our riders is 200lbs/90kgs.
PACE
The mountainous terrain means much of the trail is spent walking, but there are chances to trot and canter each day on suitable terrain. Canters are always in single file as the horses are stallions.
TACKING ABILITY & PARTICIPATION
During the trail, you’ll be expected to assist with grooming, tacking, and untacking your horse each day. Helping with camp tasks, such as setting up tents or watering and feeding the horses, is also greatly appreciated.
TRIP CONDITIONS & REQUESTED EXPERIENCE
To enjoy this adventure, you must be physically fit for six hours of daily riding under the African sun at high altitudes. The terrain is varied, with steep ascents, descents, and occasional obstacles, requiring riders to mount, dismount, and assist their horses on rocky paths. Mountain weather is cooler than Marrakech but can still be hot and sunny, with unpredictable wind, cold, or storms. Prior experience with multi-day rides is helpful but not required. Non-regular riders should train to ensure comfort and balance at speed over rough terrain and be prepared to walk and lead their horses when needed. Traveling to a new country is a unique opportunity to experience different cultures and perspectives. Embracing and respecting these differences enriches your journey and fosters meaningful connections with the local way of life.
EQUESTRIAN EQUIPMENT
- forestier trail riding saddles and comfortable tack
- saddlebags are provided
- we recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit
TRANSFERS
We recommend booking either a one-way flight to Ouarzazate with a return from Marrakech or a round-trip flight to Marrakech. If flying into Marrakech, an additional transfer to Ouarzazate (a 4–5 hour drive) can be arranged at an extra cost. In this case, we recommend arriving the day before your scheduled group meeting at the airport. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Ouarzazate, where you'll join the group for dinner on the first evening of your trip. For your departure, a taxi can be arranged at an additional cost to take you from Kasbah Bab Ourika to Marrakech city or the airport.
VISAS
If traveling from the United States, and most countries in Europe visas are not required for visits to Morocco lasting less than 90 days. Visit the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco website for the latest visa information to ensure you meet the country's travel requirements.
CLIMATE
Marrakech enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, sunny summers and cooler winters. The best time to visit is in spring or autumn when temperatures are pleasantly warm, ranging from 72–86°F (22–30°C) throughout the day. April and May offer especially ideal conditions, with clear blue skies and comfortable weather for riding. TIPS: Tipping the local team is a meaningful way to show your appreciation for their hard work. We suggest a tip of $55/€50/£45, though you’re welcome to give an amount that feels right for you. To ensure fairness, we recommend handing your tip to the guide, who will distribute it among the staff. Your generosity is greatly valued.
Night 1: Flint Hotel
- Stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel.
- Twin or triple rooms with private bathrooms.
Nights 2–6: Morocco Camp
- Sleep in two-person tents with mattresses (bring your own sleeping bag).
- Enjoy a communal dining tent, a shower tent with hot water (morning/evening), and a toilet tent.
Night 7: Private Kasbah Outside Marrakech
- Stay in charming twin rooms.
- Relax at the Kasbah's spa with a hammam and pool.
Nights 8–9: Kasbah Bab Ourika
- Indulge in your own private suite at this luxurious 5-star boutique hotel.
- Unwind in the spa with a hammam and soak in the stunning pool overlooking breathtaking views.
A cook travels with you, preparing delicious meals throughout your journey. Lunches are typically cold, while evening meals are hot, offering a taste of traditional Moroccan cuisine. Water is provided, but please bring your own bottle. Special diets can be accommodated, though some ingredients may be difficult to source in Morocco. Certain dietary requirements, such as gluten-free, may incur a supplement ($110/€100/£90). Please specify any dietary needs at the time of booking, otherwise they may not be able to be accommodated.
CLOTHING
Upper body
- long sleeved shirts
- warm sweater (wool or fleece)
- casual clothes for the evening
- comfortable yoga clothes for warm climates
Lower body
- lightweight, comfortable riding pants
- shorts for warm lazy lunchtimes
- casual clothes for the evening
- comfortable yoga clothes for warm climates
Outerwear
- jacket
- waterproof jacket
Footwear
- comfortable riding boots (we recommend short boots with half chaps)
- sandals, flip-flops or running shoes
Headwear
- riding helmet
- sunhat
- warm hat for cold evenings
Nightwear
- thermals are a good option for sleeping in, or a t-shirt and shorts for warmer nights
OTHER ITEMS
- riding gloves
- scarf/bandana
- sunglasses with a cord
- swimsuit
- quick dry towel
- sarong
- toiletries
- wet wipes
- hand sanitizer
- toilet paper
- small plastic bags
- 1.5-2L water bottle
- headlamp
- camera & accessories
- rechargeable power bank
- power plug in Morocco (type C & E)
- small bag for small items when riding
- notebook/journal
MEDICAL KIT
- high uv sunscreen
- insect repellent
- any medication you regularly take
- band aids and second skin plasters for chafing
- antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- electrolytes
- ear plugs (for light sleepers)
- water purifier or purification tablets
MOROCCO
- The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
CLIMATE
- All We Can Save - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katherine K. Wilkinson
- Rooted - Lyanda Lynn Haupt
- The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle
of Oppression to Protect People + Planet - Leah Thomas- The End of Eden: Wild Nature in the Age of Climate Breakdown - Adam Weltz
HORSE
- Tao of Equus - Linda Kohanov
- Riding Between Worlds - Linda Kohanov
- Sacred Spaces: Communion with the horse through science and spirit - Dr. Susan Fay
HEALING
- Untethered Soul - Michael Singer
- Healing Collective Trauma - Thomas Hübl
- Attuned - Thomas Hübl- If Women Rose Rooted - Sharon Black
- Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times - Katherine May- Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma - Peter A. Levine
- The Power of Now - Ekhart Tolle
- Being Peace - Thich Naht Hahn
- One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder - Brian Doyle
- The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief - Francis Weller
- Gender(s) - Kathryn Bond StocktonRELATIONSHIP
- Us - Terrence Real
- Perfect Love, Imperfect relationships - John Welwood
- Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick
- The Conscious Heart - Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendrick
- Nonviolent Communication - Marshall Rosenberg
- The Power of Attachment - Diane Poole Heller
- Eight Dates - John Gottman
please note, this is an optional reading list for your enjoyment
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We can't wait to meet you!
