tour of the stables and we’re introduced to the horses who will be our partners. Once in the saddle, we work our way inland towards the mountains, where our path becomes paved with rocks and dotted with different species of cacti. The slopes are steep, but we quickly learn to trust our horses. Extremely surefooted, the Barb and Arab-barb breeds are perfectly adapted to this harsh environment. The vegetation becomes more scarce and the landscape increasingly arid as we climb up to a plateau with scenic views of the Little Atlas mountain range. That same day, we slowly head back down towards the coastline with the aim of reaching the seaside city of Mirleft. Known as the ‘drinkers of the wind’, our horses hold their heads high, with tails and manes flowing as we canter on along miles of beach. Further south we reach Legzira, where red cliffs and large rock arches hang over the Atlantic, a testimony to the power of the sun, the wind, and the ocean, the natural elements that dominate this region. After eight hours in the saddle, our
T R AV E L
modest yet charming hotel overlooking
Trekking across Morocco
the ocean offers us serenity as we fall asleep to the sound of the waves. As we continue south, we venture inland again. This time, we are headed towards the Sahara Desert. A feeling of excitement tinged with apprehension takes over as we travel further away from civilization and deeper into the desert.
If you love adventure and endurance riding, MATHILDE GREGOIRE has just thing for you: a 10-day trek across Morocco.
O
The countless sand dunes emphasize a sense of vastness as each one unfolds into another, revealing a desert landscape as far as the eye can see. On our way, we stay overnight at Fort
n the edge of the Atlantic
multi-day endurance treks and leisure
Bou-Jerif, a luxury oasis and ancient
coastline, near the city of
rides will show you the best the region
fortress at the doors of the Sahara
and its horses have to offer.
Desert – a wonderfully relaxing break for
The adventure begins
travellers venturing into the region. Our
Arab-Barb horses, the stable offers weeklong trails along the beach, and through
Our journey begins at the ranch, where
food and hay for the horses. The peaceful
mountains and desert. With access to an
a warm welcome awaits us. Moroccan
scenery and delicious meal brings us
astonishing variety of landscapes, these
tea and biscuits are served as we get a
comfort after a challenging journey.
Agadir, lays the beautiful ranch
Les 2 Gazelles. Home to 20 Barb and
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cook and truck awaits us with plenty of
