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. She believes that empowering women to heal, we also open pathways to advocate for the healing of nature - recognizing that personal and environmental restoration are deeply interconnected.
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.
About this trip
AN IMPACTFUL ADVENTURE
This 9-day journey begins in Marrakech, where we gather at a private kasbah in the quiet Palmeraie — a peaceful space with a pool, hammam, and palm-filled gardens. It’s here we slow down and step into a different rhythm. On our first full day, we’re guided through a natural horsemanship workshop with Safia Khider — an invitation to shift how we relate to horses, learning to communicate through their language. This work sets the tone for the days ahead, grounding us in trust, presence, and connection before the ride begins.
From there, we travel south into the Moroccan Sahara. Over six days on horseback, we move through a landscape shaped by wind, sun, and time — crossing dry riverbeds, tamarisk groves, rolling dunes, and wide desert plains. We pass ancient kasbahs and palm-filled oases, riding at a steady walk with chances to trot, canter, and gallop in single file. Our horses — Moroccan Barb and Arabian stallions — are strong, calm, and sure-footed, deeply attuned to the terrain they know by heart. Each day brings a new rhythm, and nights are spent in remote desert camps beneath starlit skies, where silence settles deep and firelight gathers us together. The ride invites a kind of presence that’s hard to find elsewhere — spacious, grounded, and transformative.
The journey closes back in Marrakech at Les Deux Tours, a serene retreat in the Palmeraie where each guest is welcomed into their own private suite surrounded by flowering gardens, shaded courtyards, and the quiet elegance of traditional architecture. After the raw beauty of the desert, it’s a place to land softly, reflect, and integrate. This isn’t just a riding trip — it’s a crossing. A shift in pace, a deepening of relationship, and an experience that stays with you long after the dust has settled. It’s a journey into the heart of the Sahara — and, in many ways, back to the heart of yourself.
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 fully enjoy this ride, you should be in good physical shape and ready for daily rides of about five hours a day. The terrain is varied — with dunes, wide plains, dry riverbeds, and occasional rocky sections — offering a dynamic and adventurous pace. Weather in the desert can shift: expect warm days, cool nights, and occasional wind. You don’t need to be a seasoned expedition rider, but you should feel solid in the saddle. If you haven’t ridden in a while, get a few rides in beforehand — your body (and your horse) will thank you.
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
HORSES
The horses are Barb-Arab or Arabian stallions, known for their toughness, calm temperaments, and sure-footedness across varied terrain. They are well trained, responsive, and experienced in this environment.
As stallions, they need to be ridden with some distance between them, but they are steady, sensible, and safe under saddle. The ride is mostly at the walk, with opportunities to trot and canter each day in single file.
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
You need to be an intermediate-advanced rider to join this ride. You should be a confident rider, capable and in control at all gates in open spaces and ready to ride in the saddle for up to 6 hours a day. Please consult our riding ability guide here. The weight limit of our riders is 200 lbs/90 kgs.
PACE
Our ride offers a dynamic and varied rhythm through ever-changing landscapes. Much of the journey is spent walking to allow the horses to navigate dunes, rocky plateaus, and dry riverbeds, but there are frequent opportunities each day to trot and enjoy long, exhilarating canters across open desert stretches. All faster paces are ridden in single file to ensure safety and harmony within the group.
GETTING THERE
We recommend booking a round-trip flight to Marrakech (RAK). Guests are responsible for arranging their own transfer to the private kasbah, where the group will meet at 9:00 AM on the first day of the trip. The kasbah is conveniently located about 20 minutes from the center of Marrakech and approximately 40 minutes from Marrakech International Airport.
To ensure a smooth start, we strongly recommend arriving at least one day before and staying overnight in Marrakech. This allows time to adjust to the travel and time difference, and ensures you’ll be rested and ready to meet the group on time for the first day of the journey.
For your return, a taxi can be arranged at an additional cost to take you from Les Deux Tours 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
In mid-November, both Marrakech and the Sahara Desert offer comfortable conditions. Days are typically warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 70–80°F (21–27°C), while evenings and early mornings are cooler, often between 45–55°F (7–13°C). The air is dry, the light is golden, and the weather is generally clear—making this one of the most pleasant times of year to experience Morocco’s landscapes.
TIPS
Tipping the local team is a meaningful way to show your appreciation for their hard work throughout the journey. For our 6-day ride, we recommend the following gratuities per guest:
- Horse Guides (2 total): $80 each
- Cook: $70
- Driver: $60
Tips can be given in USD, euros, or Moroccan dirhams - whichever is most convenient for you.
We encourage you to tip each person individually at the end of the trip, as this personal gesture is especially valued in Moroccan culture.
Of course, you are welcome to adjust these amounts based on your experience and what feels right for you. Your generosity is deeply appreciated and helps support the incredible local team who make this journey possible.
NIGHT 1: THE KASBAH
– Stay in a comfortable private kasbah featuring a pool and traditional hammam.
– Twin rooms include private bathrooms for your comfort.NIGHTS 2–6: MOROCCO CAMP
– Sleep in two-person tents equipped with mattresses and covers (please bring your own sleeping bag).
– Enjoy a communal dining and yoga tent, a rustic bucket shower tent with hot water available morning and evening, and a toilet tent.NIGHTS 7 & 8: LES DEUX TOURS
– Relax in your own private suite at this luxurious 5-star boutique hotel.
– Nestled among lush gardens and reflecting pools, Les Deux Tours offers a truly special experience — an oasis of tranquility where Moroccan elegance meets timeless serenity. From candlelit dinners to the scent of jasmine drifting through the courtyards, every detail invites deep rest and reflection after your desert adventure.– Single supplements are available for the horseback portion of the journey at an additional cost of $250.
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.
At Les Deux Tours, meals are an experience in themselves — beautifully prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients and served in a tranquil garden setting. Expect vibrant Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes that celebrate local produce and flavors, from fragrant tagines to bright salads and freshly baked breads.
Our Recommendations:
- Please avoid bringing a hard suitcase. Instead, use soft-sided duffles, and if your bag weighs more than 30 lbs/15kg, divide it into two smaller bags. This makes it much easier for our team to transport your gear between camps.
- Bring a second, smaller day bag for essentials you may want easy access to during the day—such as sunscreen, or snacks—especially during our long lunch breaks.
- We recommend traveling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and a change of riding clothes in your hand luggage. That way, if your checked luggage is delayed or misplaced, you’ll still be able to ride.
You’re welcome to bring anything else you feel called to — though we always suggest keeping things simple and packing light.
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
- sleeping bag (three-season down, comfort rating: 35–40°F / 1.5–4.5°C)
- small camp pillow
- riding gloves
- scarf/bandana
- sunglasses with a cord
- swimsuit
- quick dry towel
- sarong
- toiletries
- wet wipes
- hand sanitizer
- 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
- aquaphor (for dry lips)
- 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
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
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
please note, this is an optional reading list for your enjoyment
Estancia Patagonia
Estancia Patagonia is a family-owned outfitter based in the Last Hope Province of Chilean Patagonia. Run by a fourth-generation sheep and cattle ranching family, the team has spent generations living, working, and guiding in these remote landscapes. With over 25 years of experience blending traditional ranching with thoughtful tourism, they offer travelers a rare opportunity to experience Patagonia through the lens of those who call it home. Whether riding across open steppe or witnessing sheep herding firsthand, the experience is designed to foster connection—to the land, the culture, and the people. With properties at both La Peninsula and Baguales, Estancia Patagonia is grounded in deep knowledge of place and a strong commitment to conservation. Their mission is to contribute to a thriving Patagonia where livestock, wildlife, and humans coexist in balance—preserving the landscape and way of life for generations to come.
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Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival, Opening & Natural Horsemanship
We begin the journey at a peaceful private kasbah tucked into the quiet edges of Marrakech’s Palmeraie — a place to land, soften, and begin to let the outside world fall away. After arrivals and settling in, we gather for our opening circle, followed by a natural horsemanship workshop with Safia Khider from 10am to 2pm. This session invites us into the horse’s world — grounded in presence, patience, and feel — setting the tone for how we’ll move together in the days to come. After a long, nourishing lunch, the afternoon is open for rest — by the private pool, in the hammam, or simply within the stillness. Before dinner, we close the day with a gentle yin yoga and yoga nidra session, then enjoy a slow, delicious meal and an early night.
Day 2 – Into the Desert: Marrakech to Zagora, then Djebel Bani Ride
We leave the kasbah early for a scenic six-hour drive south to Zagora, where the horses await and the desert begins to open. Upon arrival we mount up and begin our first ride — a gentle three hours on horseback — moving toward Djebel Bani across a rocky plateau where hardy acacias cling to life. This first stretch allows us to ease into the terrain and find our rhythm with the horses. Camp is set in the open wild beneath a vast sky, where we share dinner by candlelight and sleep under the stars.
Day 3 – Djebel Bani to Oued Naam
The day opens with a grounding meditation before we set out for another five hours of riding. We cross sand hills and shift onto the reg — a wide, stony plateau. Reaching the Selmane Pass, we take in sweeping views over the Tagounite palm grove before continuing through small villages with painted walls and cultivated fields. By late afternoon, we arrive in Nesrate, where a once-thriving palm grove now lies beneath the sand. After settling into camp, we gather for a guided breathwork journey under the vast desert sky — a powerful practice to support release, integration, and renewal.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 4 – Oued Naam to Ouled Driss
We begin with a guided morning meditation before setting off for five hours of riding through the heart of the dunes. Along the way, we pass nomadic kheïma tents woven from camel or goat hair — quiet signs of desert life. As we approach the end of the Drâa Valley, signs of water and vegetation return. We pass through the lush Bounou palm grove and ride into the village of Ouled Driss, where we visit a historic ksar and small desert museum. We camp nearby for the night, closing the day with a gentle yoga and nidra practice under the desert sky.
Day 5 – Ouled Driss to Nesrate
The day opens with a grounding meditation before we set out for another five hours of riding. We cross sand hills and shift onto the reg — a wide, stony plateau. Reaching the Selmane Pass, we take in sweeping views over the Tagounite palm grove before continuing through small villages with painted walls and cultivated fields. By late afternoon, we arrive in Nesrate, where a once-thriving palm grove now lies beneath the sand. After settling into camp, we gather for a guided breathwork journey under the vast desert sky — a powerful practice to support release, integration, and renewal.
Day 6 – Nesrate to Oued Drâa, then return to Marrakech
Our final day of riding begins with a guided meditation and flows into four hours in the saddle. We follow the last stretch of the Drâa River through fields and fortified ksour villages, where the desert gives way to cultivated life. We ride through a palm grove and reach the village of Tinfou, where tall dunes press against the edge of human settlement. After a heartfelt farewell with the horses, we begin the six-hour drive back to Marrakech and arrive at Les Deux Tours — a serene retreat in the Palmeraie. Each guest settles into their own private suite surrounded by shaded gardens and quiet beauty.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 7 – Integration at Les Deux Tours
After days of movement, open space, and desert sun, today is for full-body rest. The morning begins slowly, with the option of a gentle yin yoga session to help the body land. The rest of the day is yours to move through however you need — sinking into a massage, visiting the traditional hammam, floating in the palm-lined pool, or lying in the sun with nothing to do but exhale. The sushi bar offers a fresh and unexpected indulgence, and the lush gardens invite quiet walks or time with a book in the shade. Every detail at Les Deux Tours is designed to support your return — to calm, to balance, to self.
Day 8 – Deep Rest & Closing Dinner
This day is yours — a final full day to do as much or as little as you like. Let your body unwind, stretch out by the pool, stroll through the gardens, or wander into the ancient souks nearby. You might visit the hammam, enjoy something fresh from the sushi bar, or simply savor the rare quiet of having nowhere to be. Les Deux Tours is more than a hotel — it’s a sanctuary of Moroccan design, timeless atmosphere, and gentle hospitality that invites deep rest and renewal. In the evening, we gather for a closing dinner — a final circle to reflect on what the desert offered, what shifted within us, and what we’ll carry home.
Day 9 – Departure
After a slow breakfast, guests depart for onward travel — carrying the stillness, strength, and quiet clarity of a journey led by horses, held by the desert, and rooted in the heart of the Sahara.
Itinerary
Highlights
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Ride through the vast and varied landscapes of the Moroccan Sahara — palm oases, dry riverbeds, tamarisk groves, and golden dunes
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Drop into deeper connection with a natural horsemanship workshop led by horse trainer Safia Khider
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Ride Moroccan Barb and Arabian stallions — steady, responsive, and deeply attuned to the desert
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Take in the vibrant culture of Morocco — a sensory tapestry of warm hospitality, rich traditions, bold flavors, and the deep, grounded beauty of everyday life
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Experience a high level of care and hospitality in remote desert camps beneath starlit skies
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Unwind and reconnect through daily practices of meditation, breathwork, and yin yoga, gently woven into the rhythm of the journey
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Let the silence, scale, and stillness of the desert shift your perspective and deepen your relationship with the horses and the land
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End your journey with two nights of restful luxury at Les Deux Tours, a tranquil oasis in Marrakech where each guest retreats to a private suite nestled among lush gardens and quiet beauty
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 Horse Guided Somatic Healing®
We offer horse-guided somatic healing through present-moment connection, guided meditation, and attuned observation—inviting deep embodiment, spiritual remembering, and intuitive healing alongside horses. Inspired by Equine Guided Empowerment®—a unique approach developed by The Reflective Horse®—this work honors the horse as an energetic mirror and guide. Through relational presence and the healing energy of horses, participants are gently led back to their innate wisdom, authentic connection, and a sense of grounded wholeness.
OUR OFFERINGS
03 Trauma Informed Breathwork
Ceremonial, trauma-informed breathwork, drawing inspiration from Taren Maroun’s teachings, integrates the science-backed benefits of breathwork with the depth of a spiritually grounded healing journey. Guided by her shamanic studies and rooted in her Celtic (Irish) and Phoenician (Lebanese) ancestry, this practice invites profound transformation by releasing stored energy or trauma within the body, restoring emotional resilience, and opening pathways to expanded states of consciousness. Through the rhythm of intentional breathing, the body’s innate wisdom is reawakened, guiding you into deeper connection, and the emergence of your authentic self. It is within this sacred integration of body, mind, and spirit that true healing unfolds.
OUR OFFERINGS
04 Somatic Yin Yoga
Somatic Yin Yoga is a trauma-informed, embodied practice that reconnects you with the body’s innate wisdom. Rooted in nervous system regulation and somatic awareness, this slow, intuitive approach supports the release of tension, emotional stress, and energetic blockages. Through long-held postures and deep listening, it nourishes connective tissues, enhances flexibility, and fosters resilience. Its meditative quality soothes the mind and strengthens the body's capacity for deep repair, renewal, and integration.
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Join us
AVAILABLE TO BEGINNER TO ADVANCED RIDERS
All riding is done at a walking pace. Prior riding experience is recommended but not required to participate.
If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on March 3rd.
Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.
Price includes: meals, guides/wranglers/cooks. A bed in a shared room, and bus transport to and from Reykjavik.
Price doesn’t include: travel insurance, flights to and from Reykjavik, accomodation in Reyjavik and airport transfers. Group size: 12-15 riders
Testimonial
“Time in the backcountry on horseback surrounded by an incredible group of women who share the same values and inspiration was balm for my soul. Riding Wild created a beautiful safe space for heart centered healing and connection through every aspect of this journey. Thank you for an epic adventure of body and spirit.”
- Jenn whitney
Join us
AVAILABLE TO BEGINNER TO ADVANCED RIDERS
ALL RIDING LEVELS - SOLD OUT
Available to strong intermediate to advanced riders. All riding is done at a walking pace. Prior riding experience is required.
March 19th-23rd
PRICING
$5,995
If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on July 14th for the November ride and September 1st for the March ride. Both buttons will take you to the payment info. Additional payment plans. View our terms here.
Price includes: 1:1 healing session with Candice & her herd, our program, meals, horseback safari, guides, and your own private room at the Belle Balance Bush Hideout for 4 nights.
Price doesn’t include: gratuities, travel insurance, transport to and from Belle Balance, flights to and from Plettenberg Bay. Group size: 5 riders per trip
ADVANCED RIDE - SOLD OUT
Available to strong intermediate to advanced riders. Comfortable and in control at all gates and terrains in open country.
March 27th-1st
PRICING
$5,995
Join us
OPEN TO STRONG INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED RIDERS
Comfortable and in control at all gates and terrains in the open country. Riding in saddle up to 5 hrs per day.
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE
November 15th-23rd, 2026
PRICING
$4,250
If paying in two installments, your second payment will be due on February 1st, 2026. 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 Les Deux Tours.
Price doesn’t include: travel insurance, transport to and from Marrakech, Morocco. Group size: 10 riders. Weight restriction: For the well-being of our horses, there is a weight limit of 200 lbs (90 kg) for riders.
We can't wait to meet you!
