Horse Riding in Merzouga Desert

Overview:

Horse Riding in Merzouga Desert is a chance to discover the charm of the Desert on horseback and experience a magical trip through its golden dunes. 

Horse riding in Merzouga is a unique way to connect with nature, explore the vastness of the Moroccan Desert, and enjoy the serene beauty of the mountainous landscapes.

The rhythmic sound of hooves on the sand, the warm desert breeze, and the awesome views make this an unforgettable adventure. Merzouga Desert Horses are gentle and well-trained, making this activity suitable for beginners and experienced riders creating the best memories.

Horse Riding in Merzouga Desert Info:

  • Departure Time: 8 AM & 5 PM
  • Departure Place: Merzouga Desert or your accommodation
  • Availability: Every day
  • Ride Length: Starts from 1 hour
  • Ending Place: Starting place or your accommodation 

Highlights:

itinerary of Merzouga Horse Riding:

Check The itinerary for the Horse Riding in Merzouga Desert:

The Horse riding in Merzouga Desert starts after the arrival at the meeting point, where you will be introduced to your horse and guide. After a short safety briefing and tips on horse riding, you’ll get comfortable with your horse accompanied by a horse guide to help you make your journey fabulous.

Next, begin your ride through the desert area, following your professional tour guide along a scenic path. The pace will be adjusted to suit your skill level, whether it’s a gentle walk or a faster ride.

Along the way, there will be stop at key viewpoints to admire the vast desert, take photos, and learn interesting facts about the area from your guide.

Visit a traditional Berber village or meet local nomads along the way to glimpse their daily life and culture.

Finally, end the ride back at the starting point, where you can relax, share stories, and enjoy refreshments.

Gallery:

Pricing includes:

Frequently Asked Questions:

The horses are well-trained, and our tour guide will help you feel comfortable and confident.

The ride will be in the Erg Chebbi desert, near the village of Merzouga, in the Sahara Desert of Morocco.

  • Short ride: 1–2 hours (sunrise or sunset)
  • Half-day: 3–4 hours
  • Full-day: Up to 6 hours (includes rest breaks)
  • Multi-day trek: 2 days with desert camping

Yes of course All riding levels are welcome. The horses are calm and used to beginners. The guide will help you learn how to ride and stay safe.

Yes of course we offer overnights sleeping in a Desert camp, dinner, and breakfast are included

You can contact Morocco Trips Guide through website, WhatsApp, or email. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in high season.

Know Before You Go

Before booking for the horse riding in Merzouga Desert, read the following details:

  • Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the desert views.
  • Comfortable long pants (avoid shorts)
  • Bring a Hat/scarf and sunglasses
  • Better to use Sunscreen and a water bottle
  •  We organize more Desert activities with us, such as the 4×4 Merzouga Desert Tour & Overnight Camel Trek
  • Please follow your guide’s instructions
  • Respect the environment
  • No hidden costs with our horse riding package

Merzouga Horse Riding Reviews:

Daniel
Peaceful Ride at Sunset
Horse riding in the Merzouga Desert was the best part of my Morocco trip. I booked with Morocco Trips Guide, and everything was perfect. The guide was kind and helped me feel safe, even though it was my first time riding a horse. The horse was calm and friendly. We rode through the golden sand dunes and stopped to watch the sunset. It was quiet and peaceful, just the sound of the wind and the horse’s steps. I will never forget this moment. Thank you, Morocco Trips Guide, for such a special experience!
Martina
Fun and Relaxing Desert Adventure
I had an amazing time horse riding in Merzouga with Morocco Trips Guide. The horses were well-trained and easy to ride, and the guide was very helpful and spoke good English. We went early in the morning to see the sunrise, and it was so beautiful. The colors in the sky and the big sand dunes looked like a painting. After the ride, we had tea with a local Berber family, which was a nice surprise. I recommend this tour to anyone who wants something different from camel riding. Thank you for the great memories!
Isabella
Best Day in the Desert
I booked a half-day horse riding trip with Morocco Trips Guide, and it was the best day of my vacation. The team picked me up from my hotel and took me to the desert. The horse was strong and gentle, and I loved riding through the big dunes. It felt like a movie!The guide was very friendly and told me a lot about the desert and Berber culture. We stopped to take photos and enjoy the view. I felt safe and happy the whole time. I really recommend this to anyone visiting Morocco. Morocco Trips Guide made everything easy and fun!

Popular Horse Riding Options:

Sunset/Sunrise Ride (1–2 hours):

  • Best for beginners or those short on time.
  • Ride to a dune viewpoint for a breathtaking sky.

Half-Day or Full-Day Tours

  • Explore deeper into the dunes and surrounding desert
  • tea with locals or Amazigh-style lunch.

Multi-Day Treks:

  • Camp overnight in desert tents
  • Travel across Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Meeting nomads or visiting oases

Why Choose Horse Riding in Merzouga?

Authentic Experience: Horses offer a smoother, more agile ride compared to camels.

Quieter Travel: Horses are quieter and more graceful, ideal for travelers who prefer a peaceful journey.

More Control: Experienced riders may enjoy the ability to canter or gallop, which camels can’t do.

Sunset & Sunrise Tours: The tours are timed to catch the stunning desert sunrise or sunset over the dunes.

What to See During Merzouga Horse Ride?

Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes: The star of the desert! These golden dunes can reach up to 150 meters high. You’ll ride across soft sand waves that change color with the sunlight—orange, red, and gold

Sunrise & Sunset Views: One of the best reasons to ride a horse in Merzouga is the view at sunrise or sunset.

Nomadic Camps: You will pass or stop at a Berber nomad camp. These families live simply in tents and are very welcoming. Sometimes, you’ll be invited for tea.

Desert Oasis On longer rides: you will visit a small oasis with palm trees and a natural spring. It’s a peaceful stop in the middle of the sand.

Khamlia Village: (Optional Tour Stop) Some tours include a stop in Khamlia, a village known for Gnawa music, played by descendants of West African slaves. You can enjoy traditional drums and songs.

Desert Wildlife: Look out for small desert animals like: Fennec foxes Desert birds, Scarabs (desert beetles). Your guide will point them out as you ride.

The Night Sky: (On Overnight Tours) If you choose a camping tour, don’t miss the stars! The desert has no city lights, so the Milky Way and shooting stars are visible.