Horseback riding offers a different perspective on the desert than camels or quads. This guided ride takes you from a stable near Merzouga across open plains and along the base of the dunes, at a pace chosen to suit your ability. Horses are often Arab or Barb types, hardy animals accustomed to heat and sand, and guides are used to leading mixed groups with beginners and experienced riders together. Rides run for one to two hours or longer, with a pause for photographs or tea. The pace is calm, the landscape is huge, and the sound of hooves on the sand is a pleasure that quads cannot offer.
Ride quality depends on the stable. Look for well-kept horses, correct tack, helmets and a clear briefing. Beginners should say so at the start, so the guide can assign a gentle horse and keep the pace steady. Experienced riders may be able to canter on firm ground, but ask in advance. Wear long trousers, closed shoes or boots and a hat or helmet; shorts will chafe and sandals are unsafe.
The best times to ride are early morning and late afternoon, when the light is soft and temperatures are manageable. In summer, midday rides are too hot for the animals and the riders, and a responsible operator will decline to run them. Water for riders and horses should be available, and breaks in the shade should be part of longer outings. If the wind is strong or visibility is poor, rides may be shortened or postponed.
Horseback riding suits travellers who already enjoy riding at home, but it is also welcome for beginners who prefer a quieter, more intimate experience than a motorised tour. Weight limits apply at many stables, so check the rules when you reserve. Children can often ride with a lead rein or in smaller groups.
Combine a ride with a sunset viewing, a mint tea at a nomad tent or a night in a camp. After the ride, give the horse a pat and consider tipping the guide or stable hand, who will have spent hours preparing the animals.
Plan the ride around your confidence. If you have not ridden for years, tell the stable and choose a shorter ride with a steady pace. If you are experienced, ask about longer routes that reach the quieter sides of the dunes. Bring a hat that fits under a helmet, sunscreen and a water bottle that fits a pocket. Respect the animals by not feeding them without permission, and thank the stable crew at the end, since care of horses in a desert climate is demanding work.
The environment adds its own rewards. Horses move quietly, so you may see birds, lizards and even gazelles near the edges of the plain, and the sound of hooves on gravel and sand has a calm rhythm. Ask your guide about the best route for the season and the time of day. In winter, a mid-morning ride is warm and clear; in summer, sunrise is the only reasonable option. Wash your hands after contact with animals, and wear a scarf for dust.
What to expect
The experience
A guided horseback ride across desert plains and dune edges at an easy pace.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon.
How long
One to three hours.
Tips
Wear long trousers and closed shoes, and tell the guide your riding level.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Riders and nature lovers.
- Families
- Children may ride on a lead rein; confirm age limits.
- Couples
- A peaceful ride at sunset.
- Pair with
- A camel trek or stargazing.
- Time needed
- A morning or late afternoon.
Good questions
Do I need riding experience?+
No. Beginners are accommodated with calm horses and a slow pace.
Can I canter?+
Sometimes, on firm ground with experienced riders. Ask in advance.
Are helmets provided?+
Most good stables provide them. Confirm when you reserve.
Is there a weight limit?+
Often yes. Check with the stable.
When should I ride?+
Early morning or late afternoon, outside the heat.
