Careening around Morocco on Arabians

The trail of the Kings AKA the Meknes loop

I tested out this ride in October 2023 and while I had fun I will start by stating this is not an appropriate ride for all riders. In fact, a rider who accompanied me stated that she had “survived” the ride.

The ride starts with a night at a hotel in Rabat. Rabat is a very clean town and modern, it’s the capital. It has a very nice, easy to navigate Medina and some great little restaurants. The hotel the riding outfit uses is VERY basic, more like a dorm that a hotel, generously I’d say it’s a motel type accommodation but it is right opposite the Medina so a great location. Dinner with the group is held at the hotel and everyone is picked up to drive to Meknes and meet the horses the next morning.

The ride

The horses, primarily Arabians, most of whom are extremely slender by western standards, though in fairness they were all fit and completely capable of the ride – think Kenyan athletes vs western! There is usually a mixture of mares, geldings and some stallions – the stallions were remarkably well behaved with limited snortfests, though we, of course, rode at the back. The tack is old and some of it was in need of constant repair.

The terrain is a mixture of farmland, villages, an amazing salt lake crossing and some hills. There was one ascent on a narrow ledge that would have troubled anyone scared of heights though. Everyone is expected to dismount to walk down the steeper grades. The pace varies from walks, longer trots, fast canters and a couple of gallops where the footing is good enough. Spare horses come along, so be prepared to watch out for them during faster traverses. There is an opportunity to leave the horses and visit Volubilis, the famous Roman ruins, and also the Medinas in Fez and Meknes- both are well worth the time.

Rustic country food. Food at the Riads for breakfast was quite good, eggs, local breads, yogurt, fruit and coffee. Lunches and dinners are prepared by the cook in the traveling kitchen and usually focused on local specialties – Tagines, roast chicken, eggplant etc. – one day we had roast camel. They did their best to accommodate vegetarians. Moroccan appetizers (Taktouka and zaalouk) and traditional breads were served with each meal and fruits for dessert.

This is a ride for fit riders used to a fast pace at times, people who can check their own tack, can control a young horse and are confident in the saddle. I do not think it is appropriate for riders who spend a couple of leisurely hours a week meandering through the countryside or riding around in an arena, and have a person to tack their horses.

Accommodation

The first night was in the hotel in Rabat, I’d pick my own if I went back. The other nights varied between a lovely and well-known Riad in Fez, to a private home/riad and an old hotel. All were clean but, with the exception of Fez, not anything to get excited about.

This ride offers opportunities to see the local villages ( and, alas, the trash that abounds on the edge of every village) and you will most likely be the only foreign tourists.

Casablance, Rabat, Fez and Meknes

Three of the most visited cities in Morocco, all have Medinas. The Medina is Fez is very large and best explored with someone to guide you, this will enable you to visit the key sites (tannery, equine store and good rug sellers). Rabat is a lovely, well laid out Medina and easy to navigate – consider taking a food walking tour as a way to get to know it (and the food of Rabat) and Meknes is similar. Rabat and Fez and easy to get around and I felt safe in both. I stopped in Casablanca owing to flight schedules, and while I enjoyed a great cooking class in a local home (including market visit) the city is dirty and not visitor friendly. The Hotel Le Doge in Casablanca was absolutely delightful, and they will assure your safety.

Before you go:

If you are going in a couple of days early, I would recommend a food walking tour in Rabat
https://www.hotelledoge.com/ for Casabalanca overnights
If you fly into Casabalanca getting a driver to/from Meknes is easy with mydaytrip.com
Consider booking your own hotel in Rabat.
Dress appropriately for a mulim country when in the towns and villages
Take a seat saver for the ride, and your own water bottles
No matter the season take waterproof riding jackets
You will be required to buy travel/health insurance
To book email [email protected]