Horseback riding in Marrakech happens in two places: the Palm Grove (Palmeraie) on the edge of the city, from 400 MAD with transport and mint tea included, and the Agafay desert, from 650 MAD, with open trails, rocky hills and views of the Atlas Mountains. Both are guided rides of about an hour, and you do not need any riding experience.
This guide explains the difference between the two, how a ride goes, whether it suits beginners and children, what to wear, when to go and how to book.
Palm Grove or Agafay: where to go horse riding?
The two rides have the same format, a guided hour in the saddle, but a very different feel.
- Setting: in the Palm Grove you ride along trails lined with palm trees, desert paths and quiet rural areas. Agafay is a stony desert of open trails and rocky hills, with the Atlas Mountains on the horizon.
- Riding time: about an hour of guided riding in both places.
- Transport: included in the Palm Grove, in an air-conditioned vehicle, usually shared in a small group. In Agafay you choose: with transport from your hotel or riad, or without, in which case you go directly to the riding base. We send you its address when we confirm your booking.
- Extras: the Palm Grove ride ends with a mint tea. In Agafay a safety helmet is provided and the guides stay with the group for the whole ride.
- Price: from 400 MAD per person in the Palm Grove, from 650 MAD per person in Agafay without transport.
The Palm Grove is the easy choice for families, short stays and a first time on a horse: it is closer, everything is included and the price is lower. Agafay is for the landscape: more space, desert views and the mountains behind. The no-transport option also works well if you have a car or are spending the day at a camp; our guide to the best Agafay desert camps helps you plan that day.
How a horse ride works
- Pickup. In the Palm Grove, and in Agafay with the transport option, a vehicle collects you from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. The team confirms the time with you on WhatsApp.
- Welcome and horse matching. At the riding base, the team welcomes you, matches each rider with a horse, adjusts the equipment and gives a short safety briefing.
- The ride. About an hour on the trails with a professional guide, between the palm trees or across the desert hills.
- Mint tea. In the Palm Grove you finish with a traditional mint tea before heading back.
- Return. With transport, the vehicle drops you back at your accommodation.
Tell the team your level when you book, even if it is "never ridden before". It helps them pick the right horse for you.
Beginners, children and experienced riders
- Beginners: no experience is needed on either ride. The Palm Grove ride is calm and suits beginners, couples and families. Agafay suits both beginners and experienced riders.
- Children: children ride accompanied by an adult, and the team chooses horses suited to their age and level. Give the children's ages when you book so the team can confirm everything before the day.
- Experienced riders: Agafay is the better match, with open trails and more space. Mention your experience when booking.
If you have a back problem, are pregnant or have any medical condition, ask the team before booking.
What to wear for horse riding in Marrakech
- Long trousers: jeans or leggings are fine, shorts rub against the saddle.
- Closed shoes, recommended by the team on both rides. No sandals or flip-flops.
- Helmet: provided. In Agafay it is listed in what's included, and in the Palm Grove the safety equipment comes with the horse.
- Sun protection: sunscreen and sunglasses, and a cap or scarf for the drive and the tea break.
- A warm layer for winter and late-afternoon rides.
- A zipped pocket for your phone. Leave bags at the hotel.
Best time of day and season
You can ride all year, depending on the weather.
- Morning: cool and calm, the best choice in summer.
- Late afternoon: golden light on the palm trees or on the Agafay hills. If you would like to ride near sunset, mention it when booking: the team confirms the time on WhatsApp, as sunset changes through the year.
- Seasons: spring and autumn are the most pleasant. Summer middays are hot, so ride early or late. In winter the days are mild but mornings and evenings are cold.
Animal welfare: what to look for
A good ride starts with horses that are cared for. A few things anyone can check:
- the horses rest between rides, in the shade, with water available;
- they look calm and healthy, with no visible sores under the saddle or the girth;
- the saddle and bridle fit properly;
- children and first-timers are kept close to a guide, and a guide walks beside the horse when needed.
If something worries you, tell the guide, and let us know after your ride.
Price and what's included
- Horse riding in the Palm Grove: from 400 MAD per person for about one hour. Included: the guided ride, the horse and safety equipment, a professional guide, the mint tea break and round-trip transport from Marrakech, usually shared in a small group. Not included: meals, extra drinks, photos and videos.
- Horse riding in the Agafay desert: from 650 MAD per person without transport, for about one hour. An option with transport from your hotel or riad is also available on the booking page. Included: the guided ride, professional supervision, a safety helmet and on-site assistance, plus the round-trip transfer with the transport option. Not included: meals, drinks and personal expenses.
You pay on site on the day, not online. Cancellation is always free, with no time limit.
How to book horse riding in Marrakech
Choose your ride, pick a date and a time, add the number of riders and their level, and send the request. The team confirms the details on WhatsApp.
Building a full itinerary? Our 3 days in Marrakech itinerary shows where a ride fits, and our camel ride guide covers the slower alternative.
FAQ
Can beginners go horse riding in Marrakech?
Yes. No experience is needed in the Palm Grove or in Agafay. The team matches you with a horse suited to your level and a guide stays with the group throughout the ride.
How long is a horse ride?
About an hour of riding, plus the welcome, the safety briefing and, with transport, the drive. The team confirms your pickup time on WhatsApp.
How much does horse riding cost in Marrakech?
From 400 MAD per person in the Palm Grove, with transport and mint tea included, and from 650 MAD per person in Agafay without transport. You pay on site on the day.
Is hotel pickup included?
In the Palm Grove, yes, round trip from your accommodation in Marrakech. In Agafay you choose between the option with transport and the option without, where you meet the team at the riding base.
Can children go horse riding?
Yes, accompanied by an adult, on horses chosen for their age and level. Give the children's ages when you book and the team confirms before the day.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. Cancellation is always free, with no time limit, and you pay nothing online.
In short
For a first ride, a family outing or a short stay, choose the Palm Grove: closer, transport and tea included, from 400 MAD. For open desert and Atlas views, choose Agafay, from 650 MAD. Either way you ride for about an hour with a guide, pay on the day and can cancel for free.
