Great South Ranch horse riding holiday, Morocco - Far and Ride
Home  >  Riding Holidays  >  Morocco  >  Great South Ranch

Great South Ranch, Morocco





Reviews



Our holiday was relaxing yet exhilarating. We rode forward-going horses at pace, as well as gently, through marvellous scenery. Back at the ranch we ate like kings and enjoyed the glorious sunshine. The holiday was perfect - our holiday checklist was met and exceeded, it was wonderful. My favourite memory can only be a setting sun, 8km of open sand and the Atlantic Ocean breaking next to my galloping horse.

Adele M.
A great experience where I met a lot of different people and had not only the chance to improve my riding skills but grow through my fears. It was amazing and at times challenging. My favourite memory was cantering over the beach which felt like I was floating, Quite frankly this is the best service I have ever received, prompt feedback and a very personal service and approach. I felt like being in good hands.

Helga
I had a wonderful holiday. They have great horses and riding on the beach is fantastic. The staff are very friendly, playing music for us one night and starting a game of UNO the next, Fatima does wonderful massages and the food is delicious.

Rebecca S.
One of the best riding holidays I have been on. Miles and miles of beaches and the trail ride was very good with lots of lovely views. Local people very friendly. Lovely horse, honest and willing, and an excellent guide - always making sure everything was OK.

Jenny T.
Riding in Morocco was made particularly special by the staff at this destination, all of who were extremely hardworking, cheerful and good at their jobs. Add in the lovely horses, the surroundings, the good weather, the delicious Moroccan fare and all the little extras and it was certainly a week not to be forgotten.

Holly, Far and Ride, Read review
Fantastic! The guides, René and Leila, cooks etc. were brilliant and so friendly. The ranch could not do enough for us. All of the trip was great and the local people were wonderful. Guide was great, couldn't have asked for better, always smiling and helpful and looking out for us!

Sonya D.
An amazing time in a new country, meeting people and seeing places which were well away from the tourist areas. Lots of laughs and great food with new friends. It was very enjoyable, a great experience.

Katy H.
 

In the News



Holly from Far and Ride visited this destination in September 2011 and would be happy to tell you all about it and share her holiday report with you. The ranch comes highly recommended!

Holly's Visit


 

Horses



Type of horses:

Barb Arab Crosses

Nature of horses:

Fit and elegant with great stamina, tough and energetic. Please note that the majority of horses here are very forward going and love to gallop (though they do have brakes!).

Height of horses:

Approx 15hh on average (1m50)

Weight limit:

85kg

Tack type:

English

 

Weather




Current Conditions:
Fair, 18 C

Forecast:
Sun - Clear. High: 21 Low: 4
Mon - Sunny. High: 22 Low: 5

Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather

(provided by The Weather Channel)
 

Pricing



Ranch Stay and Trail Combination Week

The 2012 price for this programme is £706 per person, for a minimum of 2 people.

Group Programme

2012: £778 per person.

Single supplement £27 per person, per week.

Cost includes full board accommodation at the ranch, tents when necessary (camping can be arranged), use of horse and facilities, company of an experienced guide and activities mentioned in the itinerary (evening at Mirleft, evening on the beach, henna tattoos and massages).

Not included are flights, travel insurance, airport transfers or drinks (both alcoholic and soft).

Riding and Well-Being Programme

2012: £799 per person with a single supplement of £44 if necessary.

This includes full board accommodation and all riding and activities as described in the programme.


Week Programme

2012 Prices:

£668 per person for 2/3 hours riding morning and afternoon.
£576 per person for 2/3 hours riding morning OR afternoon.

There is a single supplement of £44 per person, per week.

This includes full board accommodation and all riding.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.



Week Trail

2012 prices:

£734 per person
£827 per person for the 'comfort' option which is without any camping.

If there are only 2 riders, there is an additional fee of £52 per person, per week.

This includes full board accommodation and riding. Prices are based on the sharing of a double room.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.

Availability/Booking Form
 

Ride Description

This beautiful Moroccan ranch is owned by two french ladies, Caroline and Caroline (who are not based at the ranch), and is set between the Anti Atlas Mountains and the ocean. It offers fascinating trail rides and basic tuition on their Arab-Barbs as well as providing comfortable accommodation and traditional Moroccan meals. The horses are cared for by experienced staff and a local Moroccan team. Lessons here are designed to give guests a good basis of riding, so as to be comfortable and competent when trail riding, and usually have a maximum of 2 or 3 riders in at a time. This is not a destination where you will learn dressage or jumping. However, you will be able to improve your riding in order to fully enjoy the trails. Their trail rides involve visits to local guesthouses and traditional Berber homes, a fabulous way to experience the country and its inhabitants.

Just a short walk from the white sands of "chinese boat beach", the ranch is a fabulous setting in which to improve your riding and enjoy the beaches. They have a stable of around 13 horses and each one has their own characteristics. They are all Arab-Barbs and these horses are famed for being hardy, fit and flexible. They are also the perfect mounts for longer trail rides. The horses are sure-footed and brave but please note that the majority are strong on the beach so riders should be confident if wanting to canter and gallop there.

Guests share traditional Moroccan meals in the evenings, sometimes accompanied by music, and the sitting and dining areas are warm and bright. Each bedroom has its own shower room (like a wet room) and there is a terrace on the roof from which you can watch the sunset or admire the horses as they relax. Trail rides set out from the ranch and include stays in guesthouses or camping under the stars. If you would like to visit this destination but are unsure whether the provided programmes (below) would suit you, don't hesitate to contact us so that we can arrange your perfect Moroccan riding holiday. Riding on the beach at moonlight is an experience not to be missed!

Please note that as this is a young ranch, the guides' English is currently very limited. This is not a problem (and guests who speak no French have done the trail ride) but please bear in mind that communication will be limited at times and potentially quite entertaining! You will find that the guides are great fun, friendly and responsible. We would not recommend this destination for single travellers unless their French is of a competent standard.

Holly from Far and Ride visited this destination in September 2011 and would be delighted to tell you all about it.

See Programmes.

 

Food & Accommodation

Accommodation is on the ranch, situated between the ocean and mountains and just a short walk from the beach. There are 8 comfortable bedrooms, each with 2 single beds which are pushed together to make large double beds for couples. Each room has an ensuite shower room, like a wet room, and there is a terrace on the roof (from where you can enjoy views of the horses). There is also a warm living room where guests enjoy meals, unless they prefer to eat on the terrace.

The ranch has great views of the landscapes and the nearby beach is called "Chinese Boat Beach" - it is 8km in length and a beautiful area. The terrace on the ranch roof is lovely for enjoying sunrises or sunsets and the rooms are colourful and attractive.

There is a swimming pool about a 15 minute walk from the ranch. You pay 50 dirhams to enter (it is usually 100 but ranch guests get a 50% discount) and there is a bar there and views of the sea. Perfect place to lie after a good ride!

Food is traditional Moroccan style including tagines, cous cous, grilled meat and fish. The chef makes these delicious meals for you and brews the Moroccan style mint tea which you can have after most meals. Bottled water is included in the price but other drinks cost extra (beers and wine) and you can simply ask for these and arrange to pay for them at the end of your stay.

Special dietary requirements can be accommodated for but the destination is not recommended for strict diets (inc. vegetarians) at this time.

Please note that meals do not follow a strict timeline and so you should be prepared for leisurely lunches and dinners which are sometimes eaten a lot later than in the UK and elsewhere.

 

Activities

During the evenings most guests are tired from their riding day and enjoy relaxing and sharing a meal with their fellow guests, sometimes with music. However, for those that are anxious to do more, the hosts can help you to organise surfing, paragliding, swimming, massages, bike rides and visits to local areas of interest.

Also available (some at extra cost) are evenings on the beach where you can enjoy the sunset and some Moroccan music, riding on the beach at moonlight, camel riding, visits to Tiznit and Mirleft, lunch under the palm trees, henna tattoos and Moroccan cooking lessons.

There is a swimming pool and 2 jacuzzis close to the ranch, about a 15 minute walk away (the route is safe). Clients can go here for half price and there is a bar there also.

 

Further Details

Languages: French and English - the Moroccan guides are very responsible but speak only limited English.

Health requirements: Fit & Healthy

Age limit: 10+ (16+ for trails)

Tuition: Dependent on programme

Included: Full board accommodation and riding, bottled water

Not included: Flights, insurance, transfers, drinks other than bottled water

 

Travel Information

The nearest airport is Agadir (120km, 2 hours). From here, a return transfer to the ranch can be arranged for 90€ per person.

There are many low cost airlines flying into Agadir from regional airports.

London Gatwick (LGW) with Thomsonfly.com, Easyjet, First Choice, flythomascook.

London Stansted and Liverpool with Ryanair.

Manchester with Thomsonfly.com, First Choice, flythomascook.

Airport: Agadir (Al Massira)

 

Programmes


Ranch Stay and Trail Combination Week



A week combining 3 days of lessons/short trails based at the ranch with a 3 day point to point trail. The 3 days at the ranch are a great warm-up before the 3 day trail ride. This programme is the ideal way to get a bit of everything! You don't miss out on staying at the delightful ranch but you also get to explore further into the Moroccan countryside.

During the days at the ranch, guests can ride morning and afternoon having either basic lessons or trail rides out to the local beach and mountains. Then there is the three days of point to point trail riding (2 nights of camping) before returning to the ranch for the final night and to prepare for departure.Holly from Far and Ride escorted a group of ladies on a programme like this in September 2011 so can tell you all about it. 



Accommodation: Accommodation for the first half of the programme is at the ranch, then the 3 days of trail riding (2 nights) involve accommodation at local hotels or sometimes camping if you like.
Minimum group size: 2
Maximum group size: 6
Ability description: Confident Intermediate+. Riders on the trails must be happy to ride at all paces in wide, open spaces, keeping control of a forward-going horse. Trails are not recommended for riders under the age of 16. If you are a little out of practice then this programme could still be suitable for you as you would have the first 3 days to fit in some lessons and gain more experience before the trail. You will however need to be confident.
Type of ride: Based stay and then a 3 day trail ride.
Total riding time: Approx 4 - 7 hours per day
Departure dates: Flexible and can be arranged to suit.
Pricing: See Pricing


Group Programme



A superb week programme combining two rides a day with other activities such as massages, henna tattoos and a visit to a local town. This is an ideal group package to keep you busy and offer you some fabulous horseback experiences. It is also quite flexible and can be adjusted to suit - for example, if you do not wish to have lessons then the group can trail ride morning and afternoon. A full day ride with picnic can also be organised, as can a two day trail with camping in the mountains. Not forgetting the thrill of a daily beach gallop for those who fancy it!

1st Day: A welcome Mint Tea (traditional Moroccan), introduction to the ranch, the horses, guides and bedrooms. Dinner and night at the ranch.

2nd Day: After breakfast you prepare the horses at 9:00 and have 2 hours of lessons in the riding arena. Lunch at the ranch. 2 hours of riding out in the afternoon: climbing, crossing Berber villages and coming back down onto the beach past the dunes… your first taste of Berber country! Dinner and night at the ranch.

3rd Day: After breakfast you prepare the horses at 9:00 and have 2 hours of lessons in the riding arena. Lunch at the ranch. 2 hours of riding out in the afternoon: a ride into 2 villages with long gallops on the beach or across the dunes according to the sea-level. A session of henna tattoos for the hands and feet. Dinner and night at the ranch.

4th Day: After breakfast you prepare the horses at 9:00 and have 2 hours of lessons in the riding arena. Lunch at the ranch. 2 hours of riding out in the afternoon: Sidi Boulfdail runs along side cliffs which overhang wild beaches. Evening and dinner on the beach with music or at the ranch if the temperature does not allow it. Night at the ranch.

5th Day: After breakfast you prepare the horses at 9:00 and have 2 hours of lessons in the riding arena. Lunch at the ranch. 2 hours of riding out in the afternoon. A session of massages for relaxing the muscles after your fourth day on a horse! Dinner and night at the ranch,

6th Day: After breakfast you prepare the horses at 9:00 and have 2 hours of lessons in the riding arena. Lunch at the ranch. 2 hours of riding out in the afternoon. An evening at Mirleft to benefit from the market and the little restaurants. Night at the ranch.

7th Day: Your last day on a horse! You will ride towards the beach for this last day. You will have a picnic before returning to the ranch for a session of well-earned massages. Dinner and last night at the ranch.

8th Day: Departure. You will return home with a head full of great memories. There is the possibility of camel riding on this day (not included in the price, it costs approximately 25€).



Minimum group size: 3
Maximum group size: 6
Ability description: Strong Novice - Experienced: more experienced groups can trade the lessons in for more trail riding and less experienced riders can improve their riding in the arena before riding out. Guests must be of a confident intermediate standard or above to ride on the beaches.
Type of ride: Tuition and trails
Total riding time: Approx 4 hours per day
Departure dates: All year round
Pricing: See Pricing


Riding and Well-Being Programme



A week based at the fantastic ranch combining horse riding activities with massages and beauty care. Allow the stable staff to show you the delights of riding in Morocco before you return to the ranch where Fatima will massage away the troubles of your everyday life. This is the perfect combination - plenty of horseback adventures with a big side order of relaxation!

1st day: You are welcomed with the famous and traditional Berber tea. After this you are introduced to the ranch, horses, staff and bedrooms before enjoying your first delicious dinner.

2nd day: After breakfast, you will help to prepare the horses at 9am for 2 hours of lessons or riding out in the Moroccan countryside. Lunch is taken at the ranch before an afternoon ride (also around 2 hours). Your evening will begin with your first taste of Berber relaxation - a soothing massage and a henna tattoo before dinner and night at the ranch.

3rd day: Riding as on day 2 - maybe with your first gallop on the long stretch of nearby beach! You will then enjoy an hour of relaxing massage before your dinner at the ranch.

4th day: Riding as on day 2 - today you will cross some Berber villages and can get a real taste of Moroccan life. Following this is a hot stone massage of around 50 minutes, a heavenly way to end another super day in the saddle. Dinner and night at the ranch.

5th day: Riding as on day 3- perhaps today you will explore the mountains or more beach... or maybe both! A session of lymphatic drainage (approx 1 hour) is to follow before dinner and night at the ranch.

6th day: Riding as on day 1, exploring different areas. Today's salon treatment is facial care. Dinner and night at the ranch.

7th day: Today is your last day of riding and a chance to round off the week. After enjoying your last time in the saddle, you will head back to the ranch for a manicure - a wonderful way to finish off your trip and leave you feeling good. Dinner and your last night at the beautiful ranch.

8th day: Last day- time to head home with wonderful memories.



Minimum group size: 1
Maximum group size: 6
Ability description: Beginner - Advanced. Guests who wish to ride out on the beaches need to be of a confident intermediate standard or above.
Type of ride: Trail rides and lessons as preferred.
Total riding time: Approx 4 hours per day.
Departure dates: All year round.
Pricing: See Pricing


Week Programme



Please note: tuition at this destination is designed to improve a rider's competence for trail riding (such as balance, confidence etc.). This is not a destination where you will learn dressage or jumping. However, you will be able to improve your riding in order to fully enjoy the trails.

This programme is a combination of trail rides on the beach and in the mountains with optional lessons in the menage. Guests ride 2 to 3 hours in the morning, enjoying the landscapes, before having lunch and a nap. Then the afternoon lessons/trails (2-3 hours) will see you ride several of the horses there, according to your ability. This is a great programme for all riders and even beginners are welcome, though they may not be suitable for the trail riding.

The Arab-Barb horses will appeal to the most experienced riders but there are also more quiet mounts for the novices. There are 6 days of actual riding and this is quite flexible and can be combined with a trail programme or further tuition. There is no strict schedule as the hosts appreciate that this is your holiday and you will be able to talk about what you want to gain from the week.

If you would prefer just to trail ride twice a day or to ride just once a day, this is possible. For riding once a day, the price is lowered accordingly (see other programmes).

Rough guide to the week:

Day 1: You are welcomed to the ranch (with transfer from airport if applicable) and introduced to the team and their horses. You will also get to see the ranch and your accommodation before discussing your riding level and wishes for the week.

Days 2 - 7: You will ride twice a day for each of these days. In the mornings you will enjoy trail rides on the beach or in the mountains, usually 2 to 3 hours, and then you can have afternoon lessons (or more trail riding) after lunch and a rest. You will have the chance to ride a few of the horses there (dependent on your ability) as each will present you with their own characteristics. If you prefer, you can choose to ride only in the morning or the afternoon.

Day 8: Departure.

At some time during the training week there will be a whole day ride with a picnic BBQ.

Your hosts advise that guests get involved in caring for the horses and contributing to ranch life for the full experience, though they recognise that this is your holiday time and you are equally as welcome to relax!

Beginner riders will probably not be suitable for trail rides but don't be put off - this destination is flexible and something can be arranged to suit.



Minimum group size: 1
Maximum group size: 6
Ability description: Beginner - Experienced. Guests who wish to ride out on the beaches may need to be confident.
Type of ride: Based with short trails
Total riding time: 4 - 6 hours a day
Departure dates: Please contact office for departure dates.
Pricing: See Pricing


Week Trail



This is a week of trail riding which starts out at the ranch and takes you across beautiful landscapes of Morocco, including mountains and beaches. Some nights are spent in guesthouses with others camping in the mountains and riders will encounter typical Berber villages, old market places and other fascinating Moroccan spots. Food is traditional Moroccan style and the last night is spent back at the ranch for relaxation before departure.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at the ranch. Guests meet the staff and horses, see their accommodation and then discuss their riding level and their wishes for the week. A nice Moroccan style dinner before bed.

Day 2: A test in the outdoor menage before departing for the trail ride.

Day 2 - 6: During these days you will be riding for about 3 hours in the morning before stopping for lunch and a good nap. Then you will ride for around another 3 hours to the guesthouse or campsite. Some days are longer or shorter, depending on the distance needing to be covered, and each day the three main gaits are assured.

Usually during these trails, the first night is spent in a typical berber house where you will eat a tasty meal. The next two overnight points are campsites in the mountains and riders will cross villages, old marketplaces and mosques. These nights the Moroccan meals are cooked by the ranch's chef who can also play some traditional style music. After this, the group will head back to the north to visit a friendly Berber family in a typical village. The last trail day takes you back in the direction of the sea where you stay in a cave... with a real bed!

Day 7: Return to the ranch in the afternoon for dinner and a good night's sleep.

Day 8: Departure.

During the trail guests are responsible for their horse. This includes grooming, tacking up and feeding the horses. There is a professional guide accompanying the group at all times and camps are prepared ahead of your arrival.

Please note, the itineraries are not exact and are subject to change. Different routes can be planned if there is something you would particularly like.



Accommodation: Accommodation includes staying at the ranch, in guesthouses, caves and at campsites. Please note that camping in the mountains is very basic (no toilets or showers). During the trail you will often stay in the houses of local people where there may be basic amenities and the need to share one very basic bathroom between the group.
Minimum group size: 4
Maximum group size: 6
Ability description: Confident Intermediate and above - riders on the trails must be happy to ride at all paces in wide, open spaces, keeping control of a forward-going horse. Trails are not recommended for riders under the age of 16.
Type of ride: Trail
Total riding time: Up to 7 hours each riding day.
Departure dates: Dates to suit. Trails are difficult to arrange during Ramadan and are best avoided during the hottest summer months.
Pricing: See Pricing