Long trousers, closed-toe shoes and sunscreen are all you need. We provide helmets.

Ranch des Dunes · Dakhla

Horse Riding
in Dakhla

Q: Which ride do you recommend for a first time?

The Ocean Ride (1h30). Long enough to reach the beach, short enough for a comfortable first time.

Q: Is Dune Blanche really for experienced riders only?

Yes. The excursion lasts 4h30 and covers varied, demanding terrain. You must be comfortable at all three gaits and able to handle the distance.

Q: How do I book a ride?

Send a WhatsApp message to +212 6 32-872700 with the date, number of riders and preferred option.

Cliffs, dunes, ocean — explore the wildest landscapes of the Atlantic Sahara on horseback.

Book Now

Three riders on the cliffs of Dakhla facing the Atlantic Ocean

1h to 4h30

5 options to choose from

All levels

Beginners welcome

From age 10

Ponies for younger children

Transfer included

From lagoon hotels

Free photos

Memories guaranteed

Drone view of riders along the beach between dunes and ocean in Dakhla

The experience

Between cliffs, dunes
and the ocean

Every ride at Ranch des Dunes is a sensory journey in harmony with the elements. You leave the ranch for ochre cliffs sculpted by the wind, descend to endless wild beaches battered by the Atlantic Ocean, and cross vast stretches of desert where the silence is broken only by the horses' breath.

Depending on the option you choose, you'll ride along the desert, the cliffs, the ocean or even the turquoise lagoon. For experienced riders, you can even reach the legendary Dune Blanche. Our guides accompany you every step of the way — at a walk to contemplate, at a trot to feel the thrill, at a gallop for the most adventurous.

Three Arab-Barb horses nuzzling freely on the beach in Dakhla

Our horses

Incredibly reliable Arab-Barb horses

At Ranch des Dunes, around twenty Arab-Barb horses await you. This is the historic breed of North Africa: hardy, fast, agile on all terrains, with a calm temperament that reassures beginners and an intelligence that appeals to more experienced riders. Our gentle horses adapt to all levels.

Bicha and Sarah, the Ranch managers, know every horse by heart. They assign you the mount that best matches your level, personality and build. Here, no queues and no poorly cared-for horses: each one is cherished as part of the family and works a maximum of three hours per day, and not every day.

All levels

Cliffs Ride

Discover the desert around the Ranch and the breathtaking cliffs

35€ / person · 365 MAD

Book

All levels

1h30

Ocean Ride

Cliffs, descent to the beach and gallop along the ocean

50€ / person · 525 MAD

Book

All levels

Desert & Ocean

Cross the cliffs, descend to the ocean and return through the beautiful dunes

60€ / person · 630 MAD

Book

Experienced riders

Desert, Ocean & Lagoon

The complete circuit: dunes, cliffs, beaches and Dakhla lagoon

90€ / person · 945 MAD

Book

Experienced riders

4h30

Dune Blanche Excursion

The grand loop to the legendary Dune Blanche — the ultimate horseback adventure

Min. 2 riders · Experienced only

140€ / person · 1 470 MAD

Book

Sunset Experience horse riding in Dakhla

All levels

1h30 - 2h

Sunset Experience

Looking for an unforgettable sunset ride? Discover our sunset options.

From 50€ / person

Discover

Silhouette of a horse on a dune at golden sunset in Dakhla

They lived the experience...

They say it
better than we can

We had a truly memorable experience. The scenery was spectacularly beautiful. The owners took great care of us, choosing a horse matched to our level. Of all the times I've gone riding, this was my favourite.

★★★★★ Diane · TripAdvisor

We did a 1h30 ride. What can I say: breathtaking! The stunning ocean views, scenery straight out of a movie in the Sahara. You can feel the owners' passion. A nice bonus was the tea served at the end and the photo sharing. I highly recommend this place.

★★★★★ Estelle Khalil Bertholon · Google

As a Galop 3 rider, I really enjoyed being able to trot and gallop in incredible spots. The horses are well cared for, responsive and a pleasure to ride. The guide team was top-notch, professional, attentive and kind.

★★★★★ Inspire · TripAdvisor

The man, the horse, the dogs and the dune... This experience goes far beyond a simple horse ride — it's an encounter with Bicha: his passion for horses and his love for the beauty of this place make the morning a pure moment of contemplation and happiness.

★★★★★ Estelle · Google

The landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, between cliffs, desert and ocean. As a rider in France, I was able to enjoy exhilarating gallops on endless beaches. Extraordinary in the truest sense of the word. I knew the thrill of the deep — now there's the thrill of the Sahara.

★★★★★ Hélène B. · TripAdvisor

Read all genuine reviews →

Before the ride

01Do I need riding experience to go on a ride?+

Not at all. We welcome experienced riders as well as first-timers. Simply specify your level when booking — our team will assign you a horse suited to your profile and accompany you throughout the ride.

02What is the minimum age to participate?+

Horse rides are available from around age 10. For younger children (from age 3), we offer supervised pony rides at the ranch. Camel rides are available for all ages, accompanied by an adult for young children.

03What is the maximum weight allowed?+

For the wellbeing of our horses, the limit is 100 kg. If you're close to this limit, contact us — we have sturdier horses that can accommodate larger builds.

04What should I wear?+

Long trousers (jeans, leggings or joggers), closed-toe shoes like trainers and sunscreen are all you need. Helmets are provided. Avoid flip-flops and shorts — the chafing isn't pleasant after an hour in the saddle. Bring a jacket or jumper if you're heading out late in the day — it gets cooler around sunset.

05What breed are your horses?+

Our horses are Arab-Barbs, the historic breed of North Africa. Hardy, agile, fast and calm-tempered, they are perfectly suited to the desert terrain and heat of Dakhla. We have around twenty horses at the ranch.

06Are the horses suitable for beginners?+

Absolutely. Our team matches each horse to the rider's level and build. Some of our horses are especially gentle and patient — perfect for a first experience. You'll be accompanied throughout the ride.

During the ride

07Will I gallop during the ride?+

Yes, if you want to and your level allows it. Rides of 1h30 and longer include galloping sections on the beach or in the dunes. For beginners, walking and trotting come first, with some acceleration towards the end if all goes well.

08What is the maximum group size?+

It depends on demand, the time of year and available time slots — sunset being the most popular. We can arrange private rides or accommodate groups of 12 to 14; if you book for just one or two people, the goal is never to lose you in a large group. The aim is for everyone to feel looked after, enjoy their experience at their own level, and never be held back or pushed to go faster than they want.

09Which ride do you recommend for a first time?+

The Ocean Ride (1h30). Long enough to reach the beach and gallop along the water, short enough that you won't be sore the next day if it's your first time on a horse. It's our best-seller and the one our team always recommends.

10Is Dune Blanche really for experienced riders only?+

Yes. The excursion lasts 4h30 and covers varied and demanding terrain. You need several years of training and practice, be perfectly comfortable at all three gaits and be able to handle the distance. If you're unsure, send us a message — we'll assess together whether this ride is right for you.

Practical info

11How does the hotel transfer work?+

If you're staying around the lagoon (PK25), we pick you up directly from your hotel reception. From Dakhla city and hotels towards El Argoub, a supplement applies (from 300 MAD).

12How do I book a ride?+

The easiest way: send us a WhatsApp message at +212 6 32-872700. Specify your preferred date, number of riders, levels and the option you're interested in. We usually confirm within 1 hour.

13Can I cancel or reschedule a booking?+

Yes, free of charge if you let us know at least 24 hours in advance. In case of adverse weather (sandstorm, heavy rain), we reschedule the ride at no extra cost.

14Is the transfer really included in the price?+

Yes, the return transfer is included for all accommodation in the lagoon area (PK25). Our driver picks you up. From Dakhla city, a supplement applies (from 300 MAD). The same goes for hotels towards El Argoub.

15What payment methods do you accept?+

Cash (euros or dirhams), bank card and bank transfer — we're flexible. Payment is made on site, on the day of the ride.

Camel ride along the cliffs and ocean in Dakhla

Opening hours

Every day, from 10am to sunset.

Open all year round, including public holidays.

Phone

+212 6 32-872700

ranchdesdunesmaroc@gmail.com

Free parking on site

Free transfer from lagoon hotels

Accessible by regular car

Booking strongly recommended

Book WhatsApp

Ranch des Dunes · Dakhla

Book your
horse ride

Cliffs, dunes, ocean — choose your trail and live an unforgettable adventure in Dakhla.
From 1h to half a day, all levels.

Book now

Horse Riding
in Dakhla