2 Hours of Donkey Polo in Marrakech

Traveling in Marrakech often means encountering a blend of colorful markets, ancient mosques, and vibrant street life. But if you’re looking for something truly different—perhaps even bizarre—you might stumble upon the offer for 2 Hours of Donkey Polo.

This activity promises a mix of fun, team-building, and an unusual twist on traditional sports. While some might see it as a unique adventure, others may find the experience troubling.

We haven’t personally participated, but based on available information, here’s what you should know before you decide to saddle up (or not). What we love is that this tour offers an unexpected way to bond with friends or colleagues in a lively setting—and it’s suitable for all fitness levels. On the flip side, a significant concern voiced by critics is animal welfare, which truly deserves attention.

This activity seems best suited for those curious about local customs or looking for a light-hearted, outdoor activity, rather than animal advocacy.

Key Points

• Unconventional sport: Donkey polo is far from your average activity and guarantees a memorable story.
• Focus on team building: Perfect for groups seeking to boost morale and camaraderie.
• Animal welfare concerns: Critics highlight issues related to the treatment of donkeys, which should be carefully considered.
• Cost and duration: At $168 for roughly 2 hours, you’re paying for a unique experience that’s more about the novelty than traditional sport.
• Logistics: The meeting point is centrally located in Marrakech, with pickup offered, making it relatively easy to access.
• Limited reviews: With only one critical review, potential participants should weigh the ethical implications alongside the fun.

What Is Donkey Polo in Marrakech?

This tour presents an unusual twist on traditional sports—playing polo, but with donkeys instead of horses. It is billed as a fun and sportive team-building activity meant to foster energy, camaraderie, and a playful competitive spirit. The activity lasts about 2 hours, starting at 9:00 am from a centrally located meeting point—Riad Tzarra by Pure Riads in Marrakech.

The premise is straightforward: your group will participate in a donkey polo game, where the focus is on group cohesion and shared laughter. The experience is designed to be suitable for all profiles, regardless of athletic ability, aiming to “evacuate stress” and get everyone in action.

However, the activity is also wrapped in a controversial package, with criticism from at least one reviewer who describes it as “absolutely disgusting” and condemns the treatment of the donkeys. This raises important questions about animal welfare, which should not be overlooked in the pursuit of entertainment.

The Itinerary and Experience

Since this activity is a private tour lasting about 2 hours, it’s relatively straightforward. You meet at the specified location, and the activity ends back at the same point—making logistics simple for travelers.

Given its nature, the actual donkey polo game might involve a short demonstration or practice session, followed by a few rounds of friendly competition. While specific details about the gameplay are not provided, you can expect it to be a light-hearted, somewhat chaotic experience that emphasizes team spirit over skill.

The included features are mostly logistical—all fees and taxes—with no mention of refreshments, which means you may want to bring your own drinks if you’re planning to spend the whole morning in Marrakech. Their meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible. Pickup is offered, which adds to the convenience, especially if you’re staying in a central riad or hotel.

The Ethical Dilemma: What Critics Say

The sole review available paints a stark picture: “Absolutely disgusting the way they treat the donkeys. Should not be allowed.” This indicates that, at least for some, the activity raises significant animal welfare concerns. Before booking, consider your stance on animal rights, as participating in or supporting activities that may involve mistreatment could conflict with your values.

This critique highlights that while the experience may be memorable and unique, it also has a darker side that many travelers might prefer to ignore or address. It’s vital to do your own research and decide whether this activity aligns with your ethical standards.

Value for Money

At $168 for 2 hours, this tour isn’t cheap—especially considering the controversy surrounding it. For travelers seeking a quirky story or a lighthearted team-building activity, the price might seem justified. However, those prioritizing animal welfare or looking for authentic cultural experiences might question whether the cost is worth it.

In terms of value, the main draw is the novelty—donkey polo in Marrakech isn’t something you’ll find everywhere, and it could make for a fun story or a group highlight. But it’s worth considering that the activity’s quality and ethical implications could significantly impact your overall satisfaction.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This activity is best suited for adventurous groups who are open-minded and not overly sensitive about animal treatment. It’s a good pick for friends or colleagues wanting a memorable, laugh-filled experience in Marrakech. If you’re looking for an activity that’s purely about fun and bonding, and you’re comfortable with the controversy, it could be a light-hearted addition to your trip.

However, it is not recommended for travelers with strong animal rights convictions or for those who prefer culturally respectful activities. Given the critical review and ethical concerns, it’s wise to reflect on whether participating aligns with your personal values.

Practical Tips for Potential Participants

• Arrive prepared: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity, and consider bringing water.
• Timing: Try to arrive by 9:00 am, as the activity starts promptly.
• Group size: Since this is a private activity, it’s tailored for your group, which can help with coordination.
• Weather: Check the forecast—this activity relies on good weather, and poor conditions could lead to cancellation.
• Ethical considerations: Think carefully about the treatment of the donkeys involved, especially after reading critical reviews.
• Cost considerations: Be aware that this is a relatively expensive activity for the brief duration, so assess whether the novelty justifies the price.

FAQs

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, pickup is offered from your accommodation or specified meeting point, making logistics easier.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activity are recommended. Since it involves physical movement, avoid overly formal attire.

Can I participate if I’m not athletic?
Absolutely. The activity is designed to be suitable for all profiles, regardless of fitness level.

Are there any additional costs?
All fees and taxes are included, but drinks like soda or pop are not included, so bring your own if desired.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The experience relies on good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this activity suitable for children or families?
The description doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the nature and physical activity involved, check with the provider beforehand.

What are the main criticisms of this tour?
The primary concern is the treatment of the donkeys, with critics calling out animal cruelty. This ethical dimension is crucial to consider before booking.

The 2 Hours of Donkey Polo in Marrakech offers a quirky, memorable experience that promises a dose of fun and team spirit in a lively Moroccan setting. Its appeal lies in its originality—playing polo on donkeys isn’t something you’ll forget quickly—and its accessibility for groups of all fitness levels.

However, potential participants should carefully weigh the ethical concerns expressed by critics. If the treatment of animals is a deal-breaker for you, or if you prefer authentic cultural activities that respect local traditions and animal welfare, this might not be the right choice.

For those open-minded and curious, embracing the playful chaos of donkey polo could lead to some great stories—and possibly some regret or reflection afterward. It’s definitely a conversation starter and a reminder that not all adventures are straightforward, especially when ethics are involved.

In the end, this tour provides a once-in-a-lifetime story, for better or worse—think carefully about what kind of experience you want to bring home from Marrakech.