Anantara Sahara Tozeur Resort & Villas, a luxurious gateway to the Sahara, has launched the inaugural Anantara Equestrian Raid inviting guests to explore the Tunisian south on horseback.

Taking place from February 23 to 26, the experience will expose adventurers to otherworldly desert landscapes as they traverse the vast expanse of rolling dunes near Chott el Djerid – the largest sea flat in the Sahara.

Accessible to both experienced riders and non-riders who can follow the extraordinary adventure in a 4x4, the Equestrian Raid will unfold over three days, leaving from Anantara Sahara Tozeur Resort & Villas every morning. With a minimum of three hours of scenic riding per day, the participants can look forward to a once-in-a-lifetime experience that marries the Arabian Nights allure and equestrian pursuits to spotlight some of Tunisia’s most extreme and least accessible landscapes.

On day one, as riders depart from Anantara Sahara Tozeur at dawn, they will pass through tranquil plains, abandoned villages and palm oases before stopping to admire the serene Shamsa Lake and then continuing on to Shabat Lake. The second day includes exploration of the lunar landscapes of Ong Jmal – a sandstone formation that resembles the hump and head of a camel and was used as the location for Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, as well as for The English Patient.

On the final day of the raid, riders and spectators will travel to the thrilling dunes of Nefta for a taste of the Berber nomadic lifestyle, before returning to base at Anantara Sahara Tozeur Resort & Villas in the date palm-strewn oasis of Tozeur to rest and recuperate with indulgent spa treatments, pool dips and delectable meals from Anantara chefs.

From March through to May, equestrian lovers can enjoy a series of new horse centered experiences as the resort is now home to three traditional Tunisian Berber horses. Experiences include half day guided horseback riding through the resort and nearby areas, Chebika Tameghza and Chebika Oasis & Canyon, a Tozeur city tour, The Salt Lake Excursion and a Star Wars Tour. Finish the day with a private Dining by Design on the dunes as the sun sets for the ultimate Berber immersion.

The Anantara Equestrian Raid packages, which include accommodation in a Deluxe Garden or Sahara View Suite, full board meals and either a horseback or a 4x4 experience plus airport transfers, start from $1,600 per person. – TradeArabia News Service