Horseback riding in Morocco: The Ride through the heart of Essaouira

You will be picked up from your riad in Essaouira at 9:45 am and transferred to Diabat (a 10-minute drive), the starting point of the trek. There, you will meet the team and the horses before mounting and setting off.

The morning begins along the Ksob wadi, whose verdant banks contrast with the surrounding landscapes. You continue towards the village of El Ghazoua, which you cross before entering the largest argan forest in the region, stretching from Essaouira to Agadir.

At lunchtime, you'll enjoy a barbecue picnic set up by a wadi, in the shade of argan trees. A relaxing break before hitting the road again.

In the afternoon, you'll remount your horse to continue your journey through the argan forest, passing through more hilly terrain. The day ends near Ida Ougourd, where your bivouac is set up under the argan trees, close to a former sugar mill.

Night in a tent.

The day begins on horseback, crossing a small village, then following wide paths lined with argan trees and cultivated fields. Depending on the season, you may observe traditional agricultural work, sometimes carried out with donkeys or cows, a typical scene of rural life in the region.

Late morning, you'll reach a valley crossed by a river, a peaceful setting for your midday break. Lunch will be waiting for you there, prepared by the support team who will meet you on site.

In the afternoon, you resume your journey towards Sebt Neknafa, crossing a hill that opens up new perspectives on the surrounding landscapes. The route then follows a dam and its lake, in the heart of an area where agriculture and vegetation are particularly abundant.

The hike continues through a mountainous region and then across wide plateaus, before reaching Aïntizeril, where your bivouac is set up for the night.

Night in a tent.

Following the wadi that runs through the village where you spent the night, you head towards small Berber villages nestled in the valleys. Along the way, you often pass children returning from school, a simple scene of local daily life.

The route then crosses narrow gorges and climbs several small mountains. From the heights, you can sometimes see perched villages, seemingly suspended above the valleys.

Lunch is planned by a stream, in a small hamlet where you can take a quiet break.

In the afternoon, you continue towards Argana. The hike alternates between mountainous landscapes and rural areas whose terrain sometimes resembles that of the Grand Canyon.

Upon arrival at the bivouac, you will visit a women's argan oil cooperative, with the opportunity to discover and purchase some local products. In the evening, you will observe the largest and oldest argan tree in the Essaouira region, located near your camp.

Night in a tent.

The morning begins with a ride through a small Berber village, before continuing on horseback across rolling plateaus dotted with argan trees, between gentle hills. You then descend into the heart of a small valley to reach a place called "the source," where you meet up with the team for lunch.

In the afternoon, the route gradually approaches the Atlantic Ocean. You cross fields and small coastal villages before reaching the natural waterfalls of Sidi Embark, whose waters plunge directly into the sea.

The hike continues along deserted beaches and vast sand dunes, ideal terrain for enjoying long, unrestricted gallops. You also pass through a small fishing village with authentic charm.

In the late afternoon, you arrive at the bivouac set up on a beach in the village of Sidi Kaouki. Depending on the conditions, you can enjoy a swim with the horses.

Night in a tent facing the ocean.

After breakfast, you resume your horseback journey towards Essaouira, riding along the vast, deserted beaches and sand dunes characteristic of the region. The route alternates between the seaside, fishing villages nestled on the beach, and small Berber villages.

You also pass near the Cap Sim lighthouse, an iconic landmark on the coast, before continuing your journey along the ocean.

Lunch will be a picnic in the shade of eucalyptus trees, overlooking the sea or in a small cove if the tide allows. You'll enjoy a break of about two hours before setting off again for the final part of the hike.

In the afternoon, you reach Diabat by crossing a forest of eucalyptus and mimosa trees as well as the ruins of the old sultan's palace.

A transfer then takes you back to the medina of Essaouira.

Dinner at leisure (not included) and overnight stay at the riad.

Transfer to Essaouira airport (20 min) or Marrakech airport (3 hours) depending on your departure time. Return flight (not included).