A night under the stars
Experience Morocco’s coast on horseback, ending with a magical night under the stars
Escape to the pristine beaches of Sidi Kaouki on this immersive coastal riding experience, where the rhythm of the Atlantic guides every step of your journey. A Night Under the Stars offers the perfect blend of adventure and serenity, with two options to suit all levels: two half-day rides for beginners or those short on time, or two full-day rides for more experienced riders seeking a challenge across Morocco’s stunning coastline.
During your ride, you’ll traverse golden beaches, rolling dunes, and argan forests, guided by experienced local instructors who ensure a safe, personalised, and unforgettable experience. Each ride is designed to showcase the diverse landscapes of the Essaouira region, from the soft sands beneath your horse’s hooves to rugged trails overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Riders of all abilities will find a balance of gentle walks, energetic trots, and exhilarating canters, making every moment on horseback memorable.
As the sun sets, the adventure takes a magical turn. You’ll camp on the beach under a blanket of stars, enjoying the warmth of an open fire while local fishermen prepare a traditional Moroccan dinner. The sounds of the waves, the crackle of the fire, and the vast Moroccan sky create an unforgettable night of connection with nature, culture, and the simple joys of life by the sea.
Whether you choose the half-day experience or the full-day adventure, this ride combines the thrill of coastal exploration, authentic local culture, and outdoor living in a way that rejuvenates both body and mind. A Night Under the Stars is more than a horseback ride—it’s a chance to slow down, reconnect, and experience Morocco’s Atlantic coast in a truly unique and unforgettable way.
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Ride Information
1 Nights / 2 Days / 2 Riding Days
Cost: Half day option: 180€pp, Full day option: 250€
Accommodation: A traditional tent on the beach, wild camping
Where: Sidi Kaouki, Essaouira, Morocco
When: Available all year round
Riding level: Half day option: All Levels, Full day option: Intermediate to Advanced
Riders: Maximum 6 riders. Available for solo riders
Weight limit: Maximum of 85kg
Time in the saddle: 2 - 6 hours a day
Highlights
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Ride along golden beaches and rolling dunes, experiencing Morocco’s stunning Atlantic coastline on horseback.
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Choose half-day rides for beginners or full-day rides for experienced riders, tailored to your level.
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Camp on the beach under the stars, embracing the magic of Morocco’s coastal nights.
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Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner cooked over an open fire by local fishermen.
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Traverse argan forests and scenic trails, guided by experienced local instructors for safety and enjoyment.
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Experience the thrill of canters and trots on soft sand, perfect for adventurous riders.
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Immerse yourself in authentic Moroccan culture, from coastal village life to local fishing traditions.
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Learn from knowledgeable local guides, sharing insights into the region’s landscape, wildlife, and heritage.
Horses and Riding
Horses and Riding
Our horses are well-schooled Arab and Barb stallions — strong, spirited, and forward-moving, yet gentle and kind in nature. Experienced riders can enjoy challenging and varied terrain with breathtaking scenery, from rugged hillsides and rocky canyons to open beaches and winding forest trails. While there are plenty of opportunities for trot, canter, and gallop, long periods of walk allow you to take in the scenery safely across the rocky ground. Riders can expect to spend 4 to 6 hours in the saddle each day, with horses equipped with English-style tack and saddle bags for your essentials.
This holiday is best suited to intermediate and advanced riders. For the best experience, we recommend you are comfortable riding at all three paces and confident handling a forward-going horse over open and varied ground. A good level of fitness and riding stamina will ensure you enjoy the journey to the fullest.
Sidi Kaouki and the Essaouira Region
From Sidi Kaouki, our rides cover up to 25 km each day, taking in a rich tapestry of landscapes that give a true introduction to the Essaouira region. Over the course of your trip, you will ride through argan forests, along the rugged Atlantic coastline, across sand dunes, Essaouira’s mini-Sahara, rocky canyons, and rolling hillsides, and, of course, along long stretches of golden beaches.
The terrain is varied, including gravel paths, rocky inclines, deep sand, and secluded beaches, offering a rewarding and diverse riding experience. The pace of the rides varies throughout the day, allowing for quiet exploration on foot with your horse, as well as exhilarating stretches for trot, canter, and gallop along open terrain.
Itinerary
On the trails
Accommodation : Camping under the stars
Half day option:
Arrive at the stables around 2pm. We will have some tea and introduce you to the horses.
We will set off from the stables through the Amazigh villages before heading down into a valley, crossing the river bed heading through the forest and over some small sand dunes before reaching the beach. After a short ride along the beach we will reach our accommodation for the evening.
Full day option:
arrive at the stables at 10am and we will set off on the ride. Today we will ride through the forests and valleys towards the cascades of Sidi m'Barak where we will pause for a BBQ lunch.
After lunch we will climb the incredible sand dunes (the regions mini Sahara) and head to our accommodation via the beach, where you will have the opportunity to canter or gallop depending on the conditions.
How to book
To book this ride, contact us and let us know your desired departure date.
What's included
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Transfers to the stable from Sidi Kaouki, Essaouira or Gazhoua
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2 x half day or 2x full days of riding depending on option chosen
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Overnight accommodation in a traditional tent
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Dinner with soft drinks
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Breakfast
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Transportation of baggage
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Lunch is provided on both days of the full day option
Accomodation
Your accommodation is a simple tent located on the beach. This is true wild camping
Book your ride
Reserve your saddle
Price
Half day option: 180€pp
Full day option: 250€pp
Whats Included
Your horse riding holiday is all inclusive. It includes all meals and drinks (soft drinks only), accommodation, activities as outlined in the description and transfers from Essaouira or Marrakech airports.
Not Included
The price does not include international flights, additional activities, transportation from other cities in Morocco (can be arranged) and travel insurance.
Transfers
Private transfers in air conditioned vehicles are included to and from the following airports:
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Essaouira
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Marrakech
Transfers from other airports are available at additional cost.
Getting here
We recommend booking flights to Marrakech International airport. For this trip however it is also possible to fly directly to Essaouira. We can advise you on the best flights for your trip.
Food
A traditional Moroccan breakfast is served daily which includes breads, jams, honey, cheese and eggs. We also serve seasonal fruits, oatmeal and yogurt.
Lunch varies depending on the itinerary for the day. On most days we will have a picnic lunch and BBQ over open fire (when safe to light). Some days we will stop at local restaurants. Usually lunch is a selection of fresh grilled meats or fish, vegetables and salads.
Dinner is usually traditional Moroccan cuisine. We prepare various styles of tagine, cous cous, grilled fish and more. If there is a Moroccan dish you are desperate to try make sure to let us know!
All of our meals are made using fresh, local and seasonal produce. If cooking is your thing we are more than happy for you help us with the preparation and learn some Moroccan dishes. We can cater for most dietary restrictions, but please do let us know at the time of booking. Please note that we do not serve alcohol (this can be purchased at duty free or in Essaouira).
Safety
Helmets are not compulsory for this ride, however we strongly recommend that one is worn at all times when working with horses. We also suggest that you check the terms of your insurance policy before making a decision. Helmets are available, however for your own comfort we recommend bringing your own.
We require all riders to have travel insurance which covers them for all of the activities they will be participating in.
What to wear
You will receive a full packing list for your ride around 6 weeks before departure. The temperature can change dramatically throughout the day in Morocco and so for all our trips we recommend packing light layers that can be easily added and removed throughout the day.
Internet
Internet is available free of charge in our accommodation. Roaming charges are significant in Morocco, if you need access to the internet outwith WiFi areas please let us know and we will help to arrange a local sim card for you to use during your stay. There is a small charge associated with this.
Optional Extras
Additional Nights
If you wish to extend your trip, we can happily organise additional nights, desert tours and more.
Massage & Hammam
What better way to relax after a long time in the saddle than with a relaxing massage or an invigorating scrub in the hammam.
Surf Lesson
Sidi Kaouki is famous for surfing, why not swap the jods for a wetsuit and jump into the ocean to catch some waves.
Riding tuition / extra rides
Our team are able to offer one-on-one riding tuition and additional riding during your stay at preferential rates.
Photography
We are able to arrange professional photoshoots for you during your holiday. From artistic stills to professional videography
Other
Sidi Kaouki and Essaouira have a huge amount to offer, a full list of extras from calligraphy to cooking classes to hammam is included in your welcome pack.