Sidi Kaouki
Sidi Kaouki is a small Amazigh fishing village around 20km south of city of Essaouira. The village is a haven for those seeking an adventurous horse riding holiday off the beaten path. Whilst it was made famous for surfing, Sidi Kaouki is paradise for equestrians. The long stretches of secluded sandy beaches provide ample opportunity for faster paces, the sandy tracks in land let us explore the forests, mountains and Amazigh villages at pace.
Destination Information
Destination type: Off the beaten path
Language: Arabic & Tashleet (Amazigh). French is also widely spoken
Currency: Moroccan Dirham
Weather Summer: Mid to late 20's with strong wind possible
Weather Winter: Early 20's during the day with nights feeling quite cold
Nearest Airport: Essaouira (20mins), Marrakesh (2h30), Agadir (3h30)
Transport: Local buses, taxis, rental cars and private transfers available
Eating out: A number of small restaurants specialising in seafood
Shopping: Small convenience stores for essentials
Things to do: Hiking, Horse Riding, Quad Bike tours, Camel Treks, Surfing, Cooking classes
Our Sidi Kaouki Holidays
Spice Caravan Trail
Weave around the colourful streets of ancient Ksar or Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage before spending 6 days exploring the surrounding region where we will camp alongside the Nomadic people, rest in Amazigh homes and explore the ancient spice trading routes of the Saharan nomads.
Mogador Discovery Trail
In recent years Essaouira has become synonymous with riding in Morocco. It offers long stretches of deserted sandy beaches, the perfect place for an extended canter. The routes pass through tiny finishing villages, Berber towns, Argan forests and climb up over the rugged hillsides for the most incredible views.
Things to do in Sidi Kaouki
Our favourite things to do in Sidi Kaouki:
Sidi M'Barak waterfalls
The cascades of Sidi M'Barak are located to the south of Sidi Kaouki. Watch the landscape change from sandy beach to huge sand dunes to the green rocky hillside beside the falls. Meet local shepherds bringing their flocks to drink and graze on the greenery
Its possible to hike here from Sidi Kaouki, expect it to take all day to get there and back...for us the best way to get here is by taking a quad bike tour or a horse ride.
Take a cooking class
Nestled in the middle of the Argan forest, Hafida hosts cooking and Argan workshops from her families traditional Amazigh farm. Here you can learn about the production of Argan oil and its importance to the region, learn to make traditional bread or learn to cook a traditional Moroccan meal. You can even try on some traditional clothing and meet the animals that live on the farm.
Its a wonderful place to truly disconnect and experience a more simple way of life.
Catch some waves
Passing through Sidi Kaouki you can't help but notice the influence of surf on the town....from the surf schools to the laid back cafes filled with wetsuit clad folks fueling up before head out onto the water. It wouldn't be a visit without catching a few waves.
For beginners and those new to the area we recommend taking a lesson. Our surf instructor Ali, knows all the best spots and for beginners he will have you standing in no time.
Have tea with the local fisherman
Along the beaches to the south of Sidi Kaouki you will find hidden huts built into the sand dunes and caves. These are used by local fishermen to store materials and to take shelter when needed. Some now serve tea and cakes to passersby. Depending on the catch you might even be able to buy some fresh fish and have it grilled for lunch, a true off the beaten path experience.
Take a day trip to Essaouira
It wouldn't be a visit to the area without taking some time to explore Essaouira. The ancient town can easily be explored in one day if you are short on time, but most people like to visit more than once. The city's old Medina is much calmer than that of the bigger cities and you can easily explore in peace without being hassled by vendors.
To get there you can take the bus from Sidi Kaouki or take a taxi for around 100dh during the day or 150dh after sunset.
Activities in Sidi Kaouki
Contact
Need more help? Want to build your own itinerary? None of our dates are suitable? Contact us today by one of the methods below and we would be more than happy to help you.
+44 752 756 7272 (WhatsApp only)
+212 722 258 082
