Overview
During the trek we will explore the region of Essaouira on horseback. Our routes take us along beaches, over sand dunes, through the argan forests and over the mountains. The routes are varied and offer incredible scenery. We will have plenty of opportunities to canter along the beautiful beaches.
Along the way you pass through traditional Berber villages where we are always greeted with a warm Moroccan welcome. Your local guide will be happy to talk to you about his Berber roots. He will also be happy to talk about the landscape and point out lots of local wildlife including tortoise, camels, goats and donkeys. One afternoon we will visit an argan co-operative where you will learn all about how the local women make the argan oil and its many uses from cooking to cosmetics.
Ride Information
7 Nights / 8 Days / 6 Riding Days
Cost: From £1500 pp sharing, Single person supplement: £250.
Where: Essaouira region
When: Available all year round
Riding level: Advanced, you must be able to control your horse cantering and galloping in open spaces in english saddles.
Riders: Maximum 8 riders in a private group, max group is usually six riders.
Weight limit: Maximum of 90kg
Time in the saddle: 4 - 6 hours a day
Highlights
Beach and forest rides covering a variety of terrains
Well schooled Arab and Barb stallions
Moroccan cuisine prepared from fresh local produce
Experienced guides fluent in Amazigh, Arabic, English and French
Opportunity to learn about the Amazigh culture
Stay in a mix of Berber guest houses, luxury villas and traditional nomadic tents
Opportunity to ride bareback in the ocean
Horses and Riding
Our horses are all well schooled Arab and Barb stallions. They are strong and forward going but very kind in nature. The are equipped with English style tack and saddle bags.
The riding covers around 25km each day and takes in a variety of different landscapes, giving you a great introduction to the Essaouira region. Over the course of your trek we will ride through the Argan forests, along the rugged coastline, through Berber villages, across the sand dunes, Essaouiras mini Sahara and of course along the long stretches of sandy beaches.
The riding covers a variety of terrain from gravel paths, rocky inclines, deep sand and stretches of sandy beach. There is plenty of opportunity for long stretches of trot and canter.
For the best experience we recommend that you are comfortable riding at all three paces and confident in riding a forward going horse over open ground.
Day 1
Arrival in Morocco and transportation to your riad in Essaouira. You have the afternoon free to explore the city of Essaouira before joining your guides and fellow riders for an evening meal.
Day 2
After breakfast in the riad we will set off to the stables, where you will meet your horse and companion for the trip. Today we will travel through the Moroccan countryside and Argan forests passing through some Berber villages along the way. We will stop along the way for a picnic lunch close to the river. In the afternoon we will ride towards the town of Ida ou Gourd, climbing some small hills and passing through some traditional Berber farms. We can finish the day with some extended canters along the field edges.
Day 3
Today we will pass through some Beber villages and some farms, where you can still see traditional methods of agriculture in action. We will then pass through a beautiful valley before climbing a small mountain. We will stop for lunch at the top to allow the horses to rest and to take in the incredible views. In the afternoon we will continue through the mountains and then around the Zerrar dam before reaching our accommodation for the evening.
Day 4
After breakfast we will continue through the mountainous terrain and pass through a river bed. We will dismount our horses for a short walk down the steep mountainside, before some some trot and canter to reach our picnic spot. In the afternoon we will pass through canyons, gorges and fields until we reach the town of Argana where we will spend the night. In late afternoon we will visit an Argan co-operative, where we will have the opportunity to learn about its production and usage.
Day 5
In the morning we will pass through a Beber village before riding along a plateau which gives incredible views of the area, before descending into the valley below where we will have our picnic lunch. After lunch we will follow the paths through small Berber farms, rising slowly to eventually offer incredible views of the ocean. We will follow the coastline to the village of Iftane where will have the opportunity to canter along the beach.
Day 6
After breakfast, we will set off along the cliff tops of the rugged coastline and through Berber villages towards the waterfalls of Sidi Embarak. We will enjoy a picnic lunch at the waterfalls and you will have the opportunity to swim. In the afternoon we will continue along the beaches and cliff tops until we reach the village of Sidi Kaouki.
Day 7
Today we will follow the coastline back to Essaouira via the village of Sidi Kaouki. We will pass through some small fishing villages and traverse the expansive sand dunes, Essaouiras answer to the Sahara. We will enjoy lunch in a small cove, taking shelter in the caves. There is the opportunity for a dip in the ocean on a warm day. In the afternoon we will continue along the coastline before returning to the stables via the Eucalyptus forests and passing the ruins of Dar Sultan Palace 'the castle in the sand'.
After saying good bye to your horse you will be transported to our Villa in Sidi Kaouki for the evening.
Day 8
Itinerary
Accomodation
On the day of arrival you will stay in a riad in the medina of Essaouira. Decorated in traditional style with a modern touch, its the perfect place to rest before embarking on the trek.
The riad has a roof top terrace where we can enjoy yoga sessions and a delicious Moroccan breakfast. You can also choose to stay in one of our luxury Villas in Sidi Kaouki.
During the trek you will stay in a variety of accommodations from local Berber guest houses to luxury villas to traditional nomadic tents. This will be agreed with you at the time of reservation.
Berber Guest House
This allows you to experience traditional way of life and the peace and tranquility of the Berber villages. All rooms are shared. Accommodation here is basic but clean and comfortable with hot showers.
Nomadic Tents
There is nothing quite like sleeping under the stars, enjoying dinner prepared over open fire and hearing nothing but the ocean and the birds. Our camps have a shower tent and chemical toilet.
Luxury Villas
Depending on the route, we also make stop at a luxury villa. Rooms are twin and the villa is equipped with a swimming pool, an excellent opportunity to relax after a long days riding.
Next Departures
Ride and ResetFri 06 MarSidi Kaouki
Tides and RidesSun 15 MarSidi Kaouki
Atlantic Discovery - April 2026Fri 17 AprSidi Kaouki
Additional Information
Price
From £1500 per ride, £250 single supplement
Whats Included
Your horse riding holiday is all inclusive. It includes all meals and drinks (soft drinks only), accommodation as outlined in the description, transfers and all activities in the description.
Not Included
The price does not include international flights, additional activities, transportation from other cities in Morocco (can be arranged) and travel insurance.
Transfers
Transfers included from Essaouira or Marrakech Airports.
Transfers from other airports available at preferential rates.
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 during the trek. 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.
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.
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.
Additional Activities
Essaouira and Sidi Kaouki have a huge amount to offer. We can arrange additional activities for you from an evening sunset ride, quad biking, camels, cooking classes and more. Our activities page has a full list of options.