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Essaouira

Overview

Essaouira is a coastal town about two-thirds of the way down Morocco on the Atlantic ocean. Powerful trade winds and currents ensure that Essaouira remains an important fishing port and has also made the town very popular amongst kite surfers and windsurfers. The area is also important in argan oil…

Highlights

  • Enjoy Essaouira's expansive beaches & endless sea views
  • Ride well-loved and willing horses
  • Set up camp in remote locations, under a sky of stars
  • Taste traditional Moroccan food and mint tea!
  • Fantastic weather throughout the year

Essential Facts

  • 4 itineraries available
  • Max 12 riders per group
  • Average of 4 - 6 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 85kg / 187 lbs / 13 st 5 lbs

Description

Essaouira is a coastal town about two-thirds of the way down Morocco on the Atlantic ocean. Powerful trade winds and currents ensure that Essaouira remains an important fishing port and has also made the town very popular amongst kite surfers and windsurfers. The area is also important in argan oil production, and the sight of goats climbing the argan trees is unique to the region.

These horse-riding trails take you inland and away from the coast, into the mountains and Berber villages which are scattered along the hillsides and through the valleys. The circular routes will eventually return you to the coast so that you can experience the wide sandy beaches and cliff tops for yourself.

Riding local Berber stallions, which are not castrated in line with local tradition, you will discover agricultural land, forests of argan trees, sand dunes and the thrill of cantering down the beach.

Your hosts are French-Moroccan and consider their horses to be members of their family. They aim to introduce you to the culture of their country as well as their horses and will provide authentic Moroccan meals freshly prepared by their chef.

These trails are camping based and you spend each night in a different location. You can choose to camp as the locals do, sharing one large 4m x 4m tent, or to take a smaller tent and sleep within your own space.

Trails can be scheduled to suit groups or you can choose to join a trail that already has people booked onto it.

Horses & Riding

Tack

English or Icelandic saddles with English bridles. Bits are either snaffles, Pelhams or Spanish, depending on the horse.

Horses

Barb Arabian stallions

Riding

There are 4 itineraries:

  • Knights of Essaouira (7 Nights) is a trail ride
  • Heart of Essaouira (6 Nights) is a trail ride
  • The Loop of Ifthane (5 Nights) is a trail ride
  • The Loop of Argana (4 Nights) is a trail ride

Ages

Children of 12 years and older provided they are good riders and used to riding horses - there are no ponies. Under 18's must wear helmets.

Health

General good health and fitness.

Weight

85kg / 187 lbs / 13 st 5 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

Meals are prepared by the cook who aims to show you the culture and local food of the area. Fresh traditional Moroccan food is prepared daily.

Vegetarians and some special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

Breakfast is usually coffee/tea with bread and jams.
Lunch will include various salads with fish or meat skewers.
Dinner will begin with soup and include tagines or special Moroccan dishes with couscous. There is often fruit to finish.
Snacks of mixed nuts and chocolates are also on offer.

Water is provided but you will need to bring with you any other drinks you would like - either buy them locally or duty-free. PLEASE NOTE: Alcohol cannot be supplied for you and drinking in public spaces is not officially allowed and can lead to arrest.

Accommodation

Whilst on the trails you will be camping. The camps have a shower with hot water and a chemical toilet. There is a kitchen tent for the cook and a larger tent for dining in. At night you will have the choice of sleeping in this larger tent (set up by the team) together as a group or separately in a small igloo tent for 1 - 2 people. Please don't hesitate to ask the team if you'd prefer to have your own smaller tent for privacy, but in that case you need to set it up yourself at each camp (with help if needed).

Mattresses are provided but you will need to bring your own sleeping bags and pillows please.

The camp moves location each night so you experience different locations along the trail.

Itineraries

Knights of Essaouira (7 Nights) Tented accommodation.

Heart of Essaouira (6 Nights) Basic / Tented accommodation.

The Loop of Ifthane (5 Nights) Tented accommodation.

The Loop of Argana (4 Nights) Tented accommodation.

Other Activities

The itineraries have been designed for riders, but there is plenty to do in Morocco for any non-riding friends or partners that wish to join you. Our partners can help you arrange camel riding day trips as well as quad biking days or even hiking tours of a few days.

Travel

The nearest airport is Essaouira but it is not always easy to find flights there. Transfers from and to Marrakech (2 hours 45 mins) or Agadir (3 hours 30 mins) are very affordable and give a lot more flight options.

Testimonials

Kim S., Oct. 29, 2024

This was my fifth tour with Far and Ride and my second time at this stable in Morocco. Once again, it was wonderful! Perfect organization. The trail was fantastic: beautiful, sure-footed, forward-going stallions, breathtaking landscapes, and great food. The whole team was warm and very competent. For very skilled riders, this is a marvelous experience.


Melissa T., Sept. 27, 2023

It has been a wonderful experience! As beginner rider I really enjoyed and felt safe for all the time during the trail. food was way more good than expected for a trail holiday! Accomodation was also good and cozy. my horse behaved well in all situations. As beginner rider I'm not experienced enough to judge equipment's quality, however all looked in good condition!


Mary W., April 19, 2022

A fantastic experience!! Beautiful horses, stunning and varied scenery, delicious food, great company and a complete escape from day to day life. The food was ridiculously good for camp/picnic food. Delicious and genuinely Moroccan. All the horses were fit and well - knew their jobs and did it willingly. Very responsive.


Julie, March 3, 2020

I had a lovely time! The trip was such an adventure and totally different from any vacation I’ve ever taken. I’m still tired! My favorite memory was galloping full speed down the beach!


Ana, Oct. 18, 2019

Great horses, amazing scenery, good company and lots of mint tea. It was wonderful.


Kim S., Sept. 19, 2018

It was superb! Incredible, strong and forward-going horses that never hesitated. To make it short: we are again very very happy!!


Maria L., Sept. 19, 2018

The holiday was fantastic! It was the perfect combination of mountains and adventure, followed by a gorgeous treat of sunny beaches to finish - heaven! I loved all of the holiday but particularly camping on a hillside overlooking the beach, the exhilarating gallops along lush sandy beaches and the moment where, after an adventurous day through rocky mountains, we turned the corner to find a luscious green haven of a reservoir.


Emma S., Sept. 13, 2018

The holiday was amazing, probably the best way to experience Morocco. All the horses are so well behaved and beautiful. An amazing country with so much to see, stunning views and it is clear that our hosts love the horses. Food was fantastic and tasty, especially for veggies! I'm a camping rookie, so wasn't sure what to expect, was a little unprepared, but it was fun! Riad was lovely. My horse (Simba) was fantastic and very well suited. Horses well looked after and tack adequate. (Favourite memory?) The extremely fast gallop across the beach - Berber stallions can shift it! All the donkeys! Learning about the culture as you travelled through surprisingly varied landscapes.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrive in Essaouira and transfer to the riad where you will stay overnight. Depending on the time of your arrival you may be able to explore the town a little. Have dinner with your fellow riders (to own account).

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

After breakfast, transfer c. 15mins to Diabat where you meet your horses. Set off riding along a river (Ksob Oued) surrounded by abundant vegetation. Pass through the village of El Ghazoua and enter the largest forest of argan trees in the area, which extends from Essaouira to Agadir. Stop for a picnic lunch on the banks of a river under the shade of the argan trees. In the afternoon, continue riding through the forest, going up and down some hills in the direction of Ida Ou Gourd where you may see some traditional Berber houses and fields. After a brisk canter along the paths, you reach your first camp near the ruins of an old sugar factory constructed from mud and straw. Dinner and overnight in camp.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Set off riding through a small village and follow broad paths bordered by argan trees and fields. At certain times of the year, you may see donkeys or oxen ploughing the fields. Upon reaching a charming valley you will ascend a path up a small mountain where you stop for lunch with beautiful views of the valley. In the afternoon, cross a mountainous area and a splendid plateau covered in pasture and cultivated fields, heading towards Neknafa. Ride along the Zerrar dam and lake before reaching your camp at Aintizeril.

Day 4

Riding: 5 - 7 hours

An early start as this is the longest day on horseback. Start by climbing a mountain and passing through a river bed and 'marabout' - a small Berber village located on top of a mountain. There are lots of opportunities for canters along the paths bordered by fields, before returning to walk to descend the mountain. A final canter will take you to a village where there is water for the horses to drink whilst you have lunch. In the afternoon you ride through gorges, canyons and fields towards Argana where the camp is set up for you - here you can visit a female argan oil cooperative and learn about how the oil is produced.

Day 5

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Ride past a small Berber village and then cross a plateau between two small hills alongside the coast. In the middle of the valley you will find a spring where you stop for lunch. Afterwards, you have another afternoon of riding along paths bordering fields, until late in the day, you get your first incredible view of the sea. Arrive at a small village of fishermen (Ifthane) and ride along the beach, taking the horses to splash in the water. After a good gallop along the beach, ride up onto the cliffs where the camp is located.

Day 6

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Ride through fields and coastal villages in the direction of Sidi Embark where you stop for lunch - there is the possibility to swim here, either in the waterfalls or the sea. After lunch, there is a fantastic gallop along the deserted beach and through the sand dunes. Pass through another fishing village to reach camp in the early afternoon, which is located on one of the beaches near Sidi Kaouki. In good weather, it may be possible to swim with the horses (usually May-September only).

Day 7

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

After breakfast in front of the sea, you will ride towards Diabat along the beaches. Pass the small lighthouse at Cap Sim and leave the beaches behind to cross the dunes and enter a forest of eucalyptus and mimosa. In the late afternoon, you will arrive back in Diabat, passing the ruins of the Sultan's palace before you reach the stables. Say goodbye to your horses and camp team before transferring back to Essaouira and the riad where you will stay overnight.

Day 8

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Accommodation

Two nights in a riad in Essaouira and five nights camping.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You should be a capable rider, comfortable in all paces and riding in open countryside, over a variety of different terrains. The first days of this ride will be at a slower pace and mostly single file due to the terrain. Once you reach the beach you will be able to spread out more and enjoy some faster riding.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 12
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024  (Dates available on request for 2+ riders, subject to availability)

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025  (Dates available on request for 2+ riders, subject to availability)

April 5, 2025 - April 12, 2025  (Confirmed date for others to join (single travellers welcome))

April 19, 2025 - April 26, 2025  (Confirmed date for others to join (single travellers welcome))

May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025  (Confirmed date for others to join (single travellers welcome))

Pricing

2024
Single traveller with transfer from Essaouira		 £760 $960 €910
Includes private Essaouira transfers and a single room in the riad.
2024
Single traveller with transfer from Agadir		 £840 $1065 €1010
Includes private Agadir transfers and a single room in the riad.
2024
Sharing (2+ people travelling together) with transfers from Essaouira		 £695 $880 €835
Includes Essaouira transfers and twin/double rooms in the riad.
2024
Single traveller with transfer from Marrakech		 £820 $1040 €990
Includes private Marrakech transfers and a single room in the riad.
2024
Sharing (2+ people travelling together) with transfers from Agadir		 £765 $970 €920
Includes Agadir transfers and twin/double rooms in the riad.
2024
Sharing (2+ people travelling together) with transfers from Marrakech		 £750 $950 €900
Includes Marrakech transfers and twin/double rooms in the riad.
2025
Sharing (2+ people travelling together) with transfers from Essaouira		 £750 $950 €905
Includes Essaouira transfers and twin/double rooms in the riad.
2025
Single traveller with transfer from Marrakech		 £865 $1095 €1040
Includes private Marrakech transfers and a single room in the riad.
2025
Sharing (2+ people travelling together) with transfers from Marrakech		 £790 $1000 €950
Includes Marrakech transfers and twin/double rooms in the riad.
2025
Single traveller with transfer from Essaouira		 £790 $1000 €950
Includes private Essaouira transfers and a single room in the riad.
Included 7 nights accommodation in shared rooms, 6 days riding, all meals whilst on the trail, drinking water, specified airport transfers
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, meals in Essaouira before & after the trail, drinks other than water, sleeping bag, tips and personal expenses.

Extras

2024 - Single Supplement £46 $58 €55
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement for two nights in riads (only payable by riders who are sharing transfers but would prefer their own rooms at the riads)
2025 - Single Supplement £50 $63 €60
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement for two nights in riads (only payable by riders who are sharing transfers but would prefer their own rooms at the riads)
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrive at Marrakesh (Marrakech) or Agadir and transfer to your riad in Essaouira for your overnight stay (2h45 and 3h30, respectively). Enjoy dinner (not included) with your fellow riders and discuss the trail ahead. Night in a riad.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

After breakfast, meet at 9.30 am in the riad and transfer to Diabat (c. 15 min drive). Here you will meet with the staff and have your first contact with the horses. Once in the saddle, you will begin your ride by following a river (Ksob oued) surrounded by abundant vegetation, heading in the direction of a village named El Ghazoua. Crossing the village, you will then reach the largest forest of argan trees in the area, which extends all the way from Essaouira to Agadir. Picnic lunch on the bank of the river, in the shade of the argan trees. After some rest, you will continue to cross the forest, going up and down small mountains, being careful not to step on wild tortoises along the way!! You will head in the direction of Ida Ou Gourd where you will see plenty of traditional Berber houses and fields. After a good canter along the paths, you will arrive at your camp (bivouac) which is located close to the ruins of a very old sugar factory built from mud and straw. Dinner and night in tents.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

In the morning, you will cross another small village and take broad paths bordered by argan trees and fields. Depending on the season, you may see local farmers working the fields - often ploughing is still carried out with donkeys or cows. You will arrive in a charming valley and take a path to the top of a small mountain. You will see some stunning flora along the way and pass through numerous small traditional Berber villages. The afternoon will see you crossing through gorges, canyons and fields, heading in the direction of Argana where your bivouac for tonight is being set up. Here, you can visit a woman’s argan oil cooperative where you will learn how to produce the oil and learn about its properties.

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

This morning, you will pass through a small Berber village and then on to a plateau located between small hills, along the coast. After heading down into the middle of a valley, you will join “the source” where you will enjoy lunch with the team. After lunch, you will spend time in the fields, along wide dusty paths. In the late afternoon, you will appreciate the extraordinary panorama with an unspoilt view of the sea ahead of you. You will arrive at the fishing village of Ifthane and go to the beach here to enjoy walking in the sea with the horses. After a good gallop on the beach (small deserted creek), you will go up on the cliff overlooking the sea, where your camp is located.

Day 5

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

You will start today by crossing fields and small villages located along the coast. You will head in the direction of the cascades of Sidi Embark where you will stop for lunch. The Sidi Embark flows into the sea and there is a possibility to swim in the creek here. After lunch, you will go along the superb deserted beaches and the immense dunes of sand, where you will appreciate some good canters. You will cross a small fisherman's village and arrive at camp in the early afternoon. Tonight's camp is located on one of the beaches close to the village of Sidi Kaouki and, if the weather is nice, there is another possibility to swim, either with the horses or alone. Night in tent.

Day 6

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

After breakfast by the sea, you will make your return journey towards Diabat along the beaches. You will pass in front of the small lighthouse of the Cap Sim. After having left the beach, you will cross the dunes and a forest of eucalyptus and mimosas. Arrive in Diabat in the late afternoon, passing by the ruins of the palace of the Sultan. After saying goodbye to the horses, you will transfer by car to the riad in Essaouira. Overnight in a riad (dinner not included this evening).

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

Meeting at the riad and transfer to Marrakesh (Marrakech) (2h45) or Agadir airport (3h30).

Accommodation

First and last nights are spent in a riad in Essaouira (single, double or twin bedrooms). The other nights will be in simple camps with tents and sleeping mattresses.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You should be a capable rider, comfortable in all paces and riding in open countryside, over a variety of different terrains.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 12
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024  (Dates available on request for 2+ riders, subject to availability)

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025  (Dates available on request for 2+ riders, subject to availability)

March 17, 2025 - March 23, 2025  (Confirmed date for others to join (single travellers welcome))

Pricing

2024
Single traveller with transfers from Marrakech		 £710 $900 €855
2024
Sharing (2+ people travelling together) with transfers from Marrakech		 £640 $810 €770
2025
Single traveller with transfer from Essaouira		 £690 $870 €830
Includes private Essaouira transfers and a single room in the riad.
2025
Sharing (2+ people travelling together) with transfers from Essaouira		 £650 $825 €785
Includes Essaouira transfers and twin/double rooms in the riad.
2025
Single traveller with transfers from Marrakech		 £765 $965 €920
2025
Sharing (2+ people travelling together) with transfers from Marrakech		 £690 $870 €830
Included 6 nights accommodation in shared rooms/tents, 5 days of riding, meals on the trail, drinking water, specified airport transfers.
Not included Flights, meals in Essaouira before and after the trail, drinks other than water, sleeping bag, insurance, tips and personal expenses.

Extras

2024 - Single Supplement £46 $58 €55
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement for two nights in riads (only payable by riders who are sharing transfers with others)
2025 - Single Supplement £50 $63 €60
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement for two nights in riads (only payable by riders who are sharing transfers with others)
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrive in Marrakech or Agadir and transfer to your riad in Essaouira for your overnight stay (2h45 and 3h30, respectively). Enjoy dinner (not included) with your fellow riders and discuss the trail ahead. Night in a riad.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Meeting at 9.30 am at the riad and transfer to the stables (15 min). First contact with the staff and horses in Diabat. You will first ride along a river (or Oued) to reach the village of El Ghazoua. Then you will travel through the Moroccan countryside on small paths and across argan tree forests. Lunch is prepared by the team cook and served picnic style in nature. After some rest, you will get back in the saddle and head in the direction of Argana where your first camp is located. You will cross several traditional Berber villages and take a visit to a women's cooperative of argan oil. Here you will be able to sample the local products including oil, honey and amlou (typical honey-sweetened almond-based dip, similar to almond butter). You will spend the night under the oldest and largest argan tree in the area. Night in tents.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Through the countryside, you will continue the trail across small Berber villages, valleys and fields. The ground is full of beautiful colours in this area. You will have lunch near a place called "The Source" where the horses can drink. After lunch, you will ride on small paths surrounded by fields and crops. In the late afternoon, you will appreciate an extraordinary panorama with an incredible view of the sea. You will arrive at the small fishing village of Ifthane and after a gallop on the beach (a small deserted creek), you will head up onto the cliffs which dominate the coastline and find your camp for the night.

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

This morning you will cross fields and small villages which are located all along the sea or, if it's not too windy, you may ride on the cliffs for the fabulous views. You will take the direction of the cascades of Sidi Embark where you will stop for lunch. These cascades flow directly into the sea. After lunch (which includes a 2-hour break and time for swimming!) you will ride towards Sidi Kaouki along the beaches and cliffs, enjoying some good canters. You will arrive at the camp based in Sidi Kaouki in the mid-afternoon and have some time to swim or rest before dinner. Overnight in camp.

Day 5

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

After a generous breakfast taken in front of the ocean, you will get back in the saddle and ride along the beach towards Essaouira. In the second part of Sidi Kaouki, you will see the Marabout. You will then cross huge sand dunes that are unique to the region while enjoying some good canter opportunities between them. You will cross a small fishing village and then take the direction of a small Berber settlement on the cliff, facing the Atlantic. After a picnic in a small creek where you can swim, you will go towards the lighthouse of Cap Sim and take a small sandy path down to the dunes. This stretch feels as if you are in the desert but the sea is ever-present, just behind the dunes. You will pass small fishing villages and enjoy some good canters on the beach before you enter into the forest of eucalyptus and mimosas. On the way to Diabat, you will pass the ruins of the former palace of the Sultan. Arrive at the stables in the late afternoon. Transfer to Essaouira and night in the riad. Dinner is not included.

Day 6

Riding: No riding.

Meeting at the riad and transfer to Marrakech (2h45) or Agadir airport (3h30).

Accommodation

First and last nights are spent in a riad in Essaouira (single, double or twin bedrooms). The other nights will be in simple camps with tents and sleeping mattresses.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You should be a capable rider, comfortable in all paces and riding in open countryside, over a variety of different terrains.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 12
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024  (Dates available on request for 2+ riders, subject to availability)

Dec. 22, 2024 - Dec. 27, 2024  (Confirmed date for others to join (single travellers welcome))

Dec. 28, 2024 - Jan. 2, 2025  (Confirmed date for others to join (single travellers welcome))

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025  (Dates available on request for 2+ riders, subject to availability)

April 14, 2025 - April 19, 2025  (Confirmed date for others to join (single travellers welcome))

July 13, 2025 - July 18, 2025  (Confirmed date for others to join (single travellers welcome))

Pricing

2024
Single traveller with transfers from Marrakech		 £605 $770 €730
Includes private Marrakech transfers and a single room in the riad.
2024
Sharing (2+ people travelling together) with transfers from Marrakech		 £535 $675 €645
Includes Marrakech transfers and twin/double rooms in the riad.
2025
Sharing (2+ people travelling together) with transfers from Marrakech		 £565 $715 €680
Includes Marrakech transfers and twin/double rooms in the riad.
2025
Single traveller with transfer from Essaouira		 £565 $715 €680
Includes private Essaouira transfers and a single room in the riad.
2025
Sharing (2+ people travelling together) with transfers from Essaouira		 £525 $665 €635
Includes Essaouira transfers and twin/double rooms in the riad.
2025
Single traveller with transfers from Marrakech		 £640 $810 €770
Includes private Marrakech transfers and a single room in the riad.
Included 5 nights accommodation in shared rooms/tents, 4 days of riding, meals on the trail, drinking water, specified airport transfers.
Not included Flights, meals in Essaouira before and after the trail, drinks other than water, sleeping bag, insurance, tips and personal expenses.

Extras

2024 - Single Supplement £46 $58 €55
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement for two nights in riads (only payable by riders who are sharing transfers with others)
2025 - Single Supplement £50 $63 €60
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement for two nights in riads (only payable by riders who are sharing transfers with others)
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrive in Marrakesh (Marrakech) or Agadir and transfer to your riad in Essaouira for your overnight stay (2h45 and 3h30, respectively). Enjoy dinner (not included) with your fellow riders and discuss the trail ahead. Night in a riad.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Meeting at 9.30 am at the riad and transfer to the stables (15 min). First contact with the staff and horses in Diabat. You will first ride along a river (or Oued) to reach the village of El Ghazoua that you will cross. Then you will travel through the Moroccan countryside on small paths and cross argan tree forests on your way. Lunch is prepared by the team cook and served picnic-style, outdoors. After some rest, you will get back in the saddle and take the direction of Argana where your first camp is located. You will cross several traditional Berber villages and take a visit to a women's cooperative of argan oil. Here you will be able to sample the local products including oil, honey and amlou (typical honey-sweetened almond-based dip, similar to almond butter). You will spend the night under the oldest and largest argan tree in the area. Night in tent. 

Alternative Day 2 for beginners:
Meeting at 9.30 am at the riad and transfer to the stables (15 min). First contact with the staff and horses in Diabat. You will first ride along a river (or Oued) to reach the village of El Ghazoua that you will cross. Then you will travel through the Moroccan countryside on small paths and cross argan tree forests on your way. Lunch is prepared by the team cook and served picnic-style. After some rest, you will get back in the saddle and take the direction of the small village of Sidi Kaouki. To do so, you will cross several small Berber villages and argan forests. You will arrive in Sidi Kaouki and your camp for the night in the late afternoon. After a good snack and some mint tea, you may enjoy the beach. Your evening meal will be served in a traditional tent and prepared by the cook. Night in camp.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Through the countryside, you will continue the trail through small Berber villages, valleys and fields. The ground is full of beautiful colours in this area. You will have lunch near a place called "The Source" where the horses can drink. The afternoon will show you other Berber villages but the ground is now changing and becomes sandier as you have taken the direction of the ocean and cascades of Sidi Embark. The view of the sea between the dunes is magnificent. You will then arrive on the beach and enjoy a good gallop! The view is a mix of cliffs and beaches and you will arrive in the late afternoon at the camp located in Sidi Kaouki. Night in tent. 

Alternative Day 3 for beginners:
After breakfast with a view of the beach, you will begin your ride again today. Heading along beautiful deserted beaches and huge sand dunes. You will cross a small very picturesque fishing village before heading in the direction of the natural cascades of Sidi Embark where you will stop for lunch. These cascades flow directly into the sea. After lunch (2h break and time for swimming), you will go back to Sidi Kaouki either along the beaches again or this time through the fields and small villages set back from the beach. Arrival at the camp based in Sidi Kaouki in mid-afternoon. You will have some time to swim before dinner. Night in tent.

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

After a generous breakfast taken in front of the ocean, you will get back in the saddle and ride along the beach towards Essaouira. In the second part of Sidi Kaouki, you will see the Marabout. You will then cross huge sand dunes that are unique to the region, enjoying some canters through them. You will cross a small fishing village and then head to a Berber village on a cliff facing the Atlantic. After a picnic in a small creek where you can swim, you will go towards the lighthouse of Cap Sim and then take a small sandy path down to the dunes. You will have the feeling you are in the desert but the sea is just behind them. You will see some very small fishing villages on the beachside. After some good canters on the beach, you will enter into the forest of eucalyptus and mimosas located between the beach and Diabat and see the ruins of the former palace of the Sultan. Arrival at the stables in the late afternoon. Transfer to Essaouira and night in the riad. Dinner is not included.

Day 5

Riding: No riding.

Meeting at the riad and transfer to Marrakesh (Marrakech) (2h45) or Agadir airport (3h30)

Accommodation

First and last nights are spent in a riad in Essaouira (single, double or tin bedrooms). The other nights will be in simple camps with tents and sleeping mattresses.
Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

The trail can be suited to all levels but we will only match you with guests of a similar ability.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 12
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024  (Dates available on request for 2+ riders, subject to availability)

Nov. 20, 2024 - Nov. 24, 2024  (Confirmed date for others to join (single travellers welcome))

Dec. 10, 2024 - Dec. 14, 2024  (Confirmed date for others to join (single travellers welcome))

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025  (Dates available on request for 2+ riders, subject to availability)

March 13, 2025 - March 17, 2025  (Confirmed date for others to join (single travellers welcome))

June 24, 2025 - June 28, 2025  (Confirmed date for others to join (single travellers welcome))

Pricing

2024
Single traveller with transfers from Marrakech		 £455 $575 €550
Includes private Marrakech transfers and a single room in the riad.
2024
Sharing (2+ people travelling together) with transfers from Marrakech		 £410 $520 €495
Includes Marrakech transfers and twin/double rooms in the riad.
2025
Single traveller with transfers from Marrakech		 £515 $650 €620
Includes private Marrakech transfers and a single room in the riad.
2025
Sharing (2+ people travelling together) with transfers from Marrakech		 £440 $555 €530
Includes Marrakech transfers and twin/double rooms in the riad.
2025
Single traveller with transfer from Essaouira		 £440 $555 €530
Includes private Essaouira transfers and a single room in the riad.
2025
Sharing (2+ people travelling together) with transfers from Essaouira		 £400 $510 €485
Includes Essaouira transfers and twin/double rooms in the riad.
Included 4 nights accommodation in shared rooms, specified airport transfers, 3 days riding, meals on the trail and drinking water.
Not included Flights, meals in Essaouira before and after the trail, drinks other than water, sleeping bag, insurance, tips and personal expenses.

Extras

2025 - Single Supplement £50 $63 €60
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement for two nights in riads (only payable by riders who are sharing transfers with others)
2024 - Single Supplement £46 $58 €55
Paid to Far and Ride
Single supplement for two nights in riads (only payable by riders who are sharing transfers with others)
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.