Equestrian Weekend

Difficulty

Easy

Comfort

Basic

Weight limit

90 kg / 198 lb

Riding horses on the weekend provides an exciting three-day adventure in the unspoiled outdoors, filled with emotions and discoveries. You'll be closely connected with our loyal Arab Berber horses.

This weekend horseback experience is designed for those with limited time but a strong desire to fully immerse themselves in nature and the world of horses. You'll engage in outdoor activities, sleep in Berber camps, and enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine.

We start our journey on Fridays from the Ranch. You'll meet your guide, horse, and fellow travelers. You'll then head inland, crossing small canyons formed by the Ksob River. Afterward, you'll ascend a hill, granting you a breathtaking view of Essaouira's port, Mogador Island, and the natural ocean lagoon.

Following this, you'll travel through Argan forests, pristine beaches, ocean cliffs, and the vast sand dunes of Cap Sim. The mistral lighthouse at Cap Sim will guide your way back.

Desert riding

Erika P. is the provider of this trip

5.0 4 reviews

The provider speaks: English

In 2006, an enthusiastic horse-riding tourist from Italy came to Morocco to book a horse ride on the (then still small) Ranch de Diabat: Erika. Omar, one of the two brothers who ran the ranch, was her riding guide... This encounter led to a serious relationship and Erika soon left Italy to live and work as a partner on the Ranch in order to realise a shared dream: to propagate trail riding in Morocco throughout the world. Erika had previously worked in tourism and riding is her great hobby. At the Ranch, she is the organiser who takes care of the rides. She is very concerned about the welfare of the horses and contributes with many new ideas to ensure that there is always something new at the Ranch.

Tour highlights

Experience the Authentic Culture

Sleep in the Berber tents and enjoy local cuisine

See Essaouira from the Top

A wonderful panoramic view from the hill of the port of Essaouira, the island of Mogador and the natural ocean lagoon

Route details

At the day of arrival meeting your travel companions, the guide as well as the horses at the Ranch at 10 am. Trekking throughout the day, traversing a terrain of small canyons and sand dunes. At lunchtime, you will meet the staff who will serve you lunch, for a refreshing break.

Later in the day, you will cross the Argan forest until you reach the designated campsite, where the tents are already pitched, and spaces for tending to the horses are prepared. The team will warmly welcome you with Moroccan tea and a soothing shower to re-energize. A delicious Moroccan dinner will be served by the bonfire, creating a lively atmosphere for the evening.

Difficulty

Easy

Tour provider's comments

To participate in this excursion it is not necessary to have an equestrian level, even beginners are accepted, but in their case we do not guarantee the possibility of trotting and galloping, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In this case, the different equestrian levels will be managed with more guides in order to guarantee the pleasure of each rider, both beginner and a good equestrian level.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

2 nights

Don't forget your sleeping bag!

Travel recommendations

Group meeting place

Essaouira

Tour conditions

Included

transfer from and to the airport of Marrakech or Essaouira to the starting point of the trek;
all meals (check if the meal on arrival and departure is possible depending on the arrival and departure times);
accommodation in collective Berber tents and several igloo tents;
rental of horses equipped for trekking;
equestrian guides;
cap;
transport to and from Essaouira city.

Extras

international flights;
insurance;
alcoholic drinks;
hammam and massages.

Tip: It is customary at the end of the trip to leave a tip to the staff who took care of you during the experience, which can vary from 7 to 10% of the value of the trip.

Group size

up to 10 tourists

Duration

3 days

2 nights

It's important to know

Take t-shirts, cotton clothes, long sleeve shirt against the sun, fleece against the wind, two / three riding pants, waterproof poncho
Hiking boots or shoes, gaiters or leggings, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
Don't forget your sleeping bag, night light, tissues, underwear and medication to prevent intestinal infections.

Tour reviews

5.0

Based on 4 reviews

K
Kaori

21 Feb, 2024

about provider

What an amazing experience! The staff was friendly, and it was evident that the horses were well taken care of. Ayoub and Khassim were fantastic; they ensured my safety and paired me with a lovely horse named Rohan. Rohan seemed a bit reserved, often gazing at the barn wall—I wondered if he was shy or simply disliked the sun/heat. Nonetheless, he was incredibly patient with me, sensing my nerves as a beginner, and walked at a gentle pace. My husband, who has more experience, rode Etoille, another beautiful horse! The route to the beach was stunning, passing through lush foliage and past an old, ruined palace. Although the quad bikes trailing behind were a bit bothersome, they remained respectful of the horse riders. Overall, a very pleasant ranch experience.

21 Feb, 2024
I
Irene

6 Feb, 2024

about provider

This ranch has been like family to me for many years, and I trust them with my life. I've known them since childhood but began horse riding treks with them in 2018. Since then, I've made it a point to do at least one trek per year, if not more, and spend most of my summers with them. You can rely on them completely: the treatment of horses and camels is impeccable, with thorough daily checks and care for the quad bikes. The entire ranch team is exceptionally trained for their roles. As for the treks, every option they offer is exceptional, but I recently had the chance to embark on the Sahara trek last week, in early February 2024. Words fail to capture the magnificence of the Moroccan Sahara. When you go with the team, you're assured of well-trained horses for this challenging trek (though prior riding experience is necessary), unforgettable Moroccan cuisine, ample comfort during bivouac nights (spacious tents, excellent showers with new amenities), and perhaps most importantly, a week filled with laughter and camaraderie. I still can't quite believe the incredible experiences I had during that week—the atmosphere was perfect, the horses and people were exceptional, and the Moroccan Sahara was simply breathtaking.

6 Feb, 2024
D
Dianora

3 Jan, 2024

about provider

I embarked on a 4-day trekking adventure (The Pearl of Essaouira), and it was truly incredible. The ranch was warm, tidy, and impeccably maintained. The team was attentive and skilled, readily addressing our needs. Their dedication to their horses was evident—they were all stunning, robust, and well-mannered. We explored stunning locations and rested in breathtaking spots. I'm already looking forward to another tour with them.

3 Jan, 2024

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