The Pearl of Essaouira

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Basic

Weight limit

90 kg / 198 lb

Experience Morocco in a condensed six-day horseback adventure through Essaouira.

Explore the Ksob river's bends, nurturing crops and palm trees. Traverse natural canyons shaped by seasonal water flow, revealing ever-changing scenery. Venture through a vast Argan tree forest, with an option to visit a women's cooperative showcasing olive oil production.

Witness the transition from the largest Argan tree to cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean. Descend to secluded beaches, gallop along the shore, and witness the sunset. Enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine at the bivouac, skillfully prepared with your preferences and dietary restrictions in mind.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Medina. Traverse Sultan Moulay Ben Abdallah Palace, a UNESCO heritage site and a backdrop for films like “Games of Thrones”.

On the final day, immerse yourself in the Essaouira Medina, indulge in shopping, and allocate time for a relaxing hammam and massage – a perfect conclusion to these exhilarating days on horseback.

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

Try the Authentic Cuisine

Our cook will be able to give you delights and make you taste the typical cuisine of Morocco

Enjoy Diverse Landscape

Every day ride through different landscape, a different terrain

See the Medina of Essaouira

Admire the island of Mogador in the background and the beautiful Medina of Essaouira, a UNESCO heritage site

Route details

Reception at Marrakech or Essaouira airport, transfer to Essaouira.

Briefing on the progress of the trek.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Difficulty

Moderate

Tour provider's comments

In order to participate in our treks, you must be comfortable in the three gaits and have the habit of being outdoors. It would be better if you had already done a full day on horseback, if you wish, it is possible to come to us a few days before the trek to benefit from lessons and to know your level. The different equestrian levels will be managed with more guides in order to guarantee the fun for every rider both beginner and with a good equestrian level.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Tent

3 nights

Hotel

2 nights

The accommodation during the trek will be in collective tents for 6 people, or if you wish, in a 2-person igloo tent.
Your bivouac is equipped with a warm water shower.
Meals : your meals are prepared by our chef, who will make you discover the richness of Moroccan cuisine. The menu takes into account participants' special diets or food allergies, which will all be communicated in the registration form.

Travel recommendations

Group meeting place

Essaouira

Tour conditions

Included

equipped horses rental;
equestrian guides;
helmets;
meals;
accommodation in collective Berber tents and several igloo tents;
transport to and from Essaouira city and airports.

Extras

international flights;
insurance;
alcoholic drinks.

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

6 days

5 nights

It's important to know

The perfect suitcase

Soft and non-rigid suitcase
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.
Each horse is equipped with a trekking saddle and bags that will allow you to carry your lunch and the personal effects necessary for your day on horseback. Sensitive people are advised to wear sheepskin as protection over the saddle, which is readily available in horse riding shops in Morocco and abroad.
Don't forget the water bottle.
Regarding the charging of your mobile phones and cameras, we recommend that you have a good Power Bank with a lot of battery, because electric charging via the truck will not be available every day.

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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