Horseback Riding Experience in the Heart of Essaouira, Morocco

5 Days, Multiple Departures

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Horseback Riding Experience in the Heart of Essaouira, Morocco
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind

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A trail ride in Morocco, suitable for slightly advanced and experienced riders, offers an exhilarating and diverse horseback riding experience, perfect for those seeking adventure and a deeper connection with Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes. This very varied horse riding tour takes you through different terrains, showcasing the rich contrast between the mountain hinterlands and the serene Atlantic coast. Riders will have the chance to experience it all—from rugged terrain to tranquil beachside views, making it an unforgettable journey. Available year-round for a minimum of 2 participants, the tour is designed to take advantage of Morocco’s temperate climate, which remains particularly pleasant even during the summer months, offering ideal conditions for riding and exploration.

The horses chosen for this journey are robust, endurance-rich Berber steeds, known for their legendary balance, stamina, and gentle nature, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride through varied landscapes. As you travel, you’ll uncover the hidden beauty of Morocco's diverse scenery, including a visit to the stunning Sidi Embark Waterfalls, a peaceful natural wonder nestled in the heart of the country. The tour offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of opportunities to discover Morocco's captivating hinterland as well as the unspoiled beauty of its Atlantic beaches. From May to September, you’ll also have the extraordinary chance to swim in the sea with the horses, an activity that will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the journey.

Imagine riding alongside your horse through the crystal-clear waters, with the beach stretching out before you—a perfect blend of nature and adventure. The quality of the bivouacs (camping arrangements) ensures a comfortable and memorable stay. Each camp is equipped with high-performance facilities, including a food tent where you’ll enjoy hearty meals, a shower tent with hot water for refreshment, and a toilet tent for your convenience. For the nights, you can choose your preferred sleeping arrangement. Opt for the shared experience of staying together in a large, traditional Moroccan tent, set up by the team, or enjoy some privacy in small igloo tents designed for 1-2 people. These tents are easy to set up each night, offering a peaceful, intimate environment for rest after a long day of riding. Don’t hesitate to ask the camp team if you’d prefer a smaller tent for a more private experience. This tour offers a perfect combination of riding, nature, culture, and comfort, with well-chosen accommodations and the opportunity to explore Morocco’s stunning countryside and coastline in a way that few others get to experience. Whether you seek a thrilling adventure or a relaxing escape into nature, this horseback riding tour promises a journey full of memorable moments.

About

Food

Accommodation

Helmets are provided

Airfare

Ground transportation

Recommended personal equipment

1 big and strong luggage.

A warm sleeping bag, 4-5 T-shirts, a long-sleeved shirt to avoid sunburn, 1 or 2 warm layers for the evening, waterproof jacket, light cotton trousers, swimming costume, hat and sunglasses, scarf or shawl, casual shoes/sandals (to wear when you’re not in the saddle), toiletries, first aid kit, torch with spare batteries, 1 liter flask for drinking water (preferably thermos), toilet paper and lighter for its elimination. For your comfort, please ensure that your towel is not too thick so it will dry quickly.

Jodhpurs or tracksuit bottoms elasticated under the feet. We do not recommend that participants wear jeans. Trainers/Sneakers to wear whilst you are in the saddle avoid bulky styles because of the stirrups!

From November until mid-March, some rain is possible. It is thus recommender to bring waterproof clothing.

Provide some pocket money in dirhams for your personal expenses (tips, souvenirs, craft in the argan oil cooperative).

For the night in camp:
- take your sleeping bag
- a camp authorization from the authorities is required and imposes us to close the bookings 2 weeks before departure.

"Very docile and well-groomed hair. Very good quality equipment. Professional and very friendly guide. A driver came to pick us up and took us back to the hotel. We felt that the horses are very well cared for and happy. It was a fabulous experience!"

- Eloise K, Sept 2022

"My partner and I left for a 3-day bivouac. It was an incredible experience both in terms of discovering Morocco on horseback and on a human level. Three days of total disconnection. The horses were all very nice and in good condition, the food delicious and a supervising team at the top. The cook is excellent and our guide Abdu is great. He shared with us his love of horses and his country. It was total immersion. I advise and recommend."

- Nathalie C, Sept 2022

"2-hour morning walk for two. The climate was perfect, the route varied and the guide (Mohamed) was super friendly and respectful of the horses. They are in good hands. To do again!"

- Najiba T, Jan 2023

Gallery
About The Host
Sophie and Najib

Sophie and Najib

Sophie

She discovered Morocco on horseback and has never left it since! She practiced horse riding at club level for 15 years and then started to discover the world on horseback. She has also led many horse rides along the bridle paths of France. She ensures coordination and logistics, takes on the role of Webmaster, and accompanies some trials. She will be able to inform you about the camps, the trails, the team, and the horses (their character, what you need to know when riding a stallion …). She manages all booking requests and will help you to organize your stay with us.


Najib

Najib was born and grew up in a small village on the outskirts of Essaouira and has an unrivaled knowledge of the area. His training and passion for horses began at the age of 14 when he began working for the French society, UCPA. During this 4year period, he gained experience leading many horse riding holidays. He then furthered upon this experience by working at The Palmeraie horse riding center in Marrakech for 3 years. It was there where he gained his professional qualifications. He then decided to return to his home town where he now organizes horse rides and trails around the local area. With his calm and gentle nature, he will astonish you with his professionalism and local knowledge which he will impart to you through the course of your activity.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at the airport in Essaouira or Marrakech and transfer to Essaouira (20 minutes or 3 hours drive). Check-in in a small riad in the middle of the old town. Depending on your arrival time, you now have the opportunity to explore the town on your own and have something to eat for dinner. Dinner is not included, but there is something for every taste at the numerous street stalls or in the restaurants. Overnight stay in the riad.

Day 2

The ride starts from Diabat in the early morning, after you have met the team and of course the horses. You ride along a river, the Wadi Ksob, with many plants on its banks, to the village of El Ghazoua. After this village you reach the largest argan forest in the region, which stretches from Essaouira to Agadir. Picnic with various grilled dishes on the banks of the wadi in the shade of the argan trees. After a breather, you get back in the saddle and ride from the forest to a mountain. Now you head towards Ida Ougourd. The bivouac is in the shade of the argan trees just before this village. Overnight in a tent.

Day 3

In the morning, you will cross a small village and ride along wide paths lined with argan trees and fields. Depending on the season, you can witness the field work that is still carried out here with donkeys and/or cows. For lunch, you will head to a charming river valley where our team has prepared a delicious meal for you. In the afternoon, you will take the path to Sebt Neknafa over a hill and cross a mountainous region with pretty plateaus to Aïntizeril, where the bivouac is located. Overnight in a tent.

Day 4

Along the wadi that runs through the village where you spent the night, you ride through small Berber villages in the valleys. Here you will meet many children who are coming home from school and going home for dinner. You still have to climb a small mountain, then you can see the sea from afar. In the afternoon you go back down the other side of the mountain towards Argana, where the bivouac is located. Mountain landscapes and rural areas alternate. In the evening you will discover the largest and oldest argan tree in the Essaouira region, in whose shade your tent is located.

Day 5

In the morning, you will pass through a small Berber village and various plateaus in the surrounding mountains along the sea. After descending to the center of a small valley, you will go to the "source" where our team will be waiting for you with lunch. In the afternoon, you will ride on small paths through the fields to the natural waterfalls of Sidi Embark, which flow directly into the sea. Explore the pretty, secluded beaches and the sand dunes, where you can gallop very well. You will pass through a small, picturesque fishing village. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the bivouac, which is located on one of the beaches of the village of Sidi Kaouki. Overnight in a tent.

Location
Things to keep in mind

If you have to cancel your booking, Activ Retreats will keep a part of the amounts already paid as follows:

– more than 30 days before departure: 30% of the total amount will be kept

– 30-21 days before departure: 50% of the total amount will be kept

– 20-10 days before departure: 75% of the total amount will be kept

– 9 days before departure up to the departure day: 100% of the total amount will be kept

Not being present at the meeting time or place will be considered a cancellation. In this case, 100% of the total amount will be kept.

If you abort or stop a trail for any reason, you will not be refunded.

Price:

Our prices are VAT included.

This price includes:

– Your return transfers from/to your arrival airport (Marrakesh / Marrakech, Agadir or Essaouira) / Essaouira and 2 nights in a riad in the medina of Essaouira (meals not included except breakfasts).

– A horse trail/hike with full board and bottles of water, the provision of the equipment for the camps, the assistance of a guide during the trails and a driver who will transport all personal equipment and material and the presence of a cook throughout the circuit. The rental of a horse or a camel and all related equipment (saddle, bridle, saddlebags, helmet).

Booking:

The booking is confirmed after receipt of a non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total amount for your stay, the reminder should be paid at least 3 weeks before departure. For last-minute booking (i.e., one month before departure, we will ask the payment of the total for your stay at the time of booking. We will provide our bank details at this time. The fees related to the bank transfer of money are for the sender (fees to be checked with your bank).

Insurance:

You are liable of your participation in sport activities and you should check before departure whether you are able to participate depending on your physical condition or riding experience. Our prices do not include an insurance with medical assistance and repatriation. You can take an insurance for sport trips in foreign countries from numerous companies in your country before departure from 10 euros so do not hesitate to contact your insurer before departure.

Weight of the riders limited to 85 kg