The Knights of Essaouira Horse Riding Holiday in Morocco

Aug 5 to Aug 10, 2024

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The Knights of Essaouira Horse Riding Holiday in Morocco
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind

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Saddle up for an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes of Morocco with our Knights of Essaouira Horse Riding Holiday. This equestrian adventure offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty as you traverse the scenic routes around Essaouira. With its charming cobblestone streets, ancient ramparts, and vibrant markets, Essaouira is a city steeped in history, making it the perfect starting point for your horse riding expedition.

During this horse riding holiday, you'll have the opportunity to explore the breathtaking coastline, ride through lush forests, and discover hidden gems nestled within the Moroccan countryside. Our experienced guides will lead you on thrilling rides, immersing you in the rich heritage and traditions of the region. Whether you're an experienced rider or a novice, our carefully curated routes cater to all skill levels, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

As you journey through the stunning landscapes of Morocco, you'll also have the chance to connect with fellow adventurers and forge lasting friendships. Share stories around the campfire, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and unwind in comfortable accommodations after a day in the saddle. Join us on the Knights of Essaouira Horse Riding Holiday for an unforgettable equestrian adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

About

On horseback:

Helmets are provided

Airfare

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.

"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

"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

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 Essaouira or Marrakesh airport and transfer to your riad in Essaouira for your overnight stay (20 min or 2h45 drive, respectively). Enjoy dinner (not included) with your fellow riders and discuss the trail ahead. Night in riad.

Day 2

After the breakfast, meeting at 9.30 am in the riad and transfer to Diabat (15 min drive). Meeting with the staff and first contact with the horses. Departure. We will follow a river (Ksob oued) surounded by abundant vegetation and we will take the direction of the village named El Ghazoua that we will cross. We will then reach the largest forest of argan trees of the area which extends from Essaouira to Agadir. Picnic at the bank of a river, in the shade of the argan trees. After some rest, we will continue to cross the forest and go up and down by small mountains, being careful not walk on the turtles!! We will take the direction of Ida Ou Gourd and see some traditional berber houses and fields. After a gallop on the paths, we will arrive to our camp (bivouac) which is located close to the ruins of an old sugar factory made from mud and straw. Diner and night in tent.

Day 3

In the morning, we will cross a small village and we will take broad paths bordered of argan trees and fields. According to the season, we will be able to attend the ploughings, still carried out with donkeys and/or cows. We will arrive towards a charming valley, and take a path to ascent a small mountain. Our lunch will be served up the mountain and we will have a beautiful view on the valley. In the afternoon, we will cross a mountainous area and a splendid plateau with lot of fields and cultures. Direction Neknafa, we will ride along Zerrar dam and its lake surrounded of luxurious flora. Our final stop will be in Aïntizeril where our bivouac is located.

Day 4

Early wake-up because this will be the longest day on horseback of the week! In the morning, we will climb a mountain, passing through a river bed and see a marabout, a small berber village located on the top of a small mountain which is also famous for its marabouts and traditional healers. Then we will walk and gallop along the paths bordered by fields. A short walk will take place to get down the mountain. A last gallop on a path and we will arrive in a little village with a source to make the horses drink during lunch time. In the afternoon, we will alternate gorges, canyons and fields in direction of Argana where our bivouac is. Visit of a feminine argan oil cooperative where we will learn how to produce it and discuss with the women.

Day 5

In the morning, we will cross a small Berber village then a plateau located between small hills, along the coast. After being gone down in the middle of a small valley, we will join “the source” where we will lunch with the team. After lunch, we will spend time in the fields, on paths. In the late afternoon, we will appreciate an extraordinary panorama with a unspoilable view on the sea. We will arrive at the small village of fishermen of Ifthane. We will go on the beach and enjoy walking in the sea with the horses. After a good gallop on the beach (small deserted creek), we will go up on the cliff dominating the sea where our camp is located.

Day 6

In the morning, we will cross fields and small villages located in all along the sea. We will take the direction of the cascades of Sidi Embark where we will lunch. The latter flow into the sea. Possibility to swim (in the falls or the sea). After lunch, we will go along the superb deserted beaches and the immense dunes of sand, where we will appreciate long gallops. We will cross a small village of fishermen. Arrival in the camp in early afternoon, located on one of the beaches of the village of Sidi Kaouki. If the weather is nice, possibility to swim with the horses or alone.

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