Daily itinerary
Day 1
Reception at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) or Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU). Ttransfer to Essaouira. Briefing on the progress of the trek. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Days 2 to 6
Horse trekking to discover the Essaouira region with five hours a day on horseback, during which you will walk, trot, and gallop. After leaving the city of the trade winds towards the beaches and the dunes, you will cross the wadis (rivers), agricultural lands, and fields of Argan trees to meet unspoiled and wild landscapes. This ride is a succession of hills and gorges carved by the river, where the water allows the presence of olive trees and oleanders.
During the horse trekking, you will have the opportunity to visit the ruins dating back to the Portuguese era, an Argan oil cooperative held by Berber women, and ancient villages built in stone. At the end of each day, you will find yourself privileged in the heart of a nomadic bivouac. The bivouac is established and sheltered from the wind, where you can enjoy a typical Moroccan meal before spending the night under the Berber tent. Dinner and overnight in the bivouac.
Day 7
Last day dedicated to the discovery of the coast: the dunes, fishing villages, and some cliffs and headlands to go around. Lunch at the ranch and a free afternoon dedicated to shopping in the Medina of Essaouira or to a relaxing massage in a hammam (Turkish bath, massages, and other treatments are at your expense). Dinner and overnight at the hotel in the city of Essaouira.
Day 8
Transfer to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) or Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU).
About the program
You will cross the largest area of Argan and cedar forest. Trees have created the area's reputation for craftsmanship, thanks to inlays and oil with multiple properties. You will have the opportunity to visit a cooperative of women who produce Argan oil, observe the processing that is still carried out by hand, and taste the edible oil which has excellent health properties. You will visit the local souk (market) and the old sugar factories, you will pass by the largest Argan tree in the region.
Do not forget the wonderful canyons that you will cross along the Ksob River, which with its branches provides nourishment to local crops and the many wild palm trees. You will have the opportunity to meet many camels in semi-freedom along the way, grazing cows, goats, and sheep with shepherds, donkeys, and mules working the fields. The friendliness of the locals is a strong point of this horse trekking, stopping for a cup of tea at the home of someone you meet and eating homemade, improvised bread.
These are activities on the agenda, which are part of the wonderful unexpected events that this route offers. You will cross the great dunes of Cap Sim, the very long beach that connects Sidi Kaouky to the city of Essaouira, where you can gallop in serenity and finally experience the feeling of freedom, running with faithful Arab Berber steeds. The circuit starts and finishes at the Ranch de Diabat equestrian center in Essaouira.
Equestrian level
In order to participate in 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 Ranch de Diabat 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 fun for every rider both beginner and with a good equestrian level.
Maximum weight allowed: 90 kilograms
Ranch de Diabat reserves the right not to admit to the trek who do not declare the real weight if this exceeds the limit. The health of the horses takes priority. 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.