Day 1: Arrival
Airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel. Dinner at your leisure.
It is possible to arrange arrival from another city in Morocco followed by transfers to Essaouira (supplement).
Meals included: dinner
Day 2: Essaouira – Imsouane – Tissila
Meet at the hotel reception at 8:00 AM. Transfer by minibus to Imssouane (4.5 hours from Marrakech, 1.5 hours from Essaouira). Meet the equestrian team and have lunch, followed by an initial riding session to assess everyone’s skill level. The horseback riding excursion begins, taking you through an argan forest. Argan trees, endemic to Morocco and known for argan oil, will be set up at your first campsite in the hinterland at Tissila.
Accommodation: Bivouac by the sea.
Riding time: 2.5 hours.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Tissila – Timzguida – Tafadna
A long horseback riding journey between land and sea. We’ll ride through argan forests and across numerous typical villages of the Moroccan coast. We’ll ride along the beds of small wadis, sacred to the Berbers. We’ll arrive at Tafadna beach and camp near the fishing village.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Bivouac by the sea.
Riding time: 6 hours
Day 4: Tafadna – Iftane
A long, exhilarating ride along the cliff with only the ocean as a horizon. Descent to the beach and picnic. Horseback ride to the tomb of a marabout (religious leader). Setting up camp on the Iftane cliff overlooking the ocean.
Riding time: 5.5 hours.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Bivouac by the sea.
Day 5: Iftane – Sidi Kaouki
The ride begins on horseback, following narrow paths and scenic trails, alternating between beaches and forests, before leading you into the sand dunes. The trek continues inland through argan groves. Arrival in the late afternoon at Sidi Kaouki beach for a final gallop. Overnight camping on the beach.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Bivouac on the beach.
Horse riding time: 5 hours
Day 6: Sidi Kaouki – Essaouira
You gradually leave the ocean behind, crossing the thuya forest to reach the small town of Ghazoua. Late morning, final care for the horses and lunch. Farewell to the team and head towards Essaouira (30-minute drive). Check into the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon. Dinner at a restaurant in the medina with the guide.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Riding time: 4.5 hours.
Accommodation: Riad in Essaouira.
Day 7: Essaouira or Return to Marrakech
For those returning to Marrakech: free morning to visit Essaouira, its port, and its medina. Lunch in Essaouira or en route. Return transfer to Marrakech (170 km, approximately 2.5 hours drive; additional charge may apply depending on the number of people). Check-in at the hotel and dinner in the city.
For those taking a flight from Essaouira: free day in Essaouira.
Meals included: breakfast.
Accommodation: Riad in Essaouira or Marrakech.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, and depending on your flight schedule, the program will be finalized. You may enjoy a stroll through the medina or free time to relax at your hotel. Transfer to the airport and return flight.
Travel time: 20 minutes (5 km)
Meals included: breakfast
EQUESTRIAN LEVEL AND PHYSICAL FITNESS
Minimum technical requirements:
Perfect mastery of all three gaits outdoors and in open terrain: posting trot, cantering in balance and in a group, maintaining control of the horse (distance, direction) at faster gaits with a light hand. Minimum academic equivalent of Galop 4.
Riders over 90kg and over 1.95m must contact us before registering.
Gaits
The basic pace of this horseback riding trip is the walk. There are good, steady trots and numerous canters each half-day: from a collected canter to free-flowing, but always controlled, gallops when the terrain allows. The endless stretches of hard-packed sand are ideal for good canters. There are some rocky and steep sections (along the wadis) where a walk and good balance are essential.
Please note that all canters are always done in a straight line due to the temperament of the stallions.
Self-reliance and participation are required.
Everyone’s participation is required to groom, saddle, bridle, and unsaddle their horse. Participation is also expected for camp tasks, including setting up and taking down tents. You can also participate in horse care (feeding and watering) if you wish.
Required skill level and experience.
A good level of fitness is required for this horseback riding tour, which presents no particular difficulties. The temperate climate is especially pleasant from June to October. The region is enjoyable year-round, tempered by cold sea currents. Short periods of inclement weather (thunderstorms) may occur.
Experience with multi-day horseback riding is a plus, but not required. Riders who do not ride regularly should definitely get back in the saddle before the ride.
Going out to meet different cultures and mentalities implies an acceptance of these differences… and respect for them.
The best season for this trip?
May to October is the ideal time.
How many people qualify for a better price?
Minimum 2 people, but ideally you should join a group of at least 4-5 people.
