Morocco Trails — World On Horseback (2024)

(Morocco)

• 

  The Loop of Argana

  4 nights / 3 days riding

  From €480

• 

  The Loop of Iftane ****

  5 nights / 4 days of riding

  From €615

• 

  Cavalcade in Essaouira's Heart

  6 nights/ 5 days riding

  From €760

• 

  The Knights of Essaouira

  7 nights / 6 days riding

  From €870

Information Concerning all Rides in MOROCCO

• All the horses are Barb-Arab stallions. They are gentle boys but they have more energy than mares and geldings. They are well trained, fit and forward going. They are usually 1.5-1.65 m in height (small horses).

  Helmets are provided upon request.

  Weight of the riders limited to ~ 85 kg

• During the trails, all meals are prepared by a cook, who can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets if informed at the time of booking.

  The law in Essaouira is very strict regarding overnight camping. A camp authorization must be obtained for each trail, requiring the first and last names (as written on the passport), nationality, and passport number of all participants to be provided to the authorities 16 days before departure. For this reason, bookings are closed 18 days prior to each trail, and last-minute bookings cannot be accepted.

  For nights in camp, each participant is required to bring a sleeping bag, an electric lamp/torch, a towel, sweatpants, a fleece for the night, and their riding trousers and shoes. Helmets and saddle bags are provided.

  Foam mattresses are supplied, and participants may choose to sleep either together in a large tent (4m x 4m) or separately in igloo tents (1-2 persons).

  During the trail, bags and equipment are transported by truck, so there are no weight or size limitations.

• The nearest international airport is Essaouira but it is not always easy to find flights there. Depending on where you depart from, you can book a flight to Essaouira or to Marrakech (2 hours 45 mins) which offers affordable options.

  -Direct flights to Marrakech are available from London (Ryanair), Paris (Transavia), Brussels (Ryanair), Weeze (Ryanair), Bordeaux (Easyjet), Marseille (Ryanair), Madrid (Ryanair)

  -Direct flights to Essaouira are available from Paris (Transavia), Bordeaux (EasyJet), Marseille (Ryanair) and Brussels (Ryanair)

The Loop of Argana

This affordable 4-night adventure, suitable for riders of all levels, includes three days of riding, with two nights camping and two nights in a guesthouse. The trail offers a balanced experience, with half the time spent inland and half along the Atlantic Coast, allowing you to explore diverse landscapes. Highlights include cantering on the beach and visiting a women's argan oil cooperative. Ideal for a long weekend, this tour lets you discover much of the Essaouira region in just three days and can be organized year-round. A guesthouse-only option is also available.

• 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

  Meeting at 9.30 am at the riad and transfer to the stables (15 min). First contact with the staff and horses in Diabat. Departure. You will first ride along a river or oued to reach the village of El Ghazoua that we will cross. Then you will travel through the Moroccan countryside passing on small paths and crossing argan tree forests on your way. Lunch is prepared by our cook and served in a field. After some rest, you will go back in the saddle and take the direction Argana where is located our first camp. You will cross several traditional Berber villages. Visit of a women's cooperative of argan oil and tasting of local products (oil, honey and amlou). You will spend the night under the oldest and largest argan tree of the area. Night in tent.

  DAY 3

  Through the countryside, you will continue the trail across small Berber villages, valleys and fields. The ground is full of beautiful colors in this area. You will have lunch near a place called "The Source" where the horses can drink. The afternoon will show you other Berber villages but the ground is now changing and becomes more sandy as you have taken the direction of the ocean and cascades of Sidi Embark. The view of the sea between the dunes is magnificent. You will then arrive on the beach and enjoy galloping. The views will mix cliffs and beaches and you will finally arrive in late afternoon at the camp located in Sidi Kaouki. Night in tent.

  DAY 4

  After a generous breakfast taken in front of the ocean, you will go back in the saddle and ride along the beach towards Essaouira. In the second part of Sidi Kaouki, you will see the Marabout. You will then cross huge sand dunes that are unique to the region, enjoying at the same time some gallops. You will cross a small fishing village and then take the direction of a small Berber village on a cliff facing the Atlantic. After a picnic in a small creek where you can swim, you will go towards the lighthouse of Cap Sim. Then, you will take a small sandy path and go down the dunes. You will have the feeling to be in the desert but the sea is just behind them. You will see some very small fishing villages on the beach side. After some gallops on the beach, you will enter in the forest of eucalyptus and mimosas located between the beach and Diabat and see the ruins of the former palace of the Sultan. Arrival at the stables in late afternoon. Transfer to Essaouira and night in the riad. Diner not included.

  DAY 5

  Meeting at the riad and transfer to Essaouira (20 min) or Marrakesh (2h45) airport.

• CONFIRMED DEPARTURES:

  • Oct 22 to Oct 26, 2024

  • Nov 3 to Nov 7, 2024

  • Nov. 14 - Nov. 18, 2024

  • Dec 10 - Dec 14, 2024

  • March 13 to March 17, 2025

  Other dates are also available on request for 2+ riders, please enquire for availability!

• 2024 PRICES:

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €480

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €565

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €435

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €475

  2025 PRICES:

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €530

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €620

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €485

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €530

  • Price per extra night in Essaouira: €45 for a single room and €60 for a twin/double room.

  Included:

  4 nights accommodation in shared rooms, specified airport transfers, 3 days riding, meals on the trail and drinking water.

  Not included:

  Flights, meals in Essaouira before and after the trail, drinks other than water, sleeping bag, insurance, tips and personal expenses.

• First and last nights are spent in a riad in Essaouira (single, double or tin bedrooms). The other nights will be in simple camps with tents and sleeping mattresses.

  Level required: All levels are welcome but we will try our best to group you with riders of similar level.

  During the trails, all meals are prepared by a cook, who can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets if informed at the time of booking.

  The law in Essaouira is very strict regarding overnight camping. A camp authorization must be obtained for each trail, requiring the first and last names (as written on the passport), nationality, and passport number of all participants to be provided to the authorities 16 days before departure. For this reason, bookings are closed 18 days prior to each trail, and last-minute bookings cannot be accepted.

  For nights in camp, each participant is required to bring a sleeping bag, an electric lamp/torch, a towel, sweatpants, a fleece for the night, and their riding trousers and shoes. Helmets and saddle bags are provided.

  Foam mattresses are supplied, and participants may choose to sleep either together in a large tent (4m x 4m) or separately in igloo tents (1-2 persons).

  During the trail, bags and equipment are transported by truck, so there are no weight or size limitations.

  Helmets are provided upon request.

  Weight of the riders limited to ~ 85 kg

The LOOP OF IfTANE

This 5-night,4-day horse riding holiday offers a well-balanced exploration of Essaouira's hinterland and Atlantic Coast, including traditional Berber villages, cliffs, dunes, cascades, and beaches. Highlights include witnessing the sunset in Ifthane, visiting a women's argan oil cooperative, and cantering on the beach. The spectacular views and serene landscapes make this an unforgettable mini-break. The trail can be organized year-round.

• 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

  Meeting at 9.30 am at the riad and transfer to the stables (15 min). First contact with the staff and horses in Diabat. Departure. You will first ride along a river or oued to reach the village of El Ghazoua that we will cross. Then you will travel through the Moroccan countryside passing on small paths and crossing argan tree forests on your way. Lunch is prepared by our cook and served in a field. After some rest, you will go back in the saddle and take the direction Argana where is located our first camp. You will cross several traditional Berber villages. Visit of a women's cooperative of argan oil and tasting of local products (oil, honey and amlou). You will spend the night under the oldest and largest argan tree of the area. Night in tent.

  DAY 3

  In the morning, you 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, you will join “the source” where you will lunch with the team. After lunch, you will ride on small paths surrounded by fields and cultivations. In the late afternoon, you will appreciate an extraordinary panorama with a unspoilable view on the sea. You will arrive at the small fishing village of Iftane. After a gallop on the beach (small deserted creek), you will go up on the cliff dominating the sea where our camp is based.

  DAY 4

  In the morning, we will cross fields and small villages located in all along the sea or ride along cliffs dominating the sea if the day is not too windy. We will take the direction of the cascades of Sidi Embark where we will lunch. The cascades flow directly into the sea. After lunch (2h break and time for swimming), you will take the direction of Sidi Kaouki by the beaches and cliffs and enjoy some gallops. Arrival at the camp based in Sidi Kaouki in midafternoon. You will have some time to swim before the dinner. Night in tent.

  DAY 5

  After a generous breakfast taken in front of the ocean, you will go back in the saddle and ride along the beach towards Essaouira. In the second part of Sidi Kaouki, you will see the Marabout. You will then cross huge sand dunes that are unique to the region, enjoying at the same time some gallops. You will cross a small fishing village and then take the direction of a small Berber village on a cliff facing the Atlantic. After a picnic in a small creek where you can swim, you will go towards the lighthouse of Cap Sim. Then, you will take a small sandy path and go down the dunes. You will have the feeling to be in the desert but the sea is just behind them. You will see some very small fishing villages on the beach side. After some gallops on the beach, you will enter in the forest of eucalyptus and mimosas located between the beach and Diabat and see the ruins of the former palace of the Sultan. Arrival at the stables in late afternoon. Transfer to Essaouira and night in the riad. Diner not included.

  DAY 6

  Meeting at the riad and transfer to Essaouira (20 min) or Marrakesh (2h45) airport.

• 2024 PRICES:

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €615

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €700

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €570

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €610

  2025 PRICES:

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €680

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €770

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €635

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €680

  • Price per extra night in Essaouira: €45 for a single room and €60 for a twin/double room.

  Included:

  5 nights accommodation in shared rooms/tents, 4 days of riding, meals on the trail, drinking water, airport transfers.

  Not included:

  Flights, meals in Essaouira before and after the trail, drinks other than water, sleeping bag, insurance, tips and personal expenses.

• Confirmed departures:

  • Dec 16 - Dec 21, 2024 (World on Horseback Discovery Ride)

  • Dec. 22 - Dec. 27, 2024

  • Dec. 28, 2024 - Jan. 2, 2025

  • April 14 - April 19, 2025

  Other dates are also available on request for 2+ riders, please enquire for availability!

• First and last nights are spent in a riad in Essaouira (single, double or tin bedrooms). The other nights will be in simple camps with tents and sleeping mattresses.

  Level required: Intermediate to experienced riders only. You must be comfortable riding outdoors in a group at all pace and have an independent seat.

  During the trails, all meals are prepared by a cook, who can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets if informed at the time of booking.

  The law in Essaouira is very strict regarding overnight camping. A camp authorization must be obtained for each trail, requiring the first and last names (as written on the passport), nationality, and passport number of all participants to be provided to the authorities 16 days before departure. For this reason, bookings are closed 18 days prior to each trail, and last-minute bookings cannot be accepted.

  For nights in camp, each participant is required to bring a sleeping bag, an electric lamp/torch, a towel, sweatpants, a fleece for the night, and their riding trousers and shoes. Helmets and saddle bags are provided.

  Foam mattresses are supplied, and participants may choose to sleep either together in a large tent (4m x 4m) or separately in igloo tents (1-2 persons).

  During the trail, bags and equipment are transported by truck, so there are no weight or size limitations.

Cavalcade in the heart of Essaouira

This 6-night, 5-day horse riding holiday in Morocco takes you through diverse landscapes, including argan tree forests, Berber villages, gorges, valleys, and small mountains, eventually reaching the wide beaches and cliffs of the Atlantic coast. You'll pass the Zerrar dam, explore cedar-covered hills, and ride across dunes and deserted beaches. This trail offers a complete discovery of the Essaouira region, with different landscapes to experience every day, and can be organized year-round.

• 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) surrounded 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. We will take the direction of the cascades of Sidi Embark. The latter flow into the sea. The, 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. Night in tent.

  DAY 6

  After breakfast in front of the sea, return towards Diabat while going along the beaches. We will pass in front of the small lighthouse of the Cap Sim. After having left the beaches, we will cross the dunes and a forest of eucalyptus and mimosas. Arrival in Diabat in the late afternoon while passing by the ruins of the palace of the Sultan. Transfer to the riad in Essaouira. Diner not included, night in riad.

  DAY 7

  Meeting at the riad and transfer to Essaouira (20 min) or Marrakesh (2h45) airport.

• 2024 PRICES:

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €760

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €845

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €715

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €755

  2025 PRICES:

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €830

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €920

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €785

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €830

  • Price per extra night in Essaouira: €45 for a single room and €60 for a twin/double room.

  Included:

  6 nights accommodation in shared rooms/tents, 5 days of riding, meals on the trail, drinking water, airport transfers.

  Not included:

  Flights, meals in Essaouira before and after the trail, drinks other than water, sleeping bag, insurance, tips and personal expenses.

• Confirmed departures:

  • Oct 5- Oct 11, 2024

  • Oct 12- Oct 18, 2O24

  • Oct 27- Nov 2, 2024

  • March 17- March 23, 2025

  Other dates are also available on request for 2+ riders, please enquire for availability!

• First and last nights are spent in a riad in Essaouira (single, double or tin bedrooms). The other nights will be in simple camps with tents and sleeping mattresses.

  Level required: Intermediate to experienced riders only. You must be comfortable riding outdoors in a group at all pace and have an independent seat.

  During the trails, all meals are prepared by a cook, who can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets if informed at the time of booking.

  The law in Essaouira is very strict regarding overnight camping. A camp authorization must be obtained for each trail, requiring the first and last names (as written on the passport), nationality, and passport number of all participants to be provided to the authorities 16 days before departure. For this reason, bookings are closed 18 days prior to each trail, and last-minute bookings cannot be accepted.

  For nights in camp, each participant is required to bring a sleeping bag, an electric lamp/torch, a towel, sweatpants, a fleece for the night, and their riding trousers and shoes. Helmets and saddle bags are provided.

  Foam mattresses are supplied, and participants may choose to sleep either together in a large tent (4m x 4m) or separately in igloo tents (1-2 persons).

  During the trail, bags and equipment are transported by truck, so there are no weight or size limitations.

The Knights of Essaouira

This 7 nights, 6-day circular horse riding holiday in Morocco takes you through diverse landscapes, including argan forests, gorges, valleys, and fields, before reaching the beaches and cliffs of the Atlantic coast. You'll pass through traditional Berber villages, experience local rural life, and camp in remote, scenic spots. The trail offers stunning panoramas, from the Zerrar dam and its lake to wild beaches and small fishing villages. It's a complete exploration of the Essaouira region, with varied landscapes every day, and can be enjoyed year-round.

• 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. Night in tent.

  DAY 7

  After breakfast in front of the sea, return towards Diabat while going along the beaches. We will pass in front of the small lighthouse of the Cap Sim. After having left the beaches, we will cross the dunes and a forest of eucalyptus and mimosas. Arrival in Diabat in the late afternoon while passing by the ruins of the palace of the Sultan. Transfer to the riad in Essaouira. Diner not included, night in riad.

  DAY 8

  Meeting at the riad and transfer to Essaouira (20 min) or Marrakesh (2h45) airport.

• 2024 PRICES:

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €870

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €955

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €825

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €865

  2025 PRICES:

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €950

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €1040

  • Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €905

  • Price for a single person with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €950

  • Price per extra night in Essaouira: €45 for a single room and €60 for a twin/double room.

  Included:

  7 nights accommodation in shared rooms/tents, 6 days of riding, meals on the trail, drinking water, airport transfers.

  Not included:

  Flights, meals in Essaouira before and after the trail, drinks other than water, sleeping bag, insurance, tips and personal expenses.

• Confirmed departures:

  • Sept 22 - Sept 29, 2024

  • April 5 - April 12, 2025

  Other dates are also available on request for 2+ riders, please enquire for availability!

• First and last nights are spent in a riad in Essaouira (single, double or tin bedrooms). The other nights will be in simple camps with tents and sleeping mattresses.

  Level required: Intermediate to experienced riders only. You must be comfortable riding outdoors in a group at all pace and have an independent seat.

  During the trails, all meals are prepared by a cook, who can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets if informed at the time of booking.

  The law in Essaouira is very strict regarding overnight camping. A camp authorization must be obtained for each trail, requiring the first and last names (as written on the passport), nationality, and passport number of all participants to be provided to the authorities 16 days before departure. For this reason, bookings are closed 18 days prior to each trail, and last-minute bookings cannot be accepted.

  For nights in camp, each participant is required to bring a sleeping bag, an electric lamp/torch, a towel, sweatpants, a fleece for the night, and their riding trousers and shoes. Helmets and saddle bags are provided.

  Foam mattresses are supplied, and participants may choose to sleep either together in a large tent (4m x 4m) or separately in igloo tents (1-2 persons).

  During the trail, bags and equipment are transported by truck, so there are no weight or size limitations.