Like learning a new language, riding outdoors begins with listening. To the horse beneath you, to the ground changing under hooves, to your own balance and breath. This journey is designed for that moment — when curiosity is stronger than hesitation, and you are ready to step beyond the arena and into open space.
Across eight days near Essaouira, you build the foundations of equestrian trekking through daily morning and afternoon sessions. Each day starts on the ground: grooming, preparing, understanding your horse before saddling up. Then you ride out into dunes, forests, and along the coast, practicing posture, communication, and control of all three gaits while learning to navigate natural obstacles. Sunset rides bring a different rhythm, slower and more intuitive, while small groups allow focused guidance and steady progress.
You stay in a central medina hotel and return each day from the ranch with time to rest, explore, or simply absorb what you’ve learned. One day is set aside for an alternative outdoor experience, adding contrast to the riding routine. By the end of the week, uncertainty gives way to confidence. If you’ve ever imagined one day setting off on a longer horseback trek, this is where that path begins. Join the journey and take your first real step into riding the open landscapes!
Difficulty
Easy
Comfort
Midscale
Upscale
Weight limit
Group size
3-15 tourists,
over 14 y.o.
over 14 y.o.
Only in the Horse Tours Club
- Local prices – no extra feesBook tours directly from local tour providers
- Verified tour providersAll guides confirm their qualifications
- Reviews from travelersWe monitor the feedback from our travelers after each tour
Erika P. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
In 2006, an enthusiastic horse-riding tourist from Italy came to Morocco to book a horse ride: Erika. Omar, one of the two brothers who ran the ranch, was her riding guide...
This encounter led to a serious relationship and Erika soon left Italy to live and work as a partner on the Ranch in order to realise a shared dream: to propagate trail riding in Morocco throughout the world.
Erika had previously worked in tourism and riding is her great hobby.
At the Ranch, she is the organiser who takes care of the rides. She is very concerned about the welfare of the horses and contributes with many new ideas to ensure that there is always something new at the Ranch.
Tour highlights
Morning Rituals with Your Horse
Grooming, preparing, and saddling each day — learning to read small signals before the ride even begins
Learning Beyond the Arena
Train directly on dunes, forest paths, and beaches, adapting your riding to real outdoor conditions
A Week That Changes How You Ride
By the final days, movements feel natural and the horse responds before you ask
Route details
Day 1
Arrival and Welcome (Saturday)
Arrival at Marrakech or Essaouira airport. A private taxi will be waiting at any time to transfer you to Essaouira.
Accommodation is in a centrally located hotel in the medina, with breakfast included for all 7 nights (from Saturday to Friday).
Lunches and dinners are not included. Restaurant recommendations in Essaouira:
- Fish Burger
- Fresh fish at the port
- Al Adwak
- Mandala Society
- La Clef de Voûte
- Seafood Corner
- Taverna Bolognese
- Ksou Restaurant (rooftop)
- Dar Baba Restaurant
- Mimti
- Triskala
Day 2
Equestrian Tourism Training – Day 1 (Sunday)
Day 3
Equestrian Tourism Training – Day 2 (Monday)
Day 4
Equestrian Tourism Training – Day 3 (Tuesday)
Day 5
Equestrian Tourism Training – Day 4 (Wednesday)
Day 6
Alternative Experience Day (Thursday)
Day 7
Equestrian Tourism Training – Final Day (Friday)
Day 8
Departure (Saturday)
Difficulty
Easy
Minimal physical activity. Suitable for everyone regardless of fitness and age
Accommodation
Comfort
Midscale
Upscale
Hotel
7 nights
7 nights
Hotel
Accommodation in a central hotel in the medina, with breakfast included for all 7 nights (from Saturday to Friday). Lunches and dinners not included.
Tickets to group meeting place
Group meeting place
Essaouira
Calculate tour price with tickets from your city
Partnered with
Weather during the tour
Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
- the forecasts for this season
- the statistics from previous years’ trips
Conditions
Included
- transfer from and to Marrakech or Essaouira airport to the trekking departure point;
- all meals (please check if arrival and departure meals are possible depending on arrival and departure times);
- accommodation in collective Berber tents and various igloo tents;
- rental of horses equipped for trekking;
- equestrian guides;
- riding helmets;
- transport from and to Essaouira city.
Extras
- lunches and dinners;
- international flights;
- insurance;
- alcoholic drinks.
Tip: It is customary at the end of the trip to leave a tip to the staff who took care of you during the experience, which can vary from 7 to 10% of the value of the trip.
It's important to know
Personal equipment you need for the tour
- riding trousers/breeches
- riding shoes/boots
- half-chaps
Everything available at Decathlon or in specialized shops (we can provide indications).
Clothing Respectful of the Host Country
Available Weeks and Ramadan
Passport
Who is this journey for?
Cancellation of booking
Reviews
- KKaoriabout provider21 Feb, 2024
What an amazing experience! The staff was friendly, and it was evident that the horses were well taken care of. Ayoub and Khassim were fantastic; they ensured my safety and paired me with a lovely horse named Rohan. Rohan seemed a bit reserved, often gazing at the barn wall—I wondered if he was shy or simply disliked the sun/heat. Nonetheless, he was incredibly patient with me, sensing my nerves as a beginner, and walked at a gentle pace. My husband, who has more experience, rode Etoille, another beautiful horse! The route to the beach was stunning, passing through lush foliage and past an old, ruined palace. Although the quad bikes trailing behind were a bit bothersome, they remained respectful of the horse riders. Overall, a very pleasant ranch experience. - IIreneabout provider6 Feb, 2024
This ranch has been like family to me for many years, and I trust them with my life. I've known them since childhood but began horse riding treks with them in 2018. Since then, I've made it a point to do at least one trek per year, if not more, and spend most of my summers with them. You can rely on them completely: the treatment of horses and camels is impeccable, with thorough daily checks and care for the quad bikes. The entire ranch team is exceptionally trained for their roles. As for the treks, every option they offer is exceptional, but I recently had the chance to embark on the Sahara trek last week, in early February 2024. Words fail to capture the magnificence of the Moroccan Sahara. When you go with the team, you're assured of well-trained horses for this challenging trek (though prior riding experience is necessary), unforgettable Moroccan cuisine, ample comfort during bivouac nights (spacious tents, excellent showers with new amenities), and perhaps most importantly, a week filled with laughter and camaraderie. I still can't quite believe the incredible experiences I had during that week—the atmosphere was perfect, the horses and people were exceptional, and the Moroccan Sahara was simply breathtaking. - DDianoraabout provider3 Jan, 2024
I embarked on a 4-day trekking adventure (The Pearl of Essaouira), and it was truly incredible. The ranch was warm, tidy, and impeccably maintained. The team was attentive and skilled, readily addressing our needs. Their dedication to their horses was evident—they were all stunning, robust, and well-mannered. We explored stunning locations and rested in breathtaking spots. I'm already looking forward to another tour with them.
Dates and Prices
- Any dates on request during the season2 Jul – 31 Dec
