The Knights of Essaouira

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Dinner is not included, night in riad.

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