The Pearl of Essaouira

As a single woman traveling in Morocco, I felt incredibly safe and well taken care of by everyone I encountered. The Moroccan people were genuine, loving, and caring, always going above and beyond with their hospitality. Staying in Tanger, Essaouira, and Marrakesh was an absolute delight, and I was touched by the warmth and kindness of everyone I met. Riding through the stunning landscapes of Essaouira was an unforgettable experience! Erika was amazing at handling all the arrangements and my special requests, making me feel safe and well taken care of from the moment we started planning to the journey's end. She ensured everything was seamless, from getting to the site to sharing what to expect along the way. Mohamad was the perfect guide—he prioritized everyone's safety, cared for the horses with such genuine love, and knew exactly how to handle both the expected and the unexpected. Mustafa, the assistant guide, was fantastic too. He made sure everyone’s needs were met, captured amazing photos, and brought so much fun to the trek, always ready to lend a hand whenever it was needed. The behind-the-scenes team was just as incredible, preparing delicious meals, and ensuring the bedding, horses, and accommodations were all top-notch. The ranch itself was beautifully maintained, with excellent care for their horses and facilities that continued grow and evolve. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime dream come true—riding Arabian horses through the Moroccan desert, staying in Berber tents, and galloping along the ocean shore. The entire experience was perfect. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, from the accommodations in the historic city of Essaouira to the return to the city with beautiful accommodations at the end of the ride. I also want to thank Maria Thompson of Horse Tours Club. She worked wonders at the last minute, finding just the right tour for me despite the limited time and availability. Maria made sure everything was taken care of before, during, and after the tour. She exceeded all my expectations, and I’d absolutely work with her again for future horseback adventures. My gratitude for Erika, the crew, and Maria at Horse Tours Club is beyond words. It was a seamless experience that met, and even exceeded, all of my expectations. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough! Mahalo Gayle

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.

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.