Essaouira Beach Trail

8 Days | From £1200pp

Morocco ( Best airport: Marrakesh)

Escape the desert heat and discover Morocco’s cooler Atlantic coastline on this summer ride available between May and September. Journey from the golden beaches of Agadir to the seaside town of Essaouira, enjoying long exhilarating gallops along the surf. Away from the ocean, your trail leads inland through ancient Argan forests, rocky plateaus and hidden valleys of remote Berber villages. This ride is perfect for adventurous riders seeking a genuine escape into Morocco’s wild landscapes. It’s not a luxury holiday, accommodation is in basic guesthouses and local riads, but the hospitality is second to none and the riding is fantastic.

The Riding

The Essaouira Coastal Trail offers varied and rewarding riding across Morocco’s Atlantic landscapes. Long stretches of open beach invite fast canters, while quiet inland tracks lead through Argan and Juniper forests, rocky hillsides, and remote Berber villages. The changing terrain keeps each day interesting – from sandy dunes to coastal cliffs and shady woodland paths – offering a genuine sense of adventure and space to really ride. The speed of the ride depends on the terrain, on some occcasstions there have been water pockets on the beaches which has meant the gallops are restricted.

You’ll be paired with a sure-footed Barb or Arab stallion, forward-going yet well-mannered, perfectly suited to the region’s diverse terrain. Riders are expected to help with grooming and tacking up, giving you time to build a real partnership with your horse over the week. Please note that the day-by-day itinerary below is sometimes ridden in reverse.

Level of Riding and Fitness

To participate, riders must be confident and secure at all three gaits – walk, trot, and canter – and comfortable riding in open country. Previous experience with long hours in the saddle is essential, as the program includes five to six hours of riding on several of the days. A good level of physical fitness is needed and riders should be adaptable, ready to embrace the spirit of adventure that comes with travelling on horseback. This trail is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders in good physical condition. The weight limit is 90 kilos.

Guides and Group Size

You will be guided by a Moroccan local from the Sport Travel team whose local knowledge is second to none. All guides speak Arabic, French and English fluently and are friendly and enthusiastic horsemen and women, keen to show visitors Morocco at it’s best. An experienced and passionate equestrian support team will meet the group for meals and at overnight stops.

The maximum group size is 10 riders.

Any questions?

The Horses

You’ll be matched with one of the herd of Barb-Arab horses, this breed was created almost a century ago to produce the perfect war horses by crossing fine Purebred Arabians and Barb (Berber) horses. This crossbreeding provides horses perfectly adapted to the mountainous and desert environment of the region, they are strong and robust, with the speed and beauty of Arabian horses. The horses stand at approx. 15hh. In Morocco, most riding horses are stallions as the mares are considered too precious to ride. All the horses used on the trail are owned by your hosts and are well cared for and loved. They live a happy lifestyle, as evidenced by their willing, friendly temperaments and when not on the trail, they live as nature intended in a large herd.

Tack and Riding Equipment

The tack used is English style, with high quality English leather saddles with comfortable suede or sheepskin padding. Leather bridles and saddle bags are provided for participants to carry water and equipment for the day. The rest of your luggage is transferred between overnight stops by vehicle.

Accommodation and Dining

You will spend your first and last night at Les Trois Palmiers in Marrakesh (or similar). You will also spend one night at Riad Maison Du Sud (or similar) in Essaouira. The remaining nights are spent in local riads (small local guesthouses).

Hotel Les Trois Palmiers – Marrakesh
Located in the lively Gueliz neighbourhood, this comfortable city hotel offers rooms with balconies or terraces, a garden, and a pool for relaxing. The restaurant serves both Moroccan and international cuisine, and the Medina’s Old Town is just a short walk away.

Riad Maison du Sud – Essaouira
A beautifully restored 18th-century riad just 300 metres from the beach, featuring bright patios and rooms decorated in traditional Moroccan style with local art and warm colours.

Four nights are spent in small guesthouses, run by local families and full of character. Rooms are shared (twin, double or triple), and bathrooms may be shared too. We recommend bringing a lightweight sleeping bag for extra comfort, as traditional bedding can feel a little coarse after a day in the saddle. Though simple, these stays offer a rare opportunity to experience genuine Moroccan hospitality and everyday life in the countryside — a true highlight of the journey.

All meals are included and feature traditional Moroccan dishes. Lunches are typically light – fresh salads and flatbread – while dinners include hot and cold salads followed by tagine, couscous or flatbread. Drinking water is provided, but please bring a metal water bottle (no plastic). Other drinks can be purchased locally.

Alcohol is not usually available along the trail or in smaller riads. You may wish to bring your own from home or buy from duty-free, as local options are limited and expensive.

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Marrakesh Arrive in Marrakesh and transfer to your hotel, usually Hotel Les Trois Palmiers (or similar). Meet your fellow riders over dinner and get ready for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 Journey to Immesouna & First Ride After breakfast, travel about five hours to Immesouna for lunch. Meet the horses and be matched with your mount before setting off on a gentle two-hour introductory ride through Argan forests, rocky hillsides and small Berber villages. Approx. 2 hours in the saddle

Day 3 Immesouna to Tafedna Tack up for a full day’s ride through Argan forests, along beaches and across Berber farmland. Pass friendly locals and herdsmen before reaching Tafedna Beach, where you can wade into the surf with your horse before dinner and overnight near the fishing village. Approx. 6 hours in the saddle

Day 4 Tafedna to Iftane Ride north towards Iftane, following dramatic cliffs and dunes overlooking the Atlantic. Enjoy a picnic lunch with ocean views, then continue along the beaches before arriving at your next overnight stop. End the day with mint tea, dates and stories shared with your riding companions. Approx. 5–6 hours in the saddle

Day 5 Iftane to Sidi Kaouki Follow the clifftops before stopping for a picnic beneath an Argan tree. In the afternoon, cross sand dunes to reach Sidi Kaouki Beach, just in time for a thrilling final gallop along the shore. Approx. 5–6 hours in the saddle

Day 6 Sidi Kaouki to Essaouira Enjoy a final morning ride through Thuyas forests and small villages towards Ghazoua. After lunch, say goodbye to your horse and transfer to Essaouira to explore the medina or relax by the sea. Overnight at Riad Maison du Sud. Approx. 4–5 hours in the saddle

Day 7 Essaouira to Marrakesh Spend the morning wandering Essaouira’s colourful markets before returning to Marrakesh for your final night at Hotel Les Trois Palmiers (or similar). Non-riding day

Day 8 Departure Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final stroll through Marrakesh’s souks before your airport transfer and journey home.