The Argan Trek
On horse back among the largest extension of Argan trees
760 per person € 860 per person
8 days 7 nights
Saturday 1 June 2024: Available
Saturday 19 October 2024: Available
Saturday 23 November 2024: Available
During these eight days in Essaouira, of which you are on horseback, you will delve into the hinterland of the Essaouira region. You will cross the largest area of Argan and cedar forest. Trees that have created the area's reputation for craftsmanship, thanks to inlays and oil with multiple properties.
You will have the opportunity to visit a cooperative of women who produce Argan oil, observe the processing that is still carried out by hand, and taste the edible oil which has excellent health properties.
You will visit the local souk (market), the old sugar factories, you will pass by the largest Argan tree in the region.
Do not forget the wonderful canyons that you will cross along the Ksob river, which with its branches provides nourishment to local crops and the many wild palm trees.
You will have the opportunity to meet many camels in semi-freedom along the way, grazing cows, goats and sheep with shepherds, donkeys and mules working the fields.
The friendliness of the locals is a strong point of this horse trekking, stopping for a cup of tea at the home of someone you meet and eating homemade, improvised bread. These are activities on the agenda, which are part of the wonderful unexpected events that this route offers.
You will cross the great dunes of Cap Sim, the very long beach that connects Sidi Kaouky to the city of Essaouira, where you can gallop in serenity and finally experience the feeling of freedom, running with our faithful Arab Berber steeds.
The circuit starts and finishes at the Ranch de Diabat equestrian center in Essaouira.
Program
Day 2-6: Horse trekking to discover the Essaouira region with 5 hours a day on horseback, during which you will walk, trot and gallop.
After leaving the city of the trade winds towards the beaches and the dunes you will cross the wadis (rivers), agricultural lands, fields of Argan trees to meet unspoiled and wild landscapes. This ride is a succession of hills, gorges carved by the river, where the water allows the presence of olive trees and oleanders. During the horse trekking you will have the opportunity to visit the ruins dating back to the Portuguese era, an Argan oil cooperative held by Berber women, and ancient villages built in stone. At the end of each day you will find yourself privileged in the heart of a nomadic bivouac.
The bivouac is established sheltered from the wind, where you can enjoy a typical Moroccan meal before spending the night under the Berber tent. Dinner and overnight in the bivouac.
Day 7: Last day dedicated to the discovery of the coast: the dunes, fishing villages and some cliffs and headlands to go around.
Lunch at the Ranch and free afternoon dedicated to shopping in the Medina of Essaouira or to a relaxing massage in a hammam (Turkish bath, massages and other treatments are at your expense). Dinner and overnight at the hotel in the city of Essaouira.
Day 8: Transfer to Marrakech or Essaouira airport.
Get ready
- Maximum weight allowed 90kg (the organization reserves the right not to admit to the trek who does not declare the real weight, if this exceeds the limit, and no refund will be allowed. The health of the horses takes priority)
- Please book a flight that arrives at Marrakech airport until 2pm on the day of arrival so that other participants do not have to wait too long. If your flight arrives after 2pm, you will be charged a small fee for extra transportation to Essaouira, carried out by bus instead of taxi. If the bus times are not compatible, you can take advantage of a private taxi for €80 to be shared with those arriving late.
- For departure, please book a flight from Marrakech that leaves from 10 am onwards, for those who must fly earlier, they can take advantage of a private taxi for €80 to share with those who leave early. From the flight departure time, count 6 hours in advance, of which 3 for the road from Essaouira to Marrakech and 3 to be at the airport on time.
Travel insurance required
To book the trek, travel insurance is required to cover cancellation before the trip, illness and covid included
And an insurance that covers during the trip for any illnesses or accidents.
Our clients recommend Mondial Assitance (Allianz Partners) or Nomad Insurance or Amex insurance.
The Ranch De Diabat is equipped with its own insurance, nevertheless each customer is obliged to have his own personal.
- Equestrian Level: In order to participate in our treks, you must be comfortable in the three gaits and have the habit of being outdoors. It would be better if you had already done a full day on horseback, if you wish, it is possible to come to us a few days before the trek to benefit from lessons and to know your level., The different equestrian levels will be managed with more guides in order to guarantee the fun for every rider both beginner and with a good equestrian level.
- Accommodation for the first and last night is in the hotel. In case of single travellers: if we do not find the second person for a double room, we have to ask for a supplement for a single room.
- The accommodation during the trek will be in collective tents for 6 people, or if you wish, in a 2-person igloo tent.
- Your bivouac is equipped with a warm water shower.
- Meals : your meals are prepared by our chef, who will make you discover the richness of Moroccan cuisine. The menu takes into account participants' special diets or food allergies, which will all be communicated in the registration form.
- 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.
The perfect suitcase
- Soft and non-rigid suitcase
- Take t-shirts, cotton clothes, long sleeve shirt against the sun, fleece against the wind, two / three riding pants, waterproof poncho
- Hiking boots or shoes, gaiters or leggings, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Don't forget your sleeping bag, night light, tissues, underwear and medication to prevent intestinal infections.
- Each horse is equipped with a trekking saddle and bags that will allow you to carry your lunch and the personal effects necessary for your day on horseback. Sensitive people are advised to wear sheepskin as protection over the saddle, which is readily available in horse riding shops in Morocco and abroad.
- Don't forget the water bottle.
- Regarding the charging of your mobile phones and cameras, we recommend that you have a good Power Bank with a lot of battery, because electric charging via the truck will not be available every day.
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