Bourj El Baroud by camel: which ride should you choose in Essaouira?

If you are looking for a camel ride in Essaouira to see the so-called Portuguese Castle, it is important to clarify one point right away: Ranch de Diabat does not offer an excursion dedicated exclusively to the monument.

Bourj El Baroud, listed in the Ranch’s descriptions as the Portuguese Castle, is one of the points of interest visible during the 1-, 2-, and 3-hour dromedary rides. The experience follows a broader itinerary through Diabat, along the banks of the Oued Ksob, across the dunes, along the Atlantic beach, through the mimosa and eucalyptus forest, and with views of Mogador Island.

The duration you choose therefore depends on how much time you have available and how thoroughly you want to explore the area.

Camel tour in Essaouira: which duration should you choose to see Bourj El Baroud?

All options depart from Ranch de Diabat and are also open to those who have never ridden a dromedary. The ride takes place in a caravan accompanied by a guide. On the website, you can also view all the camel excursions in Essaouira offered by the Ranch, including sunset and full-day options.

Bourj El Baroud by dromedary: is it the tour’s main destination?

Not exactly. Bourj El Baroud is one of the historical landmarks visible during the excursion, but it is not the sole destination of the ride.

The value of the experience lies precisely in seeing the ruins within their natural setting: the river mouth, coastal dunes, Atlantic beach, and Mogador Island. Depending on the duration chosen, the itinerary also includes the mimosa and eucalyptus forest, the Sultan’s Palace, and, with the 3-hour option, more distant areas along the coast.

It is therefore more accurate to speak of a dromedary ride around Diabat that includes views of Bourj El Baroud, rather than a visit dedicated exclusively to the monument.

What is Bourj El Baroud, known as Essaouira’s Portuguese Castle?

Bourj El Baroud is a watchtower now in ruins, located on the beach south of the mouth of the Oued Ksob, near Diabat. It is frequently called the “Portuguese Castle” in tourist descriptions and on the Ranch’s activity pages.

Its location between the sand, ocean, and Mogador Island makes it one of the most recognizable features of the coastal landscape south of Essaouira. During camel rides, it is viewed from the beach along with the other historic and natural features of the itinerary.

1-hour camel ride in Essaouira: what can you see?

The one-hour option is intended for those who want to try this experience for the first time without taking on an overly long itinerary. It is particularly suitable for families with children, beginners, and travelers with limited time. 

Starting from the Ranch, the caravan heads toward the banks of the Oued Ksob and the dunes surrounding the Sultan’s Palace. The itinerary continues along the beach, from which Mogador Island and Bourj El Baroud can be seen, before returning through the mimosa and eucalyptus forest.

Although it is the shortest option, it is not simply a stationary ride in front of the Ranch: it allows you to cross several characteristic environments in the Diabat area over the course of an hour.

2-hour camel ride in Diabat: what makes it different?

The itinerary stretches between the banks of the Oued Ksob, the forest, the dunes, and Essaouira’s beach, allowing more time to observe the landscape and enjoy the experience at a relaxed pace. 

The route follows the banks of the Oued Ksob, reaches the Sultan’s Palace, and crosses the mimosa and eucalyptus forest. From there, it continues toward the dunes and the long beach south of Essaouira, with views of Mogador Island and Bourj El Baroud.

It is the most balanced option for those who want to spend more time exploring the nature and historic sites of Diabat without choosing the longest tour. The package is also suitable for beginners, families, and groups.

3-hour camel excursion with tea in Essaouira: why choose it?

The 3-hour camel ride with Moroccan tea is not simply a longer version of the previous packages. It allows you to reach more distant areas and observe a greater variety of landscapes.

After crossing the mimosa and eucalyptus forest, the route reaches larger dunes overlooking the ocean. Continuing along the beach, you can see freshwater springs and huts used seasonally by local fishermen. On the return, the caravan passes in front of Mogador Island and Bourj El Baroud, then follows the Oued Ksob again and reaches the Sultan’s Palace. The package also includes Moroccan tea.

It is the most suitable choice for those who want to spend part of the day exploring the coast rather than limiting themselves to the areas closest to the Ranch.

Can you enter the Portuguese Castle during the camel tour?

The rides offered by Ranch de Diabat do not include a visit inside the ruins.

Bourj El Baroud is viewed from the outside, from the stretches of beach included in the itinerary. The distance and perspective may vary depending on the package selected and the area’s natural conditions.

The experience should therefore be considered a scenic and nature excursion that allows visitors to see the monument in the surrounding landscape, rather than an archaeological visit to the interior spaces.

Camel ride in Diabat and the legend of Jimi Hendrix

A local legend says that the ruins of Diabat inspired Jimi Hendrix when composing “Castles Made of Sand”.

The chronology, however, contradicts this version: the song was released in 1967, before the musician’s stay in Morocco, generally dated to 1969. The connection should therefore be regarded as part of Diabat’s tourist imagery, not as a documented historical fact.

The myth nevertheless remains linked to the atmosphere of the village, the dunes, and the ruins of the Sultan’s Palace and Bourj El Baroud.

Why start from Ranch de Diabat for a dromedary tour in Essaouira?

The Ranch is located in the village of Diabat, approximately 3 km from the center of Essaouira. All rides start directly from the property, with no need for additional transport to the beach or another departure point.

The location makes it possible to combine the following in the same itinerary:

• the banks of the Oued Ksob;
• the Sultan’s Palace;
• the mimosa and eucalyptus forest;
• the dunes;
• the Atlantic beach;
• the view of Bourj El Baroud and Mogador Island.

For those staying in Essaouira, the packages include transport to and from the designated pickup points in the city. Guests who make their own way to Diabat can park at the Ranch.

Is the camel tour in Essaouira suitable for children and beginners?

No previous experience is necessary. Before departure, the guide explains how to mount the dromedary and assists participants while the animal rises from a seated position.

The Ranch uses saddles designed and made in-house, and the rides take place in a caravan, with the animals proceeding one behind another. The 1-hour tour description explicitly states that it is suitable for adults, children, and first-time participants.

The published terms provide specific arrangements for children aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 8. Before booking, however, it is advisable to provide the participants’ ages, the number of participants, and the group composition.

Which camel ride should you choose to see Bourj El Baroud?

The choice can be summarized as follows:

• choose the 1-hour dromedary ride to see Bourj El Baroud as part of a short itinerary between the river, dunes, beach, and forest;
• choose the 2-hour dromedary tour to explore the Diabat area at a more leisurely pace and spend more time among the forest and coast;
• choose the 3-hour dromedary excursion with tea to reach more distant dunes and areas, see springs and seasonal fishermen’s settlements, and include Moroccan tea.

All three rides include views of Bourj El Baroud. However, the monument is a stop along the route, not a destination offered by the Ranch as a standalone product.

Is it worth seeing Bourj El Baroud on a dromedary ride?

Yes, if you want to see Bourj El Baroud without separating it from the landscape that gives it meaning.

The dromedary ride allows you to cross Diabat slowly, going from the river to the forest and from the dunes to the beach. The ruins thus become part of a broader experience combining nature, local history, and ocean views.

The 1-hour option is sufficient for a first overview; the 2-hour option offers a good balance between duration and route variety; the 3-hour tour is more suitable for those who want to explore the coast at a more leisurely pace.