Picturesque and traditional Essaouria is situated some hours west of Marrakech. This week long trail along the coast features plenty of riding along endless beaches interspersed with date palms and sand dunes and rocky peaks with views over the ocean. The horses are fit Arab X Barb stallions, responsive and fit ridden in English tack - an ideal summer break for good riders. The accommodation comprises of camping with a night in Essaouira and Marrakech at the end in a small guest house.
No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise:
2012 : £70/€81/$109
SAMPLE ITINERARY - ESSAOUIRA BEACH TRAIL
Day 1 Meet at the airport, transfer to your Riad in Marrakech and overnight. Enjoy dinner with your fellow riders to discuss the trail ahead!
Day 2 After breakfast you will be met by your guide at the reception of your hotel at 08:00. Transfer to Immesouana (about a 5 hour drive) and arrive in time for lunch. This afternoon you will start your riding by a short 2 hour trail to test the horses and level of the rider. The start of the trail takes us across a forest a forest of thujas (type of juniper tree). The terrain is variable - sometimes rocky, sometimes wide earthy tracks, sometimes sand, but we progress at all times through forest. We arrive eventually at the Sidi Kaouki beach where we have our first canter across the sands. Night camping.
Day 3
Tissila to Tafedna. By beautiful little paths and tracks we alternate between beach and forest, and pass through sand dunes. Then in the afternoon we climb again into the Argans (a Morrocan timber tree with an oil-bearing seed) to set up our camp on the cliff of Iftane which domintaes the ocean. Night camping. 6hrs riding.
Day 4
We progress through the Argan forests, passing numerous typical villages. We pass little sacred rivers and forest glades until we arrive at the beach of Tafedna. Night camping situated to the left of a fishing village. 5 hrs riding.
Day 5
Iftane to Sidi Kaouki. A long ride high up on the cliff with the ocean our only horizon. Eventually we descend towards the beach and the village of Timzguida where we have a picnic. Night camping. 5hrs riding.
Day 6
Sidi Kaiuki to Ghazoua. A shorter ride today of just over 4 hours. After a delightful lunch we will transfer by minibus to Essaouira (about 30 minutes) and the afternoon will be free for the beach or to discover this interesting Medina. Night in a guesthouse in Essaouria.
Day 7
Today we rest from riding and have a free morning in Essaouira to enjoy the beach or to have a wander around the narrow streets. After lunch we will transfer to Marrakech and spend the night in a hotel.
Day 8 Transfer to Marrakech airport for return flight.
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
NOTES - ESSAOUIRA BEACH TRAIL
There is a full backup team with vehicle for the length of your stay. Cooking will be done for you but you will be requested to assist with grooming and saddling your horse.
Level required:
One must be a good horseman and fairly fit. The horses are all stallions as it is customary not to castrate riding horses. They all have individual characters and are well schooled, of good temperament and no more difficult to handle than normal riding horses.
Logistics:
The camping is in 2 person dome tents with 2 porches for baggage. You may also have a tent to yourself. Foam mattresses are supplied, you need to bring sleeping bags. You are asked to give some help with the setting up of your tents. There is a shower tent with a large bucket of hot water for washing every day. There is one shower tent and one toilet (chemical). Meals are taken in a large restaurant tent around a round table with stools for seats. We recommend you bring 2 water bottles, mineral water will be supplied as well as plentiful amount of Berber mint tea. It is also possible to buy the usual array of carbonated drinks for about 40p per bottle in local shops. Your hosts will not be able to buy wine and beer in advance but you are quite welcome to bring your own.
Alchohol Alchohol is not provided on this trip. You are welcome to bring your own from your country of origin or purchase in Marrakech before the trip.
The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation either camping or in small hotel with shared bathroom, all riding with English speaking guide, meals as per itinerary, 4WD back up and luggage transport, transfers to and from Marrakech.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Alcohol, Drinks in hotels and cafes when not camping, items of a personal nature and tips.
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What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
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