Morocco - Essaouira Beach Trail

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from AG of Nottingham on 17/09/2017

Please note that on occasion this itinerary may run in reverse.

Day 1
Guests will be met at the airport for transfer to Marrakech to stay overnight. Enjoy dinner with the fellow riders and discuss the trail ahead!

Day 2
After breakfast, meet the guide at the reception of the hotel (08:00). Transfer to Immesouana (about a 5 hour drive) and arrive in time for lunch. Start the riding with a short 2 hour trail to test the horses and level of each rider. The start of the trail leads across a forest of thujas (type of juniper tree). The terrain is variable through the forest, sometimes rocky, sometimes wide earthy tracks, sometimes sand, until eventually arriving at the Sidi Kaouki beach where there is chance for a canter across the sands. Overnight at a comfortable guesthouse.

Day 3
Tissila to Tafedna via beautiful little paths and tracks that alternate between beach and forest, passing through sand dunes. In the afternoon, climb into the Argans. Overnight at a comfortable guesthouse.. 6hrs riding.

Day 4
Travel through the Argan forests, passing numerous villages. Pass small, sacred rivers and forest glades until arriving at the beach of Tafedna. Overnight at a comfortable guesthouse. 5 hrs riding.

Day 5
Iftane to Sidi Kaouki. A long ride high up on the cliffs with the ocean the only horizon. Eventually descend towards the beach and the village of Timzguida to have a picnic. Overnight at a comfortable guesthouse. 5hrs riding.

Day 6
Sidi Kaiuki to Ghazoua. A shorter ride of just over 4 hours. Say goodbye to the horses and after lunch, transfer by minibus to Essaouira (about 30 minutes) with a free afternoon for time at the beach or to discover this interesting Medina. Night in a guesthouse in Essaouria.

Day 7
Take a break from riding with a free morning in Essaouira to enjoy the beach or to have a wander around the narrow streets. After lunch transfer to Marrakech and spend the night in a hotel.

Day 8
Transfer to airport after breakfast.

Read more about the Essaouria Beach Trail in our blog article Widening my horizons: My horse riding holiday in Morocco

There is a full backup team with vehicle for the duration of the trip. Cooking will be done for guests but they will be requested to assist with grooming and saddling the horses.
 

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The horses used for this ride are Arab Barb crosses, ideal for the climate and terrain. They 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. They are generally 14.2-15.2hh.

The tack is English saddles with snaffle bridles. Saddle bags are provided. Time is spent on the first day to match riders and horses. The riding is at all paces and there are some long days. The temperatures can vary from very hot and dusty days to cool nights. The terrain varies from stony tracks through forests to sandy dunes and deserted beaches. There are some rocky steep areas. The views are amazing and every day brings new delights.

Riders should be comfortable spending up to six hours a day in the saddle and be confident at a walk, trot and canter. Experience of riding out is recommended but not essential as the horses are very sure footed.
Weight limit: 15 stone (95 kg). The minimum age for this ride is 12 years.

The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation is in small, but comfortable guest houses in twin rooms and shared bathrooms.

There is shade available to eat at lunch times, either natural or a simple tent is erected. The food on the ride is thoughtfully prepared to give you a taste of Morocco and include European diet. Remember the language here is French and the French love their food so it will be good! Breakfast is simple continental style, lunches are picnic with beautifully prepared salads. Dinner will include balanced, slightly spicy, local food such as cous-cous and rice dishes served in a traditional Tagine. Traditional Berber mint tea is a really refreshing and welcome treat. All special diets can be catered for.

Alcohol 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 back up includes a truck carrying the luggage which will meet you most lunchtimes, there is a cook, driver, a horse guide who cares for the horses and an English speaking guide.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months on your date of entry to Morocco. When entering the country, make sure your passport is stamped. Some tourists have experienced difficulties leaving the country because their passport bears no entry stamp. Before travelling, make sure your passport isn’t damaged. Some travellers have been refused entry when travelling on damaged passports. Morocco is a Muslim country which follows Islamic laws and customs. You should respect these at all times. Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/morocco

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Summers are hot but the humidity is quite low. Winters are generally mild and sunny despite some spells of changeable weather. The breeze on the coast makes the difference less dramatic in the day but nights can be chilly.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you, and spare, just in case.

Morocco has a poor road safety record. Please take care when travelling on roads.

Henna tattoos are common in Morocco. If considering a henna tattoo be aware that some henna paste contain the chemical para-phenylenediamine (PPD) which can cause a painful allergic reaction including swelling and an itchy rash in some people.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 150 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Morocco and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Sunscreen, any personal medication, insect repellent.

Although there are no compulsory vaccinations it is recommended you see your local doctor for up to date information.

Malaria has been known to occur in the northern coastal areas in Morocco at certain times of year if you are also travelling there.

Water must be purified or boiled if not using mineral water. Mineral water is widely available for purchase at about 40-60p per litre. If not buying mineral water you should bring water purification tablets or drops with you. We recommend Micropur tablets which are tasteless.

A first aid kit is carried on all rides but we would suggest basic travellers medicines such as Dioralyte, Immodium and any other routine medication you may require.

We do advise taking plenty of sunscreen, sunburm is common at high altitudes and often not detected early due to cooler mountain temperatures.

In Morocco the supply voltage is 220V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 220V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

You will be camping and we suggest you bring sufficient film and battery packs with you from the UK. There may be mobile reception on some but not all days of the ride.

It is recommended that you bring clothes that air-dry quickly. Avoid synthetic clothes and underwear, tight jeans or jeans with thick seams and long boots.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Hat
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a small heel are acceptable (not too wide for the stirrups) (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Long sleeved shirts or cotton shirts
- Bandana / sarong / light scarf to protect face from dust
- T-shirts and shorts
- Informal wear for evenings/ hotels
- Light wind breaker
- Light fleece or coat for evenings
- Spare set of shoes
- All terrain sandals
- Towel
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Lipbalm with sunscreen
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- 2 Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Plastic bags for wet clothing
- Binoculars (recommended)
- Torch
- Copy of your passport
- Toilet roll
- Wet wipes
- Pocket Knife

Pack luggage in large soft bag

Items provided
- Riding Helmet
- Saddle bag
- Water

This is an 8 day/7 night programme with 5 days riding available on set dates. Private departures for groups of 4 or more can be arranged.

2025: Low season: 15, 22, 29 Jun;
Mid season: 11, 18 May; 8 Jun; 13, 20, 27 Jul; 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Aug; 7, 14, 21 Sep
High season: 6, 13, 20, 27 Apr; 4, 25 May

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A good guide book is invaluable but in addition:.

• The Conquest of Morocco by Douglas Porch examines the takeover of Morocco by Paris, leading to the establishment of the protectorate.


• Peter Mayne's highly readable A Year in Marrakesh is his account of time spent living among the people of the city and observations on their lives.


• Their Heads Are Green is an intriguing collection of short stories about North Africa by the famous Tangier resident Paul Bowles (author of Sheltering Sky).


• The House of Si Abdallah: the oral history of a Moroccan family, by Henry Munson Jr, is a unique insight into the daily life and thoughts of Moroccans, mainly through the eyes of a traditional pedlar in Tangier.


• A fascinating look at the lives of Moroccan women is Leonora Peet's Women of Marrakesh. Over 40 years (1930-70) Peets got about as close as a non-Muslim can to the lives of local women.


• Iain Finlayson's Tangier: city of the dream is an intriguing look at some of the western literati who found a new home in Morocco at one time or another.


• For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

Cooking will be done for you but you will be requested to assist with grooming and saddling your horse.
We recommend you bring 2 water bottles, mineral water will be supplied. It is also possible to buy mineral water for about 40p per bottle in local shops as well as the usual array of carbonated drinks.

The Kingdom of Morocco is on the north-west corner of Africa. Morocco has a history as an independent nation state stretching back to the 9th century interrupted only by the brief interlude of the Protectorate (1912-1956) when the country was divided into French and Spanish zones.

Morocco's cities are bustling and full of life, usually centering around the market place. The muslim country is deeply spiritual and this mysticism is echoed in the dazzling art work found throughout. The power of the evil eye is a potent force for many Moroccans. One way of warding it off is to show the open palm of the hand, fingers pointing upwards. This 'hand of Fatima' (the Prophet's daughter) can frequently be spotted on stickers, painted on doors or as jewellery.

Morocco is on GMT. The international dialling code for Morocco is 212 and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. They are on GMT.