Ronde des Arganier

ARGAN FOREST CIRCUIT ("Ronde des Arganier") - 8 days / 7 nights

Trek on horseback through lovely countryside south of Essaouira including argan forests, farmland, dunes and beaches, over hills and along valleys including a gorge.

Level: Experienced

Day 1: Arrive Essaouira

Transfer from Marrakech or Agadir to your overnight accommodation (on a B&B basis) in Essaouira, a beautiful fishing town on the Atlantic coast, around 2.5 hours' drive due west of Marrakech or a similar distance due north of Agadir. That afternoon or evening, if time of arrival permits, you will meet your guide and will be briefed on the excursion. Overnight in Essaouira.

Day 2: Diabat - Ida or Gourd

We start our trek at the mouth of the Qsob wadi (river) near Diabat, not far from Essaouira, where we head for the dunes of yellow sand and occasional juniper bushes. Our trail then heads directly inland through the cultivated fields to the souk of Ida or Gourd. This first day is a simple day allowing you to get familiar with your horse, but there are still some possibilities to trot and gallop. The camp site will be set up at the foot of a hill.

Day 3: Ida or Gourd - Has Ouadil

At the start of the day you head along a small hill to reach the valley of Has Ameur. Your path follows the gorge, dug by the wadi (river), lined with olive and bay trees, which have pretty pink flowers at certain times of the year, and irrigation channels dating from the Portuguese presence.  You continue on towards the valley of Has Ouadil for the night.

Day 4: Has Ouadil - Immin' tlit

The trek passes through the beautiful area of Has Zelten and striking kasbahs in the middle of the forest of argan-trees, stopping by the Kasbah at Has Zelten. Afterwards you continue to cross hills of forests and farmland to the souk of Immin' tilt where you will spend the night. There you can visit a women’s co-operativethat produces argan oil, a fabulous local product used in many Moroccan dishes.

Day 5: Immin' tilt - AïtTizril

Today you will head a little higher before descending into the valley of Neknafa. The path descends gradually passing through very old stone built villages, most notable of which is Zaouïa Sidi Me hend or Slimane (a koranic school).  Your journey today also passes through narrow gorges, some of which still have caves inhabited by troglodytes to this day.  You can stop to bathing in the bracing waters at the exit of the gorge and continue towards Dar Caïd, an old place of French origin, before finally heading on to your camp site in the village of Tizril Has.

Day 6: Tizril - Sidi Kaouki

The trek now heads for the Atlantic ocean along a valley lined with argan trees and used by herds of goats (watch out for tree climbing goats, they perch on the smallest of branches).  Your ride will be along paths bordered by small white stones and low ridges, which connect the last villages before reaching the ocean. The day ends in a gallop along the seemingly endless and un-spoilt Atlantic beaches before reaching the camp site on the beach at Sidi Kaouky, frequented in the day time by the occasional surfer.  With a little bit of luck, the beach campsite will give you the most stunning sunset and night sky to enjoy.

Day 7: Sidi Kaouki - Essaouira

Your last day riding takes you back from Sidi Kaouki to your starting point at the Qsob wadi.  The ride is a tranquil one mainly along the long beaches and fantastic neighbouring dunes, past occasional cliffs.  The area is rich in marine bird life, but you are also likely to pass plenty of cows and dromedaries.  We return towards the Qsob wadi where you will be taken back to your accommodation in Essaouira.

Day 8: Depart Essaouira

Departure from Essaouira to your next destination.