All the horses are Barb-Arab stallions. They are gentle boys but they have more energy than mares and geldings. They are well trained, fit and forward going. They are usually 1.5-1.65 m in height (small horses).

Helmets are provided upon request.

Weight of the riders limited to ~ 85 kg

During the trails, all meals are prepared by a cook, who can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets if informed at the time of booking.

The law in Essaouira is very strict regarding overnight camping. A camp authorization must be obtained for each trail, requiring the first and last names (as written on the passport), nationality, and passport number of all participants to be provided to the authorities 16 days before departure. For this reason, bookings are closed 18 days prior to each trail, and last-minute bookings cannot be accepted.

For nights in camp, each participant is required to bring a sleeping bag, an electric lamp/torch, a towel, sweatpants, a fleece for the night, and their riding trousers and shoes. Helmets and saddle bags are provided.

Foam mattresses are supplied, and participants may choose to sleep either together in a large tent (4m x 4m) or separately in igloo tents (1-2 persons).

During the trail, bags and equipment are transported by truck, so there are no weight or size limitations.

Dec 16-21 World on Horseback discovery ride prices:

• Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €615

• Price for a single person with transfer from Marrakesh Airport: €700

• Price per person based on ≥2 persons with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €570

• Price for a single person with transfer from Essaouira Airport: €610

Included:

5 nights accommodation in shared rooms/tents, 4 days of riding, meals on the trail, drinking water, airport transfers.

Not included:

Flights, meals in Essaouira before and after the trail (day 1 and day 5), drinks other than water, sleeping bag, insurance, tips and personal expenses.

DAY 1

Arrival at Essaouira or Marrakesh airport and transfer to your riad in Essaouira for your overnight stay (20 min or 2h45 drive, respectively). Enjoy dinner (not included) with your fellow riders and discuss the trail ahead. Night in riad.

DAY 2 (riding 4-6hrs)

Meeting at 9.30 am at the riad and transfer to the stables (15 min). First contact with the staff and horses in Diabat. Departure. You will first ride along a river or oued to reach the village of El Ghazoua that we will cross. Then you will travel through the Moroccan countryside passing on small paths and crossing argan tree forests on your way. Lunch is prepared by our cook and served in a field. After some rest, you will go back in the saddle and take the direction Argana where is located our first camp. You will cross several traditional Berber villages. Visit of a women's cooperative of argan oil and tasting of local products (oil, honey and amlou). You will spend the night under the oldest and largest argan tree of the area. Night in tent.

DAY 3 (riding 4-6hrs)

In the morning, you will cross a small Berber village then a plateau located between small hills, along the coast. After being gone down in the middle of a small valley, you will join “the source” where you will lunch with the team. After lunch, you will ride on small paths surrounded by fields and cultivations. In the late afternoon, you will appreciate an extraordinary panorama with a unspoilable view on the sea. You will arrive at the small fishing village of Iftane. After a gallop on the beach (small deserted creek), you will go up on the cliff dominating the sea where our camp is based.

DAY 4 (riding 4-6hrs)

In the morning, we will cross fields and small villages located in all along the sea or ride along cliffs dominating the sea if the day is not too windy. We will take the direction of the cascades of Sidi Embark where we will lunch. The cascades flow directly into the sea. After lunch (2h break and time for swimming), you will take the direction of Sidi Kaouki by the beaches and cliffs and enjoy some gallops. Arrival at the camp based in Sidi Kaouki in midafternoon. You will have some time to swim before the dinner. Night in tent.

DAY 5 (riding 4-6hrs)

After a generous breakfast taken in front of the ocean, you will go back in the saddle and ride along the beach towards Essaouira. In the second part of Sidi Kaouki, you will see the Marabout. You will then cross huge sand dunes that are unique to the region, enjoying at the same time some gallops. You will cross a small fishing village and then take the direction of a small Berber village on a cliff facing the Atlantic. After a picnic in a small creek where you can swim, you will go towards the lighthouse of Cap Sim. Then, you will take a small sandy path and go down the dunes. You will have the feeling to be in the desert but the sea is just behind them. You will see some very small fishing villages on the beach side. After some gallops on the beach, you will enter in the forest of eucalyptus and mimosas located between the beach and Diabat and see the ruins of the former palace of the Sultan. Arrival at the stables in late afternoon. Transfer to Essaouira and night in the riad. Diner not included.

DAY 6

Meeting at the riad and transfer to Essaouira (20 min) or Marrakesh (2h45) airport.

First and last nights are spent in a riad in Essaouira (single, double or tin bedrooms). The other nights will be in simple camps with tents and sleeping mattresses.

Level required: Intermediate to experienced riders only. You must be comfortable riding outdoors in a group at all pace and have an independent seat.

During the trails, all meals are prepared by a cook, who can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets if informed at the time of booking.

The law in Essaouira is very strict regarding overnight camping. A camp authorization must be obtained for each trail, requiring the first and last names (as written on the passport), nationality, and passport number of all participants to be provided to the authorities 16 days before departure. For this reason, bookings are closed 18 days prior to each trail, and last-minute bookings cannot be accepted.

For nights in camp, each participant is required to bring a sleeping bag, an electric lamp/torch, a towel, sweatpants, a fleece for the night, and their riding trousers and shoes. Helmets and saddle bags are provided.

Foam mattresses are supplied, and participants may choose to sleep either together in a large tent (4m x 4m) or separately in igloo tents (1-2 persons).

During the trail, bags and equipment are transported by truck, so there are no weight or size limitations.

The nearest international airport is Essaouira but it is not always easy to find flights there. Depending on where you depart from, you can book a flight to Essaouira or to Marrakech (2 hours 45 mins) which offers affordable options.

-Direct flights to Marrakech are available from London (Ryanair), Paris (Transavia), Brussels (Ryanair), Weeze (Ryanair), Bordeaux (Easyjet), Marseille (Ryanair), Madrid (Ryanair)

-Direct flights to Essaouira are available from Paris (Transavia), Bordeaux (EasyJet), Marseille (Ryanair) and Brussels (Ryanair)