Essaouira: 3-Hour Horse Ride and Berber Tent Overnight

If you’re dreaming of combining horseback riding with an authentic Moroccan overnight experience, this tour offers a unique way to see Essaouira’s coastal beauty. While I haven’t personally saddled up, reviews highlight this adventure’s blend of scenic landscapes, culture, and cozy nights under the stars.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the chance to gallop along the expansive beaches and dunes of Diabat is hard to beat. Second, staying overnight in a traditional Berber tent nestled near the sea promises a genuine taste of local life. Lastly, the delicious Moroccan dinner and the chance to unwind around a campfire create the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

One potential drawback? The tour is not suitable for children under 8, those with back problems, or travelers over 95 kg (209 lbs). Also, the overnight booking requires prior permission from Moroccan authorities, so planning ahead is essential.

This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a mix of active outdoor fun, cultural discovery, and a touch of luxury in the Moroccan countryside. Horse enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those wanting a memorable night in nature will especially enjoy it.

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Key Points

Stunning Beach Rides: The tour offers a 3-hour gallop along the wide, scenic beaches of Diabat, with opportunities for experienced riders to enjoy full gallops.
Authentic Moroccan Stay: Sleeping in a Berber tent near the ocean provides a genuine cultural experience, complete with traditional surroundings and local hospitality.
Delicious Moroccan Cuisine: The dinner features classic tagines, Beldi bread, and seasonal fruit, served in a cozy setting with a campfire.
Scenic Sunset Views: Watching the sunset from the camp area overlooking beaches and cliffs creates unforgettable photo opportunities.
Varied Landscape: You’ll pass through forests of thuya, mimosa, eucalyptus, large dunes, and a small fishing village—diverse scenery makes the ride more engaging.
Practical Details: The experience includes transportation from and back to Essaouira, water, coffee, tea, and breakfast, offering good value for the price of $235 per person.

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In-Depth Review of the Experience

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The Itinerary Breakdown

This adventure begins with a pickup from a designated meeting point in Essaouira — the Petite Porte de Bab Marrakech — where a Ranch De Diabat vehicle awaits, clearly marked with Ranch de Diabat branding. From there, the journey to the riding area takes approximately 30 minutes by car, passing through scenic Moroccan countryside leading to the ranch near Diabat.

Once at the ranch, you’ll meet your horses — which are described as calm, well-trained, and specifically chosen for beginners and experienced riders alike. The guide, often praised for their friendly and professional demeanor, will give a brief safety orientation before setting off.

The three-hour ride takes you past the Oued River, the expansive beach facing Mogador Island, and the ruins of the Black Sultan’s Palace. The route includes riding across the sandy beaches, where experienced riders can indulge in exhilarating gallops, while beginners can enjoy a relaxed but equally memorable ride.

Riders cross forests filled with thuya, mimosa, and eucalyptus trees, making the transition from coastal sands to lush greenery. After a stop at a freshwater spring—often described as a peaceful oasis where local cows drink—you’ll head back toward the ranch.

The Berber Camp Experience

Following the ride, you’ll transfer by vehicle to the Berber camp, situated about 30 minutes away in a picturesque landscape. The camp is set right next to the sea, with views of beaches and cliffs, offering a serene setting that’s perfect for unwinding.

Arriving at the camp, guests are greeted with traditional mint tea and Moroccan pastries, which set the tone for the evening. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with mattresses and low tables inside the tent, creating a cozy and authentic environment. Reviewers mention that the view of the sunset from the camp is breathtaking — the perfect backdrop for relaxing after a day of riding.

Dinner is served in the camp, featuring authentic Moroccan dishes such as meat, fish, or vegetable tagine, Beldi bread, and seasonal fruit. The food is often highlighted as flavorful and plentiful, with many guests appreciating the chance to sample genuine local cuisine in a stunning natural setting.

Overnight Stay and Breakfast

After dinner, guests settle into their tents, described as simple but comfortable, with enough space to relax in the heart of the Moroccan landscape. The night at the camp offers a chance to experience the sounds of nature and the starry night sky — a quiet, memorable end to a busy day.

The following morning begins with a traditional Moroccan breakfast, including bread, cheese, orange juice, coffee, milk, and tea. After breakfast, guests are driven back to the ranch, where they can take a shower and freshen up before being dropped back at the original meeting point.

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Practical Considerations

The entire experience costs $235 per person, which covers transportation, the horse ride, overnight in the Berber tent, dinner, breakfast, and drinks (water, coffee, tea). Alcoholic drinks are not included, so if you’re craving a glass of wine, you’ll need to bring your own.

Booking in advance is essential, especially for the overnight component, which requires Moroccan immigration permission. This means sending passport details after booking — so plan at least 10 days ahead.

Guests have praised the professionalism of the guides and the quality of the horses, noting that both experienced and novice riders felt comfortable. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing for personalized attention during the ride.

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Highlights from Guest Reviews

Several reviews highlight the stunning coastal views that make the ride truly special. One guest mentioned, “The scenery was breathtaking, and the horses were so calm that even my nervous friend enjoyed it a lot.” Another reviewer appreciated the authenticity of the camp, calling it a “peaceful spot with incredible sunset views and delicious food.”

Some travelers also pointed out that the ride can be physically demanding if you’re not used to horses or long walks, but the calm horses and guided pace make it accessible for most. The dinner and breakfast received praise for their hearty, flavorful Moroccan dishes, making the overnight stay worthwhile.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and want to see Essaouira from a different perspective. Horse lovers will appreciate the chance to ride along the coast and dunes, especially if they enjoy a good gallop.

Culturally curious visitors will value the overnight in a traditional Berber tent, experiencing Moroccan hospitality firsthand. The scenic sunset and peaceful night provide a memorable escape from city life.

However, this isn’t suited for young children, those with mobility issues, or travelers over 95 kg. The physical nature of the ride, combined with the overnight camping, makes it better suited for those comfortable with outdoor adventures.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a rare combination of scenic coastal riding, culture, and authentic Moroccan hospitality. The stunning vistas of beaches, dunes, and cliffs make it a photographer’s dream, while the cozy camp and hearty meals add a layer of genuine local charm.

The value for $235 is evident when you consider the scope of activities — a three-hour ride, an overnight stay, meals, and transportation — all arranged with professional guides. It’s a great choice for travelers looking to blend adventure with cultural discovery, especially if you love horses and scenic landscapes.

While the logistical aspects require some planning (notably the permission for overnight stays), the effort is rewarded with an experience that’s both exhilarating and peaceful. If you’re seeking a memorable Moroccan adventure that combines nature, culture, and comfort, this tour ticks all those boxes.

FAQ

How long is the horse ride?
The ride lasts approximately three hours, covering beaches, dunes, and forested areas, with options for gallops for experienced riders.

Is the overnight stay in a traditional Moroccan tent?
Yes, you will sleep in a Berber tent by the sea, equipped with mattresses and low tables, offering an authentic cultural experience.

What is included in the price?
The $235 fee covers transportation from and back to Essaouira, the three-hour ride, overnight in the tent, dinner, breakfast, water, coffee, and tea.

Can I book the overnight stay easily?
Booking the overnight component requires prior arrangement, as Moroccan authorities need to approve it. You’ll need to send your passport details after booking, and it’s recommended to reserve at least 10 days in advance.

Is the experience suitable for children?
No, children under 8 years old are not recommended due to safety and activity level considerations.

Are alcoholic drinks available?
No, alcohol is not included or available during the tour, so bring your own if desired.

If you’re looking for a way to explore Essaouira’s coast on horseback, enjoy authentic Moroccan hospitality, and spend a night under the stars, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that balances adventure and culture.