Horse riding on Morocco’s Atlantic coast – a multi-day trail ride from Essaouira

Horse riding on Morocco’s Atlantic coast was an incredible experience for us: in September 2024 we spent several days in the saddle with Ranch de Diabat near Essaouira – beaches, cliffs, argan trees and small Berber villages, and back to camp every evening. Here we tell you what we experienced, how a ride like this works, who it suits and which shorter rides you can also book on GetYourGuide.

Our ride: an igloo tent, a donkey and a loyal dog

At camp most riders sleep together in the big Berber tent. We chose the igloo tent for two – we wanted some peace in the evenings rather than sleeping right next to the whole group. The best decision, even if it didn’t stay entirely quiet: in the middle of the night a donkey woke us up. It was simply standing in front of our tent as if it belonged there.

Our second animal companion was a dog that turned up at some point and from then on accompanied us and the whole group – day after day, stage after stage. In the end it came back to the ranch with us and was adopted there. You can’t plan moments like that, and they are exactly the ones that stay with you.

Ranch de Diabat’s multi-day Atlantic coast ride

The ranch is in Diabat, a few kilometres south of Essaouira. According to the operator, its Atlantic coast trek lasts 8 days, 6 of them on horseback. You ride through eucalyptus and acacia forests, along empty beaches and over dunes, past waterfalls and through Berber villages up to plateaus dotted with argan trees. On the last riding day there is another half day through a palm grove and along a river back towards the coast.

Who is a trail ride like this for?

This is not a beginners’ course. The ranch requires you to be secure at all three gaits – walk, trot and canter – and to look after your own horse: saddling, grooming, watering and feeding. The maximum rider weight is 90 kg. If you are just getting started, the ranch has its own beginner programmes, or you can book a short beach ride first.

• Confident at walk, trot and canter
• Happy to take care of your horse yourself
• Passport valid for at least 6 more months
• Travel insurance covering horse riding and cancellation is mandatory

Shorter rides on GetYourGuide

The multi-day ride is only available directly from the ranch. If you just want to ride for a few hours, there are beach rides and sunset rides around Essaouira and Taghazout that you can book on GetYourGuide – usually with free cancellation and suitable for beginners too.

You can find more rides on the surf coast under horse riding in Taghazout.

Tips for the ride

• Getting there: fly to Marrakech or Essaouira – according to the ranch, arrivals after 2 pm need a bus transfer and late flights a shared taxi.
• Insurance: check beforehand that horse riding is explicitly covered – otherwise take out additional cover.
• Packing: long riding trousers, sturdy shoes with a heel, a hat, sunscreen and a warm layer for the nights at camp.
• Before and after: plan a day or two in Essaouira – the medina and the harbour are well worth it.

Horse riding on Morocco’s Atlantic coast: our verdict

Several days on horseback along the coast – with a donkey outside the tent and a dog at your side – is a completely different way to get to know Morocco: slowly, close to the landscape and far away from the tourist crowds. For experienced riders, the Ranch de Diabat trail ride is a clear recommendation. Everyone else should start with a short beach ride. You can read more about the area in our guide to Essaouira and in our tips for Marrakech.