What to do and see in Essaouira, Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz Region: The Best Tours

June 15, 2021 Vivienne Hutton

Portuguese, French and Berber architecture frame the maze-like streets of Essaouira, a charming and vibrant port and resort town on the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby, couples and families stroll the beaches of Cape Sim and Sidi Kaouki, which also attract surfers of all types. Relaxation is easy to find here, as is a bus to Marrakech, for those looking for a daytrip.
Restaurants in Essaouira

1. Marrakech to Essaouira Day trip

Morocco Nomadic Travel
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Morocco one day private trip Excursion from Marrakesh to Essaouira easly accessible day trip from Marrakesh, Situated at 176 km west of Marrakech, 2 : 30 drive ; Essaouira is a coastal small town, famous for its fishing port with its blue colored wooden boats, one of the oldest Moroccan cities, formely named Mogador.The old Medina of Essaouira is listed by UNESCO as world heritage site ; Essaouira is known for its Gnaoua music festival every year on June ; a day excursion to essaouira makes the visitor think about staying longer in a friendly, relaxing medieval town. Marrakech to Essaouira Day Trip 1 Day Highlights varried from eating fresh fish just pulled out from the water in small scale local restaurant in the port to itscroweded small streets, Place Moulay El Hassan, the portuguese harbour, Skala and the Jewish quarter.

Inclusions: Transport by an air-conditioned vehicle, Professional driver/guide, Hotel pick up and drop off

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Reviewed By debf651

This 3 day excursion to the Sahara Desert complete with camel ride to our beautiful overnight glamping stay was truly magical! Kamal our guide and driver was the best! He was very informative and helpful. He picked us up at our hotel in Marrakech and safely drove us through the Atlas mountains to a hotel with incredible views. On day 2 we proceeded to the desert but before we got there he stopped and purchased a Cheiche for each of us which the camel guides wrapped around our heads. We got on the camels and rode out into the sunset where our Berber hosts were waiting for us. It was an absolute bucket list event. If you are hesitant about doing this...don't be! Just have Kamal take you!! BTW...I forgot to mention that Kamal also helped us stop for wine before we went to the desert! I would give this a six star review if I could!!

2. Horse ride at sunset 1 hour

Cheval Essaouira
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

This horseback ride is suitable for all, young and old, beginners or experienced, alone or in groups. It will allow you to discover nature in its wild state, in the company of our wonderful Barbe / Arabian horses. You can do this ride in group (maximum 5 people) or private.

Inclusions: Equipment necessary for the good practice of riding safely, Private transportation

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Reviewed By EZahra

Thrilled to have had a wonderful experience, really enjoyed the horse riding .Everyone was friendly,patient and very helpful,the horses were very calm and moved at a comfortable pace. I would certainly recommend these highly fatastic horseriding. Thank you Mohamed

3. Berber Market in Ida Ogourd & Visit of an Argan cooperative.

Avenue du Caire, Essaouira, Morocco Berberlands - Day Tours
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Rural markets usually take place once a week. On Wednesdays in the village of Ida Ogourd locals do their weekly shopping and meet ‘n’ greet friends. This market is a friendly, family affair which takes place on a small hill in a fertile area only 20km southeast of Essaouira. Market-goers traditionally travel by donkey to get the goods they need for the forthcoming week: the “Donkey Parking Lot” surrounding the market is a sight to behold! At the market you find vegetables, fruits, spices, housewares, tools, and construction materials as well as various services that are offered: a blacksmith putting new horseshoes onto donkeys’ hooves; a welder repairing pans, kettles, and teapots; a cobbler resoling shoes. Of special note are barbers under tents - amusing barber shops, indeed! As we stroll through the market we pick up interesting details about farmers’ lives in this region accompanied by background information on Berber culture in the Haha province. We finish our tour of the market with tea as we observe the busy scenery. Afterwards we visit an Argan cooperative to learn about the production of precious Argan Oil - in all of the world this is a product unique to this area. We watch the Berber women at every step in extracting oil from the kernels of the Argan fruits using a delicate, traditional process done by hand. Of course, we taste this delicious oil that bears the name “Morocco’s Gold”.

Inclusions: Tea at the market., Private transportation

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Reviewed By Hannahtp83

We took a walking tour through the countryside, along the coast with two young children (2 and 6ys).They both rode a for much of day. Our guide, Claudia is great, very friendly and knowledgable. We enjoyed some incredible scenery, had fun running/sliding down dunes, looked around historic places and finished our day with a delicious lunch in the home of a local Berber family who were very welcoming to us. It was a great experience to share with our kids. We would definitely recommend Claudia and Berberlands and hope to do and tour in the future when we return to Essaouira.

4. Day Trip to Essaouira From Marrakech

Hôtel Restaurant Café de France, jamaa el-fnna، Rue des Banques, Marrakech 40000, Morocco Safari Rose
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

During this amazing full-day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech, you will discover one the the hidden gems of the Atlantic coast. Essaouira, or Mogogdor is famous for its Medina fortification and fishing port. The artsy and hippy atmosphere of Essaouira, the cool weather all year long and the easy 2 and a half hour drive from Marrakech to Essaouira, make this trip very special. Essaouira day tour departs every day from Marrakech at 8 am.

Inclusions: Pick up from your hotel / or the nearest car accessible point to your Riad in Marrakech, A/C modern minibus (no more than 17 passengers) driven by an English-French speaking driver, Drop off at your hotel or the nearest car accessible point to your Riad in Marrakech

Exclusions: Lunch & beverages, Local guide in Essaouira

Reviewed By Божидара Б

We were very good taken care of and so excited to visit the desert. The tends were very nice, food was great and in the evening we could enjoy live music next to the open fire... The camel trip was exactly at sunrise and sunset-perfect time and organization! I wish we can go back, will definitely recommend it to anyone.

5. Two Hour Surf Lesson including Rental in Morocco

Avenue Mohammed V, Essaouira, Morocco Loving Surf Essaouira
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Our mission is to provide an unforgettable experience for our students. From communication to follow up after you leave, our goal is for you to enjoy every moment. Our team wants you loving surf as much as we do! CHILL OUT, SURF AND SOAK IN THE VIBE!

Inclusions: SURFBOARD, LEASH & WETSUIT, SHUTTLE SERVICE, 2-HOUR SURF GUIDING LESSON, PHOTOS, 2 HOUR SURF LESSON WITH CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR

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Reviewed By josepmariasans

Had a great time taking surf and kite lessons with loving surf. Ach is a very good instructor and his tips really helped me progress with it. Also their surf school facilities are very comfortable and serve delicious food. Will certainly go back next time in Essaouira!!

6. Camel Ride on the Beach of Essaouria

Essaouira, Essaouira, Marrakech-Safi Zouina Cheval
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4.9 based on 15 reviews

Enjoy a 2-hour camel ride on the beach of Essaouira, and visit the dunes and the forest, too. It's a great adventure for the all family, with gentle and well-trained animals.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Essaouira Hotel, Use of helmet

Exclusions: Drinks

Reviewed By AnneandLina

The trip was just amazing! We went for the 4 day trip, the horses were great, really fast and well trained, our guide Hassan was very polite and experienced and everything was perfectly organized. They really care for the horses. The 2 dogs of the stable were with us during the whole trip and they were gentle and well-behaved. Thank you Zouina Cheval! We will definitely come back!

7. 3-hour Dromedary Ride in Essaouira

Place Moulaiy Hassan, Essaouira, Morocco Ranch de Diabat
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4.9 based on 48 reviews

The 3-hour ride along the wide, magnificent beach of Essaouira, on a dromedary is the ideal adventure for groups and families. Small children will enjoy this ride sharing the dromedary with one of their parents.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, pick-up and drop-off from Essaouira, Transport by air-conditioned car

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By Nitzan M

I started my horse riding journey as a total beginner at the beginning of February 2021. I knew I was in good hands from the 1st lesson and the experience just keeps getting better. I started to gallop on my 6th lesson and I am improving with each session. Ekirka, Omar and the fantastic team at the ranch make sure I feel welcome and safe every time I am at the ranch and every time I am on a horse. This is a fantastic place to learn how to ride and look after horses and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

8. Full-Day Tour to Essaouira - The Ancient Mogador City from Marrakech

Marrakesh, Morocco Morocco Inspiring Tours
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4.9 based on 98 reviews

Morning departure from Marrakech in a small-group tour you will be personally transported through the vast and breath-taking Moroccan landscape to Essaouira. On the journey you may see a few scattered villages and some camels, sheep and goats grazing in the countryside.

Inclusions: Hotel / Riad pickup and drop-off, Transport by comfortable air-conditioned minivan or 4WD with an English-speaking driver/guide, Guided walking tour of Essaouira city, Drinks (Bottled mineral water+Fresh mint tea), Free time after the guided tour, All entrance fees, local taxes and fuel are included, Fuel included

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By bte25

What a wonderful trip! Abdul was prompt and courteous and drove a clean, spacious vehicle. He expertly drove us through beautiful scenery, sharing local knowledge about the towns and landmarks we were passing. And the falls! Abdul gave us time to explore but understood it was time to go when our young children were tired. I HIGHLY recommend this excursion! We would do it again!

9. 3 hours horse riding at Essaouira

Place Moulaiy Hassan, Essaouira, Morocco Ranch de Diabat
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4.9 based on 16 reviews

Horse ride of three hours along the wide, magnificent beach of Essaouira, with the extraordinary Berber horses. For the experienced riders, there will be the possibility to enjoy some dream gallops in the sand. For beginners we have calm well trained horses which will ensure an unforgettable ride. Extra hygiene precautions are being taken due to the COVID-19 virus. All equipment and the Essaouira-Ranch transfer cars are thoroughly disinfected several times a day. Hand sanitizers are provided at numerous locations like bathroom, kitchen, reception and the office.

Inclusions: Professional guide, pick-up and drop-off from Essaouira, Use of helmet, Transport by air-conditioned car, All riding equipment (helmets, saddles.

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By Nitzan M

I started my horse riding journey as a total beginner at the beginning of February 2021. I knew I was in good hands from the 1st lesson and the experience just keeps getting better. I started to gallop on my 6th lesson and I am improving with each session. Ekirka, Omar and the fantastic team at the ranch make sure I feel welcome and safe every time I am at the ranch and every time I am on a horse. This is a fantastic place to learn how to ride and look after horses and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

10. Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech

Click Excursions
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4.7 based on 112 reviews

Lead it to a completely different place to explore a lovely day out to Essaouira from Marrakech. A wonderful small city near to Marrakech where all the customers consider it as a good attraction to have a free and calm walk inside its alleys and admire the beauty of the ocean. Essaouira surprises you with its straight streets, designed by French. After visiting the port with its bronze cannons, take a stroll through the medina and souks to explore the woodworking shops dedicated to cedar sculpture. The Essaouira excursion from Marrakech involves a drive of around 2 hours 40 minutes from Marrakech to this delightful old coastal town. There is a lot to see and do along the way. Only one person is required per tour and departures are guaranteed daily.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Diesel, Transportation Insurance, Service quality

Exclusions: Restauration, Personal expenses

Reviewed By ednelfritzc

Amazing 3days trip and thanks to our very good tour guide/driver Amine. We enjoyed the whole trip and we felt very safe while traveling during this time.

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