A trip along the Berber trail is one of the most extraordinary Moroccan adventures. It is a journey through centuries of history – with fortresses and watchtowers in the background, through ancient Moroccan settlements in argan forests and through the wildness of exotic nature. Persistent, reliable and calm horses will lead us along winding trails among hills, ravines and cliffs on the shores of the ocean.
BERBER TRAIL: 8 days / 7 nights – 6 days in the saddle, 5 camp nights
Day 1
We welcome you at the airport. On this day we travel to Essaouira, where we have accommodation in a hotel.
Day 2: Diabat – Ida or Gourd
Our trek begins at the mouth of the Wadi Qsob and continues east along this river. First we ride on the sand dunes covered with junipers, then we go along the farmland that extends in front of the markets Ida or Gourd. This day will be an opportunity to get to know your horse in the first trot and gallop. On the trail that takes us back to the river at the foot of the hill, we will have our first bivouac.
Day 3: Ida or Gourd – Aït Ouadil
Initially, we ride along the foot of a small hill to reach the Aït Ameur valley. The path leads to the ravines carved by the river. The proximity of water contributes to the presence of olive trees and a variety of vegetation, mainly oleanders. On this day, we visit a cooperative (collective) where women produce argan oil in a traditional way. Then we travel to hot springs which have been used for decades to treat kidney disease. Then we follow the trail that runs through small fields and leads us to the Ait Ouadil (grapevine people) valley, where we set up our second camp.
Day 4: Aït Ouadil – Immin’tlit
On this day, we travel through the Ait Zelten region. This is one of the most beautiful routes in this area. We pass villages (kasbahs) located in the middle of argan forests and stop at the foot of the Ait Zelten kasbah. Then we continue our ride on the hills, through the fields and forests towards the Immin’tlit bazaar. We spend the night in the camp.
Day 5: Immin’tlit-AïtTizril
We go back to the Neknafa Valley. On our way we come across many small ancient villages built of stone, dominated by Zaouï Sidi M’hend or Slimane (Koranic school). Then we ride along narrow ravines where there are many caves – some of them are still inhabited. We stop at the end of the ravines, where there are often little ponds, where you can swim. Then we see the ruins of the imposing fortress Dar Caïd – a former place of resistance against the French. Further on, the path will lead us to the village of Aït Tizril. We spend this night in tents or in local houses.
Day 6: Aït Tizril-Sidi Kaouki
On this day, our trail runs through the valley facing west, among argan trees and herds of goats. The paths here lead along the small stone walls that connect the villages – the last one before reaching the coast. At the end of the day, we reach the vast sandy beaches. Here our horses can rest and regain strength before further expedition, and we camp on the beach.
Day 7: Sidi Kaouki-Essaouira
We spend the last day discovering the charms of the coast: beaches, dunes, fishing villages and cliffs, where we should be careful. On the way, we will be accompanied by flocks of various sea birds and also herds of cows and dromedaries! Finally, we reach the Wadi Qsob River at the gates of Essaouira.
Day 8
Transfer to the airport and departure.
Price: 750 €/person
Date:
04.06 – 11.06.2023
13.08 – 20.08.2023
10.09 – 17.09.2023
