Day Excursion from Marrakech to Essaouira

Highlights

  • Relax and unwind in the refreshing sea air of Essaouira.
  • Enjoy a stunning lunch of authentic, local Moroccan cuisine.
  • Laze on the beach or aimlessly wander the beautiful Medina.
  • Learn about Argan oil production, a huge part of the local way of life.
From £175 pp
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What you'll do

Unwind by escaping the sometimes overwhelming hub of Marrakech, and head for the deliciously laid-back Atlantic coast at the town of Essaouira, for a truly relaxing day of Moroccan coastal culture.

You’ll be picked up at approximately 8am from your riad or hotel in Marrakech, and driven for around three hours through the picturesque Moroccan countryside to the incredibly relaxed, stunningly beautiful seaside town of Essaouira.

Along the way, we’ll stop to see the famous, bizarre tree-climbing goats, that used to have an interesting hand in the argan oil production process.

When we arrive in Essaouira, you’ll be free to explore the old, authentic Medina, stroll along the promenade in the fresh sea air, or feel the sand between your toes on the golden sand beach.

You can wander across ancient bridges, along fortified walls and through medieval towers, or wind through the quaint, blue-painted streets and into fascinating shops.

We’ll dine at a local restaurant in the area, serving up delicious, authentic Moroccan cuisine, as you soak in the laid-back atmosphere.

After lunch, you’ll meet some local Berber women who work in the production of argan oil, a product you might recognise as an ingredient in your shampoo, and also something the locals use in their food.

Understand their way of life and get under the skin of this fascinating culture, before we finally make the journey back to Marrakech, arriving at around 7pm.

There aren’t many places that offer surf, sand, gorgeous streets and ties to Game of Thrones and Jimi Hendrix, but Essaouira is one of them.

What's included

Included

  • Private transport to and from Essaouira
  • Pick up and drop off from your accommodation
  • English speaking local guide
Your local host

Hamid and Gilly

Hamid was raised as a nomad. His family lived a nomadic life until he was about 6 years old.  Hamid’s family of 10 then settled in a remote desert village.  Family is everything to him.  Hamid is from the Amazigh tribe. “Amazigh” means free people.  He speaks five different languages:  Berber, Arabic, English, Spanish and French.  Hamid is a great people person – with a good sense of humour.  He is very in tune with nature and he enjoys showing his country to travellers. He worked as a cameleer when he left school, taking visitors on camel treks into the Saharan sand dunes. There, he mastered the art of playing the soulful African drums, as entertainment in the evenings.  It has always been Hamid’s dream to ... Read All

Hamid was raised as a nomad. His family lived a nomadic life until he was about 6 years old.  Hamid’s family of 10 then settled in a remote desert village.  Family is everything to him.  Hamid is from the Amazigh tribe. “Amazigh” means free people.  He speaks five different languages:  Berber, Arabic, English, Spanish and French.  Hamid is a great people person – with a good sense of humour.  He is very in tune with nature and he enjoys showing his country to travellers. He worked as a cameleer when he left school, taking visitors on camel treks into the Saharan sand dunes. There, he mastered the art of playing the soulful African drums, as entertainment in the evenings.  It has always been Hamid’s dream to have his own tour company and show people around his country, so he left his life in the desert to follow this dream. He is passionate about showing visitors the authentic Morocco and its vibrant and rich culture.

Gilly was born and raised in Zimbabwe. She has a passion for travel and Africa is in her blood, so when she got the chance to visit Morocco, she took it and immediately fell under its spell. She has visited countless times and there is always something new to see and experience. The Sahara Desert is one of her favourite places in Morocco,  along with the mountains, the Atlantic coast, The Blue City, Fes, Volubilis and the enchanting chaos of Marrakech! She loves the vibrant culture and the people who are as warm as their sunsets. On Gilly’s first adventure in Morocco, she met Hamid who regaled her with stories of life in Morocco. They both share a passion for authentic experiences and for nature and so the partnership for their tour company was born.

We aim to include all the elements of an unforgettable, awe-inspiring experience in our tours and excursions.  Hamid has extremely strong family values and this is extended to our guests, who are cared for as if they were family.

At the end of your time with us, we want you to return home with Morocco firmly in your hearts. We will explore the off the beaten track secrets of Morocco and discover its hidden treasures.  Authenticity is important to us and we want to show you the real Morocco.

Whether it is camel trekking the evocative Sahara Desert and spending a night under a breath-taking sky full of stars, spending a day in the life of a nomad family, indulging all your senses in the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech, wandering the enchanting and artistic blue streets of Chefchaouen, taking an authentic Moroccan cooking class and creating a delicious tagine, marvelling at the stunning, mystical architecture and beautiful mosques, exploring snow-capped mountains, ancient Roman Ruins, visiting women’s argan cooperatives, towering mountain waterfalls,  enjoying sand, sea and surf on our North African beaches, we will ensure you have the best time and a wonderfully memorable experience.

As a result of the hardships Hamid endured in his nomadic childhood in Morocco empowering local communities and preserving their culture is very important to him. Our tours are created to give back to the local communities, to help ensure food and water security, employment, education and self-sufficiency.

Location

You’ll be picked up directly from your accommodation in Marrakech at a pre-arranged pick up time (typically around 8am). You will return to Marrakech in the evening.

FAQs

What should I wear?

Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes.

What do I need to bring?

Sunscreen and water.

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