Day Trip: Nature & Essaouira Desert
Description
Travellers should book this tour as it offers a complete and authentic experience, away from the classic sightseeing tours. It combines nature, culture and local discovery around Essaouira, with varied landscapes ranging from argan trees to peaceful valleys and the magnificent oasis of Lalla Takandout. Participants enjoy a guided hike, visit a women’s argan cooperative, discover historical sites like Dar Caïd M’barek Kasbah and share a homemade Berber lunch in a traditional house. With small groups, personalized support, local guides and a fluid organization including pick-up and drop-off, this excursion guarantees an immersive, rewarding and memorable day in the heart of rural Morocco.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Pick up from your Inn, Riad or meeting point in Essaouira. The driver confirms the pick-up time and place before Check-out.
Explore an open nature area filled with argan trees, where travelers can often see goats climbing branches and local camels resting nearby. It is a beautiful place to enjoy a desert-like landscape, breathe fresh air and take memorable photos of the unique landscape of Essaouira.
Visit Afous Argan, a renowned women’s cooperative in the Essaouira region. Travellers will discover the traditional and artisanal process of producing pure argan oil, from the breaking of nuts to the grinding and extraction of oil. This stage offers authentic insight into local crafts while supporting women-led initiatives.
This stop takes travellers to an old school linked to the historical figure of Sidi Jazouli. The site offers an overview of local spiritual heritage and traditional teaching. It is a peaceful cultural stopover, conducive to reflection and photography.
Head to the beautiful oasis of Lalla Takandout. Travelers walk through valleys, natural rock formations and green areas while discovering the landscapes of the area. It is the perfect time to reconnect with nature and enjoy a peaceful setting and the view of the valley.
Experience an authentic Moroccan break in a traditional Berber house near the oasis. Travellers will enjoy a pleasant mint tea ceremony, accompanied by a selection of delicious homemade Moroccan pastries. It is a friendly moment to relax, discover Moroccan hospitality and admire the peaceful atmosphere of the surroundings.
Explore the lake and surrounding mountains, and enjoy the natural beauty of this peaceful oasis, ideal for relaxing, reconnecting with nature and admiring authentic scenery.
Explore the historic ruins of Dar Caïd M’barek Kasbah, an important site representing the region’s past. Travellers walk through the ancient structures, discover the role of the kasbah in local history and take pictures of its impressive stone architecture.
At the end of the tour, guests are comfortably dropped off at their Inn, Riad or at the central location of their choice in Essaouira.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We contact travellers on WhatsApp prior to the excursion to confirm the exact pick-up time and location. Pick-up is available from the airport, hotels, riads and central meeting points in Essaouira, such as Bab Marrakech car park and Moulay Hassan Square. Please be ready 10 minutes before Check-out.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(11)
If you are staying in Essaouira and fancy seeing life away from the town, this trip is well worth considering. Azziz was very friendly and took into account what we wanted to see. We were offered a short visit to a women’s argan oil cooperative which we accepted, had a quick explanation of how the oil is produced and had an opportunity to buy argan based products. That was where the touristy part ended. The rest of the day was spent somewhat off the beaten track, in what Azziz called the ‘mini Atlas’. Azziz stopped the car several times to let us take photos of the beautiful landscape. First real stop was Zaouiat Sidi M'hend Benslimane, site of a school - perched on top of a rocky outcrop - founded by a famous Moroccan writer and traveller. We then drove (and then walked, crossing a small river) to a local Berber farmhouse for a lunch of biscuits, bread, and goat tagine - very tasty! The owner was a very considerate and friendly host. We then walked to the nearby Grotte de la Sainte Lalla Takandoute, which is an old Berber religious site built into the side of a gorge. An interesting labyrinth of rooms, lived in, but very simply furnished. Our route back to Essaouira passed the Dar Caïd M’Barek Neknafi, a ruined fortress overlooking a beautiful lake, but we did not stop there. Overall, the itinerary was not exactly as advertised, but we still thoroughly enjoyed it. Azziz speaks fluent French, his English is more limited. We managed to get by with our limited French. In summary, we think this trip will be very rewarding for those who are a bit more adventurous with their sightseeing, and are happy to get somewhat off the beaten track.
Thank you very much for your kind review
Very nice excursion to Essaouira. The guide was punctual, friendly, and provided us with many interesting explanations about the local culture and the market. He also proposed an additional stop on his own initiative, which made the visit even more enjoyable. I highly recommend it!
merci beaucoup
Magnificent day spent with Aziz off the tourist trails! A day filled with fabulous landscapes and authentic places that Aziz shared with us through historical tales. Aziz is passionate and is dedicated to sharing his knowledge. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to discover.
merci beaucoup
Aziz is a very kind guide who helped us discover a part of this beautiful country.
merci beaucoup
The opportunity to visit unique places and discover great addresses. Thank you, it was perfect and contributed to making our stay in Morocco unforgettable!
merci beaucoup
Very beautiful excursion in the hinterland of Essaouira, in the countryside and part of the desert. Beautiful visit to the argan oil factory, in the traditional Berber troglodyte dwellings, very impressive. As well as the traditional meal, chicken tagine, delicious, shared with our guide in the donkey village where we were able to buy donkey milk soap at a good price. A truly beautiful day of visiting.
merci beaucoup
Aziz is kind and serious and pro. Thank you for this trip
merci beaucoup
Beautiful day spent with Oasis Neknafa Desert. was magical, from landscape to warm welcome. As a couple, we loved the calm and beauty of the place. Many thanks for this timeless moment and for the quality of transport. To do absolutely!
merci beaucoup
I highly recommend this activity with Aziz, who made us discover incredible and unsuspected places in the Essaouira desert! He was very attentive to our requests, our constraints, and made the visit really nice!
merci beaucoup
A great experience, well organized, totally lovable and uncomplicated people. Anyone in Essaouira must have done this once.
