Discover the magical surroundings of Essaouira and enjoy stunning ocean views while riding a horse. We will depart from the village of Diabat, which is known for being a popular destination for hippies and Jimi Hendrix in the '60s and '70s. The village is also home to the ruins of a palace that was built before the city of Mogador even existed. We will pick you up from the main street and guide you through the narrow alleys of the village to our stables of Ranch Aftass. We will then ride alongside the river, which is often visited by different species of migratory birds. You might catch a glimpse of a flamingo there. We then pass through the mimosas and eucalyptus forests and the sand dunes, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the island of Mogador, Essaouira and the wild beaches. Then we head back along the shore. Before we arrive back at the stables, we might encounter some herds of goats or a local farmer taking her cows back to the village.
The palace is linked to the founding of Essaouira (formerly Mogador) by Ahmed al-Mansour during the Saadian Dynasty in the 16th century. It is now fallen to ruins and is a real 'castle in the Sand'. During the 60's and 70's this was a popular spot where hippies would hang and dance around campfires. Jimi Hendrix would have been inspired by this ruins to write his famous song: "Castle in the sand."
You will make your own way to the meeting points