ATLANTIC COAST, ESSAOUIRA

It is most likely that your day in Essaouira will be one of leisure, perhaps after your travelling tour that involved days in the the High Atlas and/or the Sahara.

En route to Essaouira, this area of Morocco is the only area where argan tress naturally grow. As you travel ever westwards, you may spot some goats grazing around the argan trees, eating the leaves and the fruits, especially when ground pasture is lacking.

There is the opportunity to stop at an Argan Oil Co-operative. The argan tree fruits have nuts, the oil from their kernals being rich in argan oil. This valued oil is used for both cosmetic and culinary use.

Stopping at an Argan Oil Co-operative, the traditional processes of extracting the organ oil are seen. First the organ nuts are cracked open to release the kernel. Then using a quern stone, the kernels are squeezed to release their oil. Often it is ladies doing this work, the money earned being a valuable boost for their families' incomes.

On arrival in to Essaouira you will be met by an official City Guide. This Guide will give you a tour of the Medina area and the defensive sea walls, describing and explaining as you walk around.

You may then wish the remainder of your Essaouira time to include some of the following options:-

• Take lunch; this is not yet costed in but can be added at a supplement if wished
• Leisurely explore the medina and the bustling souks with their​ many shops and cafés
• Walk the ramparts of the old sea wall defences; good coastal geography processes and forms to be seen and discussed
• Enjoy a stroll along the extensive promenade by the beach
• Enjoy time on the extensive beach
• Take time by the harbour to see the lively fishing industry
• Take a camel ride on the beach (not yet costed in but can be added at a supplement)
• Participate in some organised sporting activity e.g. introduction to surfing. This can be added at a supplement. Please see more information about this on the Excursions and Activities pages.

By late afternoon it will be time to head back to Marrakech for overnight.

NOTE: It is possible to take an overnight stay (or two) in Essaouira. This can be discussed at the time of planning your whole tour's itinerary