Tika Ranch
Trail Ride (2 days) Essaouira
23 - 24.01.2025
What can you expect on the Tika Ranch 2-day Essaouira ride? Here you’ll find all important information about the stable, the ride, whether photos are taken and my personal review.
Table of Contents
Information
We had the privilege of taking a private Tika Ranch 2 day tour Essouira he guide was able to accommodate all our wishes.
Guests could pay in cash with Moroccan Dirham or via bank transfer to a German account.
A transfer picked up the guests from their accommodation.
We booked this tour on the same day and the flexibility and spontaneity were excellent.
Stable
The stable is located in a remote area near Sidi Kouki. They have five rescued horses, which are either kept in individual stalls or on a paddock with plenty of turnout and are very well cared for.
Arrival
Upon arrival at the stable, we were able to greet the horses and speak with the guide. He and an assistant prepared the horses for the ride. During mounting, the guide held the horse and adjusted the stirrups. Once everyone was seated, the ride began.
Trail Ride
First Ride – 23.01.2025:
The ride started directly at the stable. We first rode along red sandy paths, followed gravel roads, and crossed off-road reddish-brown sand trails lined with white stones and small trees. On suitable sections, we trotted and enjoyed the vast landscape.
We continued into the dunes, where we enjoyed the first canter. The soft sand under the hooves and gentle elevations made riding especially pleasant here. Afterwards, we left the dunes behind and rode relaxed until reaching a small village. Here, we took a well-deserved break at “La Grotte” (restaurant/café/inn). While enjoying the wonderful sea view, our horses were offered fresh water.
After the break, our path led through the village and over rocky hills covered with low bushes. The uneven terrain required walking, but the impressive nature more than compensated for the slow pace. We finally reached the dunes near the beach—a perfect place for trot and canter sessions with occasional walking breaks.
As darkness fell, we continued our ride at a relaxed walk. The path led over sandy, stone-strewn trails, past scattered trees. Occasionally, we had to duck under low-hanging branches barely visible in the twilight. Yet all this was overshadowed by the breathtaking view of the starry sky. We could identify numerous constellations, and the clear night added an almost magical atmosphere to our ride.
Our path finally led to a small chapel by a road. Right next to it, there was a water trough where the horses could refresh themselves before continuing. Crossing a busy street or sidewalk, we slowly approached the suburb of Diabat. At the end of our ride, we passed a permanently open tunnel gate and entered the courtyard where the horses were tied for the night.
Our guide had already prepared water buckets and hay, so the horses could enjoy a well-deserved rest. For us, the day ended with a transfer to our accommodation in Essaouira, which we booked directly through„ Tika Ranch" — a perfect way to relax after an eventful day.
Second Ride – 24.01.2025:
In the morning, we explored the city of "Essaouira“shopped for souvenirs, and wandered through the lively streets. When it was time, a transfer brought us back to "Diabat“where our horses had been waiting since the previous day. Both riders and horses were refreshed and ready for the next ride.
We rode slowly along familiar paths to the chapel. From there, the trail continued along reddish-brown sandy paths lined with white stones and small trees. On suitable sections, we added some trotting and enjoyed the gentle swing of the horses. We finally reached the sandy beach, and the first canter wasn’t far behind.
With the wind on our faces and the sound of the waves beside us, we rode in all three gaits along the sea. A sense of freedom accompanied us as our horses glided powerfully over the soft sand. In the dunes, we took a short tea break and savored the moment before continuing.
Walking, trotting, or cantering, we continued along the water until reaching a cliff. Passing through a small village, the trail led to the other side, where a rocky descent brought us back to the beach.
At the bottom, we enjoyed one last long canter before dusk fell and darkness enveloped the landscape. We rode at a relaxed walk along field paths toward a café parking lot, where our guide let us choose: end the ride here or continue back to the stable. As the cold was creeping in, we chose the first option and ended the day peacefully.
My Trail Ride Diary
Your personal companion for your ride trips– with plenty of space for photos and notes!
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While riding, I wore the Royal Horsemen riding leggings – they were extremely comfortable and pleasant to wear.
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After the ride
With the guide, we sat in a café near “Chez Iziki” and warmed up with a hot drink. Then the transfer took us back to our accommodation in Essaouira. Meanwhile, the guide took the horses back to the stable and tended to them.
Photos
Photo breaks were possible upon request.
My Review
I enjoyed the ride. It was lovely to ride to Essaouira on horseback and return the next afternoon, giving us some time to explore the city as well.
English 
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