Just back from a 6 day trip with Cheval Essaouira. All I can say is WOW, what an amazing time.
Firstly the horses are amazing, all stallions, all so well behaved. I rode Miamor a lovely dark grey, he didn't put a foot wrong all week, responsive to the leg and came back when you asked him. Very surefooted for the days where we covered hilly rocky terrain. I didn't see a single horse spook or buck or nap all week. Felt very safe when we rode fast. The Arab/Barb horses have great stamina and temperament. These horses work hard, but all look happy and well. It's different to how you ride at home, so be prepared to be open minded from your usual ways.
The longer rides are challenging physically, so you need to be riding fit and confident handling fit horses in open spaces, for your own enjoyment and safety of yourself and others around you.
The staff, Mohammed, Said, Momo, Majid, Soufiane and everyone were so welcoming, I really felt part of the family. They looked after you without crowding you, always happy to help answer questions. Very entertaining, singing songs and drumming, getting everyone involved.
The food was delicious and plentiful all week, lots of fresh fruit, snacks, tagines and meat cooked on open flames. And plenty of Moroccan mint tea with honey / sugar - yum. We had breakfast, picnic lunch, tea with dates, nuts and pancakes after the ride and then dinner, so we never went hungry.
The camps are as described, they have everything you need, but we were very happy with our guesthouse on the last night with a pool!
The scenery took my breath away every day, and each day was different. We rode through dried river beds, up and down hills/mountains. Occasionally you have to get off and lead your horse, so be prepared to do a small bit of walking. We rode through stunning canyons, passing farmers riding donkeys side saddle. We rode along cliffs overlooking the sea, and huge sand dunes and of course along endless beaches.
The horses surrounded the campsite so you fell asleep to the sound of your horses...... I could go on, but I will definitely be back