Our full-day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech starts at 8:00 am to the city of Essaouira. It is an easy 3h30 drive (176 km) through some stunning landscapes, along the way you can see dromedaries, sheep, and goats grazing in the countryside.
The vegetation then changes to ARGAN trees that only grow in the wild and which provide berries for local goats to eat. If you wish, it is possible to stop for ARGAN oil tasting in a small cooperative run by local women, where you can attend the process of oil extraction. We can also stop on the way to see the famous Argan tree where goats clamber up the low branches and feed. Sometimes as many as 20 goats are sitting up in one tree. It is a fascinating sight and an absolute must when it comes to getting a photo opportunity.
If the trip day coincides with a Monday, we will stop to visit the weekly market in the town of Oudayas
“Weekly markets” are a cultural heritage and a strong presence in Morocco
Popular biographies in Morocco tell many stories about the importance of the weekly market day, as it is a time for residents of a tribe or region to meet on a regular basis to shop or sell goods, and also to conclude alliances and contracts and resolve disputes in an atmosphere of a festive nature. The market is often called a market day. The week, region, region, or tribe on whose lands it is held, while its location is usually chosen according to demographic, social, and political conditions and determinants.
These markets, with all the symbolic weight they carry, still maintain their strong presence in Moroccan social and economic life today, despite the widespread of modern markets in the country.
1 stop break on the way
Argan tree area, less than 30 kilometers from the destination. On the highlands, the road passes through land where trees grow here. Sometimes we can see goats in the trees and we can take pictures with them. They love the fruits of the argan tree and climb them with surprising ease. They cling to the branches, settle there, and taste the fruit with ease. They actually only eat the pulp and reject the kernel. Residents then collect the latter, roast them, and then press them to make oil for their own use or for sale.
- We will expect to visit one of the women's cooperatives for argan oil
By the time travelers reach Essaouira, they will have about 5 hours of time before returning to Marrakech. They can start with a visit to the old city of Essaouira. The city of Essaouira has strong tourism potential, thanks to its natural, historical, and cultural riches, making it a major tourist destination. Its Old Town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, is a maze of alleys dividing the various districts and markets. Completely organized despite everything, the market offers all kinds of products. The garments are mixed with spices, necklaces, bracelets, and other items followed by olives and other fruits and vegetables. There are many restaurants here where fresh catch is cooked in the morning for lunch or dinner. Many other typical dishes are also served, and it is nice to stop on the terrace under the refreshing shade of the trees.
He is the first to welcome visitors. Stretching nearly six kilometers in length, it is popular with surfers who come to enjoy the strong waves as well as visitors who want to bask in the sun. The water is rather cold (18 degrees on average all year round) and the strong currents will eventually dissuade you from going to soak your feet in favor of a more cultural, historical, and colorful visit to the city. The fishing port is located in continuity with the beach. Its blue boats and white cabins with blue shutters are very easy to spot.
The port gate is our return meeting point. We will return to Marrakesh at the end of the afternoon around 16.30, arriving in the “Red City” around 19:00.
