RIDINGCAMEL RIDINGRIDINGRIDINGGUESTHOUSEoil won the 2001 Slow Food Award.
The Berbers have long used argan oil to heal, but modern research suggests that the oil may help reduce cholesterol and
prevent arteriosclerosis. In the kitchen its rich and sweet nutty flavour works wonders as a salad dressing, or added to grilled
vegetables or tajine. Berbers mix it with ground almonds and honey to make amlou, a delicacy believed to have aphrodisiac
properties.
Cold-pressed oil from untoasted nuts is increasingly recognised as a prized cosmetic, particularly for the hair. The oil has a
high vitamin E content, which makes it a great addition to anti-wrinkle creams.DIABAT
The sleepy Berber village of Diabat, just south of Essaouira, was once a dope- smoking colony
popular with hippies. Today it is the site of a major new tourist development, Golf Mogador, not
fully completed at the time of research. Comprising three luxury hotels and villas, the resort has
a golf course designed by Gary Player. Fortunately the grey water from the complex will be
used to water the golf course.
Activities
To try something more serious than the horse and camel rides on the beach, several companies
offer cross-country trekking and multiday rides in the countryside around Essaouira. Tailor-
made horse trips can be arranged through the following outfits.
Zouina Cheval
( 0669 80 71 01; www.zouina-cheval.com; 1hr ride Dh155, day incl picnic Dh600, treks 2/5
days Dh1760/6600) Recommended by several readers, this outfit is owned and run by Najib
and Sophie, highly qualified and experienced instructors who cater for all levels, including
children and beginners.
Maison du Chameau
( 0661 34 71 08; [email protected]; Douar Al Arab; per hr Dh 160, per day incl
lunch Dh400) This remote guesthouse is home to eight mehari s (white Sudanese racing
camels). The guesthouse offers weeklong camel-riding courses, shorter excursions and a
selection of peaceful rooms decked out in vibrant fuchsia pink and electric blue. It’s 7km along
Route de Marrakech.
Ranch de Diabat
( 0662 29 72 03; www.ranchdediabat.com; 1hr lesson Dh165, 7-day trek incl
accommodation Dh7700) Riding lessons for adults and children, as well as day-rides and
longer treks.
Abouda Safar
( 0528 31 45 70, 0662 74 34 97; www.abouda-safar.com; 8-day trek Dh9000) Offers eight-
day treks in various parts of southern Morocco.
Sleeping
Auberge Tangaro €€
( 0524 78 47 84; www.aubergetangaro.com; s/d incl breakfast Dh500/770, ste Dh880-1100;