An eighteenth-century walled port on the Atlantic, set out by a French architect for a Moroccan sultan, Essaouira feels like nowhere else in Morocco. Portuguese in character, the ramparts enclose a medina built on a grid rather than a maze; the fishing harbour still earns its living, and the wind scarcely ever eases.
That wind is the whole point. It has made Essaouira one of the best kitesurfing and windsurfing spots in Africa - which lands well with South African visitors who know Langebaan - and it holds the town near 22C while Marrakech sits above 40. For anyone spending a week inland, a day or two out here is the standard release valve.
The way here runs through the argan forest, where goats genuinely do climb the trees, on good road the whole distance. Every booking is private, so you can stop for the goats, stop at a co-operative, or drive straight through. The rate is set in advance and covers fuel, tolls and the driver.
Why hire a driver here
- Two and a half hours from Marrakech, all of it argan country
- The medina is walled and walked; vehicles get as far as the gates
- Come summer the town sits about twenty degrees below Marrakech
- Boards and kite equipment want a vehicle that really holds them
- Running south to Agadir, the coast road repays the drive alone
Included in every booking
- Fuel, tolls and the driver's fee for the agreed route
- Marrakech hotel, riad or airport pickup
- English-speaking drivers as standard on the South African site
- Photo stops at the argan trees and co-operatives
- Surfboard, kite and extra luggage space on request, at no charge
