Rural markets generally take place once a week. Locals come from the surrounding villages to do their weekly shopping. They traditionally travel by donkey, and the “donkey parking” around the market is quite a sight to see! In the Essaouira countryside, the village of Had Draa hosts a large rural souk every Sunday. It's best to go with a guide to navigate through it !
We start the tour at the animal souk, where men negotiate cows, donkeys, sheep, and goats. Then we wander through the fruit and vegetable stalls, sampling a few along the way, tasting dried fruits, typical pastries, and delicious olive oil. You can also observe the blacksmith shoeing donkeys, a welder repairing pots and teapots, a cobbler resoling shoes, and even barbers under tents, real mobile hair salons !
Then it’s time to meet the one and only butcher who offers dromedary meat, which will be grilled at the restaurant next door. The tour ends with a tasting accompanied by mint tea, it goes without saying! This gourmet visit of a souk Essaouira is a real immersion in the daily life of Berber people in rural areas. And a tip: do not eat too much before coming!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Experience available in French and English.
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4 Hours.
Available year-round from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Only on Sundays. - Suitable for all audiences. No physical condition required.
- Accessible for people with reduced mobility, but not wheelchairs (the souk's uneven ground and narrow alleys make it inaccessible).
- Includes: Guide, transportation from the medina (extra charge for outlying hotels), and all tastings.
- Not included : Tips.
PRICING FOR THE HAD DRAA SOUK TOUR
Prices for a private experience (you will not be mixed with other guests):
1 person: €235.
For 2 people: €120 per person.
For 3 people: €86 per person.
For 4 people: €78 per person.
For 5 people or more: €73 per person.
Children between 4 and 10 : -25%.
Children under 4: free.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SOUK VISIT IN ESSAOUIRA ?
Please specify your preferred date at the time of booking.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring something warm for the winter or windy days. On sunny days, bring a hat and sunscreen !
The souk is a very masculine and traditional environment: to feel comfortable (and avoid attracting attention), wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and avoid low-cut tops for women.
Bring water with you (you can also buy some during the visit).
THEY TESTED
THE ESSAOUIRA SOUK
RURAL HAD DRAA
AND THEY SAY IT BETTER THAN WE COULD!