R iad Ka f i l a essaouira
Riad Kafila: Your riad with great o
ocean view
“ Alone I was when I starte but people kept coming alon - Majrooh
Your Essaouira experience starts at Riad Kafila, a traditional Moro beachscape of the northwest corner of this fortress city. Riad Kafil Essaouira itself. Once referred to as “the port of Timbuktu,” carava of cultures where travelers can rest, meet, and exchange stories.
Riad Kafila is comprised of three floors and a stunning rooftop terra oasis of calm only a few minutes from the many restaurants, souks, c both the harbor and the kilometers of endless sandy beach.
At the end of November 2015, we welcomed our first clients in Ria all over Morocco. The rooms are furnished with quality mattresses much light enters through the big windows and dome. Typical to o the clients and to make them feel at home. Guests at Riad Kafila a is one of comfort, simplicity and ‘home’.
ed towards my destination, ng, the caravan kept growing.” Sultanpuri
occan home, which borders the sea wall and overlooks the rocky la, meaning “house of the caravan”, has taken its inspiration from ans from all over Africa came here to trade. The riad is a crossroads
ace with views up and down Essaouira’s scenic coast. Our riad is an cafes and shops in the medina, and only five minutes walking from
ad Kafila. We restored and decorated the house with artifacts from and duvets. The patio, lounge and terrace offers cozy corners and our approach is the personal touch. Our staff loves to interact with are truly pampered by our team. The whole atmosphere of our riad
The rooms Our riad has seven double rooms, which are located off the central courtyard. All rooms have a private bathroom and WIFI. Each room can be converted into a twin room. Private bathroom with a shower Bottled water (free of charge) Bedlinnen, towels and soap
The Courtyard Upon arrival to Riad Kafila, we will welcome you in the courtyard, where you can enjoy a traditional mint tea as you check in. At the reception desk we are always at your service to answer your questions or provide you information about Essaouira, tours, daytrips or any other requests you may have. 24-hour concierge Luggage storage Assistance with itinerary planning Bookings for spa treatments and restaurants Help with shipping purchases
“Hidden treasure inside of the medina!” From the moment we arrived, we were given the best possible treatment. The staff is always smiling and happy to help. If you have any questions about what to do in Essaouira, don’t hesitate to ask. They have a lot of knowledge, not only about Essaouira but also about other regions in Morocco. The view from the rooftop terrace is just stunning: an excellent place to have breakfast (which definitely won’t leave you hungry) or a relaxing cup of afternoon tea. The riad is beautifully decorated, both inside and outside of the rooms. - Althaya
The lounge Riad Kafila is unique because of its great location and amazing view. Our second floor lounge is decorated with Moroccan artifacts and furnishings to create a cozy and beautiful space for relaxation. With its breathtaking ocean views, is the perfect setting to enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner. You may want to spend your whole day here curled up with a good book and listening to the waves outside. Rich breakfast Wifi Internet access
The roof-top terrace Our roof-top terrace is a perfect spot for sunbathing and meditation. In the evening, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. You’ll love watching the waves crashing against the distant rocks while the sun falls behind the horizon.
Individually charged services: Lunch and dinner on request Laundry Airport transfers Day trips and tours Professional guides Professional baby sitters available Picnic for day trips Non alcoholic beverages Giftshop items
Groups
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“Great!� We had a lovely room with seating area and sea view. Service was excellent with huge Moroccan breakfast. Beautiful views from shared spaces and roof terrace. Location was ideal for walking to the harbour, main square and up to the city wall. Staff was very nice and friendly. I truly enjoyed my stay and felt right at home. I would definitely recomend it! - Connie
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Why Essaouira?
While most visitors head for the spectacle of Marrakech or the resort town of Agadir, Essaouira offers the best of both combining a lively and buzzing city with the calm and freshness of the sea. Essaouira pronounced ‘essa-weera’, or ‘es-Sweera’ in Arabic) is located on the Moroccan Atlantic coast about 2,5 hours west from Marrakech. The historic Medina, its majestic ramparts, its beach, its culture, … once you enter Essaouira, you will fall in love with the charm and beauty of the city. Keep reading for five reasons why you should visit Essaouira and discover them for yourself!
The beach Essaouira offers kilometers of sandy beach with a wide range of opportunities for activity all year long. Renowned as a water sports resort, Essaouira boasts one of the best kite-surfing locations in Africa and has hosted numerous world championships. So whether for an adrenaline experience, a long relaxing beach walk, a ride on horseor camelback, Essaouira is the ultimate destination. Join us along Essaouira’s unbridled coastline with all its natural African beauty!
The medina and the souks Walking through the souks, you’ll feel as though you've entered a whole new world. Unlike other Moroccan cities, the souks of Essaouira are less hectic and you can quietly wander and experience the Moroccan market life. Enjoy the endless streets full of stalls, including wooden accessories, colorful rugs and fine herbs. Your visit will be made memorable by the characters you meet along the way, and you may be invited for tea by more than one shopkeeper.
The harbor One of the highlights of Essaouira, the harbor dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when Essaouira was Morocco’s biggest trading port. It was nicknamed the “Port of Timbuktu” because goods like gold and spices came by camel caravans from subSaharan Africa to be shipped from here to Europe and the Americas. You’ll see fishermen unloading their catch for sale in local restaurants or to be grilled straight off the boat in one of the harbor side stalls. Enjoy the daily experience from the quay, and don’t miss the fresh orange juice stalls on your walk back to the Moulay Hassan square.
The arts and crafts Essaouira is well known for its cultural life, and its many local artists and art galleries. The city has a rich craft heritage. A number of craftsmen sculpture wood from the roots of the Thuya tree to make boxes, dishes, decorative objects and furniture. You can also find jewelry, rugs, leather goods, babouches (slippers), pottery, and traditional decorative objects. The many local artisans and artists offer unique souvenirs to take back home.
The local experience If you want to experience Morocco without the tourist tricks and crowds, Essaouira is the perfect place. The laid back bohemian vibe of the city makes it easy for you to interact with the locals and get to know the Moroccan culture and way of life. For a truly local experience, buy some fish from the fish market in the Medina, and have it prepared in one of the small community restaurants. Or, go to a traditional hammam for a full cleansing and cultural experience. Or, visit one of the authentic farmers’ markets, where you are likely to find donkeys, goats, fresh vegetables, camels, and country supplies. Or book a cooking class and learn the secrets to preparing a Moroccan tajine. We are happy to help you gain access to authentic Moroccan experiences.
Activities in Essaouira Essaouira has much to offer. Here is a selection of a few out of the many activities we can arrange for you: • Tour with a professional and knowledgeable guide • Water sports, like surfing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, paddle boarding, or sea kayaking • Camel or horse-riding on the beach • Bike or scooter hire • Golf • Walking or hiking • Cooking classes • Language classes • Percussion initiation • Cultural visits (Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Museum, synagogues, cemeteries, …) • Hammam and spa treatment • Art workshops
Excursions There are a several options of day trips that can be made from Riad Kafila. Here some thematic suggestions: • The Berber life o Explore a local market to see how locals sell and barter for goods (Had draa, Imintlit, Meskala, Ida Ogourd, …) o Visit a women’s Argan oil cooperative, and sample the nutty flavors with traditionally baked flat bread • Into nature o Discover the beaches (Sidi Kaouki, Moulay Bezerktoun, …) o View the waterfalls of Sidi M’barek o Picnic at “Ain el Hajar”, a lush, green oasis (“ain“) • Culinary trip o Enjoy the wine at the Val d’Argan vineyard o Tour La Formagerie, an artisan cheese-maker, and sample their products o Make Argan oil at a women’s cooperative • Sporty day out o Hike in the countryside outside Essaouira through local Argan groves or visit the Sidi M'Bark waterfall or the Ksob River. o Surf along the wild Moroccan coast (Sidi Kaouki, Moulay Bezerktoun, …) • A city trip Though many people specifically travel to Essaouira, if you need a break from the city, there are many day trip options to consider. o Marrakech o Agadir o Safi
Transport Our transport services are provided in collaboration with Fikra Travel, a local travel company experienced in fulfilling independent & group travel needs. Pick ups and drop offs at the Essaouira, Marrakesh or Agadir airports are available. We can also offer you day trips within the region of Essaouira or personalized tours throughout Morocco that are customized to your needs. Consult with us on-site or in advance and we will take care of all arrangements, making your trip delightfully straightforward, so that you may enjoy each moment. We are happy to customize the perfect excursion for you. Get in touch for more information about the possibilities. For more inspiration go directly to the Fikra Travel website and follow Fikra Travel on Facebook !
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“A truly amazing place to stay in Essaouira” My girl and I were planning to spend one month in Morocco, travelling around the country and seeing as much as possible. After 10 days we reached Essaouira and rented a room in this wonderful Riad Kafila. Instead of travelling forth after one night as planned, we decided to stay there for almost two weeks, that’s how amazing it was! - Janez U
Contact For all requests (availability, price, information ...), contact us via the contact information below. Riad Kafila Rue Yamen 4bis, 44000 Essaouira, Maroc riadkafila@gmail.com | www.riadkafila.com +212 5 24 78 32 75 | +212 6 15 82 65 80