An 7 days Argan Oil Tour from Marrakech in Morocco would provide you with an immersive experience, allowing you to explore the production of this unique and highly prized oil, while also discovering the culture, landscapes, and traditions surrounding it. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a memorable Argan oil adventure:
7 days Argan Oil Tour from Marrakech
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Arrive in Marrakech, where you’ll be welcomed by your guide. Spend the day exploring the city’s vibrant souks and visiting a local cooperative that produces argan oil. You’ll learn about the traditional extraction process and the many uses of argan oil in cosmetics, cooking, and health.
Optional: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner with a focus on dishes using argan oil.
Day 2: Marrakech – Women’s Argan Cooperatives
Visit several women’s cooperatives in the surrounding area of Marrakesh, where local Berber women work to extract and produce high-quality argan oil. Watch the entire process, from cracking the nuts to extracting the oil. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase products directly from these cooperatives, ensuring that your purchase supports sustainable, local businesses.
Take time to visit the famous Majorelle Garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum for a break, but still keeping with the theme of Moroccan beauty and natural ingredients.
Day 3: Marrakech to Essaouira – Argan Forests
Travel to Essaouira, a coastal town known for its thriving argan tree forests, which are a UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserve. Along the way, you’ll stop at various sites where argan trees grow, and you’ll have a chance to photograph the landscape and see the goats climbing the argan trees (a rare but fun sight).
Once in Essaouira, visit local argan oil cooperatives and learn about the traditional and modern uses of the oil in cooking, cosmetics, and alternative medicine.
Day 4: Essaouira – Argan Oil and Traditional Crafts
Explore the town of Essaouira, known for its woodwork, crafts, and coastal beauty. Visit markets where you can see handcrafted goods made with argan oil, like soaps, balms, and perfumes.
Participate in a hands-on workshop where you can make your own argan oil-based products, such as lotions or scrubs, with the guidance of local artisans.
In the evening, enjoy a sunset walk along the beach or visit the old medina, known for its blue-and-white architecture.
Day 5: Essaouira to Agadir – Argan Oil & Sustainability
Travel to Agadir, a city located near the heart of the argan oil-producing region. Here, you’ll visit larger-scale processing facilities that ensure sustainable production. Learn how the local argan oil industry supports women’s empowerment and conservation efforts for the environment and the trees.
Visit a local market and learn about other products made from argan nuts, like argan powder and soaps, and understand their role in the local economy.
Day 6: Agadir to Taroudant – Argan Oil and Berber Traditions
Head to Taroudant, a town known for its Berber culture and history. Visit an argan oil cooperative run by Berber women, where you can see the traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Explore Taroudant’s souks for more argan oil products and other regional crafts, and enjoy a traditional Berber lunch.
In the evening, enjoy a guided walk through the town’s ancient ramparts and narrow alleyways, offering opportunities for unique photography.
Day 7: Taroudant to Marrakech
After your breakfast you will be transferred to Marrakech airport.
Highlights of the 7 days Argan Oil Tour from Marrakech:
- Argan Oil Production: Experience the traditional methods of extracting argan oil and visit cooperatives run by Berber women.
- Goats in Argan Trees: See the rare sight of goats climbing argan trees for a unique photo opportunity.
- Workshops and Hands-on Learning: Participate in workshops to make your own argan oil-based products.
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: Visit the argan forests in Essaouira, part of the protected region where argan trees thrive.
- Cultural Immersion: Discover how argan oil production supports women’s empowerment and the local economy in rural Morocco.
- Traditional Crafts: Explore the art of using argan oil in Moroccan cooking and cosmetics, and shop for unique products crafted from the oil.
