The Argan and Sugar Legacy

This full-day experience immerses you in Essaouira’s industrial heritage, with a focus on the sugar and argan oil trades. The day trip begins with a scenic walk through groves of twisted Argan trees, learning about this UNESCO‑protected ecosystem and spotting local wildlife like squirrels, rare birds, and even foxes. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into how this arid yet fertile landscape has sustained generations of Berber communities, shaped by cycles of labor, migration, and resilience. Your guide will then lead you to the striking ruins of a 16th-century sugar mill—a hidden symbol of Morocco’s economic past. As you sip tea under the trees, you’ll explore how this once-prosperous industry helped shape this region. The day continues in the home of Hafida and her family, where you’ll take part in a hands-on Argan oil workshop, before ending with a tasting of the oil, paired with organic honey and freshly baked bread by the Berber women in the family.

This experience highlights how Essaouira’s rural lands played a significant role in the country’s economic growth. You’ll understand why sugar was once part of Morocco’s booming Saadian economy—linking agriculture, trade and empire. This same landscape now supports a different pillar of local life: Argan oil. In the home of Hafida and her family, you’ll take part in the entire artisanal process of making this “liquid gold”—from cracking nuts to pressing kernels—guided by the Berber women who keep this tradition alive. Their knowledge has been passed down through generations, and you’ll see how each step of the process is rooted in rhythm and care. You’ll leave with the oil you’ve helped create, a deeper appreciation of its cultural value, and the chance to taste authentic Amlou (an argan-oil based spread), made with high-quality ingredients, far from the commercial blends found in markets—as well as a connection to the people and the land that continue to sustain this craft.

Your host, Tarek, is a local Moroccan who coordinates the experience and welcomes you into the region. A certified guide will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing historical insights and curiosities. At the heart of the experience it's Hafida and her family who guide you through the traditional Argan oil workshop, offering hands-on instruction and warm hospitality.

Sturdy walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and a camera to capture the landscapes and the process.