As a leading player in the “green” travel industry, since our inception in 2007, the team at Journey Beyond Travel has been encouraging and promoting sustainable tourism in Morocco. At the outset of the 20th century, the continuous growth of tourism in Morocco began to take its toll on the country’s environment as well as the indigenous people. But unlike other nations, where tourism growth significantly damaged the environment, society and culture, Morocco, on the whole, quickly sought to take action to prevent too much harm from happening.
To visitors, the country offers a range of activities that focus on eco-tourism and all ranges, from more budget-focused tours to customized, sustainable luxury travel. While in Morocco, you have the unique opportunity to connect with local people in a meaningful way. Whether you’re interested in an intimate cooking course, traditional music, photography or indigenous art, resident instructors offers lessons in all of the above. The economic benefits, in turn, go directly to purchasing local products, or moreover, to the locals themselves.
In addition to immersing yourself in the local lifestyle and traditions, you can explore Morocco’s distinctive natural beauty in a sustainable way. On a custom, tailor-made Morocco holiday, you can rest assured that everything possible is being done to protect the biodiversity of the country’s historic cities, soaring mountains, expansive deserts, desolate plains, seemingly never-ending beaches and the amazing lush forests that you’ll come across on your journey.
If you’re keen on experiencing the desert, head to Morocco’s Southern Draa Valley, where Moroccan dynasties used to settle. Once an important transit point on the trans-Saharan caravan route, the Draa Valley is now a one-of-a-kind place to pitch a tent in nature. The Oualidia region similarly offers environmental desert walks and overnight trips into the mountains as well as sea kayaking and bicycle tours. While you’re there, you’ll also get to spot migrant birds, such as flamingos, warblers, egrets and storks.
For a more personal experience with an animal, get ready to sit on a mule and head to the Atlas Mountains, accompanied by an English-speaking guide, of course. Breathing in the fresh air, you’ll get to see nature in a sustainable way. But ecological friendliness doesn’t end when the sun goes down; to get a good night’s sleep, stay at the Kasbah Du Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains, considered one of the top accommodations promoting environmental awareness. The mountain retreat moreover retains very close links with the local Berber community.
If you’re up for tasting traditional Berber specialties, head to the farm of Lalla Abouch, just south of Essaouira. Here, you can sample locally grown products such as olive oil, organic poultry and vegetables, while surrounded by sand dunes and beaches. Numerous animal species and their habitats, including the turtle breeding areas, remain unharmed in Essaouira.
That’s just a taste of all the sustainable accommodations and excursions Morocco has to offer. The country continues to work actively on conserving its natural and cultural heritage, while visitors appreciate the preservation of the country’s diversity and keep coming back for more. If you are interested in learning more about what you can do to travel more sustainably, check out these eight suggestions for eco-friendly travel we’ve put together for you!
