17th Apr 2027 - 27th Apr 2027
11 days/Morocco /Project Trip
We have teamed up with Baraka Community Partnerships once more to return to Morocco to help the community rebuild their lives after the devastation caused by an earthquake in September 2023. Join us as we head up to the remote Berber village of Tighza in the Atlas Mountains where the earthquake significantly affected the villagers and many homes were destroyed. Work side by side with the locals as we help villagers rebuild their homes.
No experience is necessary – just a willingness to pitch in and make a difference.
You don’t need any building experience to take part — just enthusiasm, a willingness to work hard and the desire to make a difference! A reasonable level of fitness is required.
This unique trip gives you the opportunity to make a genuine impact and give back to the community you are visiting. You will be able to play your part in helping locals rebuild their lives after the devastating earthquake which hit the region in September 2023. Immerse yourself in local life and see first-hand just what a difference you can make. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
Situated in North West Africa, the Kingdom of Morocco is a country with a population of over 35 million people. Morocco has a diverse geography with both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines in addition to a rugged mountainous and desert interior. The mighty Atlas Mountains, vast Sahara Desert, picturesque port towns and traditional Berber villages make Morocco an adventure lover’s paradise. Marrakech is a wonderful place to visit with its spicy aromas, peaceful mosques, diverse entertainers and a cacophony of merchants in the bustling medina.
Flights are not included in the cost and should be arranged independently. If you require any further arrangements such as extra nights’ accommodation, single rooms or any other arrangements please let Different Travel know at the time of booking.
The group will generally be between 10-12 people. Andy McKee is leading the tour on behalf of Baraka Community Partnerships. He has been leading trips in Morocco, where Baraka was founded, for over 20 years. He will be assisted by Moroccan colleagues and friends.
The minimum age to participate in this trip is 18 years old, or 15-17 if accompanied by an adult.
During your stay in Morocco, you’ll stay in simple guesthouses known as riads. The trip costs are calculated based on two individuals sharing a room. If you are a solo traveller, we will gladly assign you a same-gender room-mate.
Single rooms are subject to availability. Please make a request on your booking form
Temperatures in the Atlas Mountains in April can reach 25°C and higher but wind chill may make this feel colder and temperatures can drop to around 8°C after the sun sets. Some snow may remain on the higher slopes.
Although the temperatures and conditions above are historically accurate, climate change can impact the seasons so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip which are out of our control. Should this happen the guide will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and ultimately the safety of the group as a whole.
Typically breakfast comprises bread and jam, eggs, porridge, hot drinks etc. Evening meals tend to begin with a hot or cold salad, followed by a tagine (a traditional fish, chicken or lamb stew with vegetables served in a clay pot) served with bread or couscous (made from semolina) accompanied by vegetables. A cup of sweet mint tea is commonly used to end the meal.
There are western-style toilets and shower facilities at the hotel and guesthouse. You should bring your own environmentally friendly toiletries.
You may encounter basic squat toilets during certain parts of the trip. Toilet paper is not always provided so you will need to bring your own.
The work will be done in a mountainous area which is at approximately 1,800m altitude. There will be some walking around in this area so a basic degree of fitness is required.
You will never be asked to do anything outside your physical capabilities and teamwork will be encouraged at all times. No volunteer should feel they have to do something they are not happy or comfortable doing. Be open and honest if you feel you cannot do what you have been asked to.
If you do have any reservations about any job you are assigned, please do not hesitate to raise these with Andy.
Marrakech
You will arrive in Marrakech and transfer to Riad Bledna for the night.
Meals: Dinner
Marrakech – Tighza
After breakfast we take to the road and head up to the Atlas mountains to the Berber village of Tighza. We will check into our guesthouse base for the next few nights before making our first visit to the project this afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Tighza
We will spend the next four days immersing ourselves in Berber village life and assisting with the Baraka funded projects. The main body of work is likely to be repairing and creating irrigation channels and we may also spend time helping rebuild some of the homes damaged in the earthquakes.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Tighza – Essaouira
After breakfast we will head out of the mountains and down to the coast to the city of Essaouira, our base for the next couple of days.
Meals: Breakfast
Essaouira
The next two days are free for you to enjoy Essaouira at your leisure. Known as the windy city it’s sandy beaches are great for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Or perhaps you’d like to explore the medina, protected by its 18th-century seafront ramparts. Essaouira is particularly popular for its more relaxed shopping atmosphere as well as its spa culture.
Meals: Breakfast
Essaouira – Marrakech
Today we head back to Marrakech before for a final night at the Riad Bledna.
Meals: Breakfast
Marrakech
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
N.B. Adventure travel is unpredictable so the itinerary may change due to flight schedules, climate etc. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary however we cannot be held responsible for changes outside of our control. Your guide and tour manager will have the final say in the interest of the health and safety of the group.
If you’ve a question about this challenge that you can’t find the answer to within the given information then complete this quick form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.