Highlights of Morocco small group tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Shared Local Transport
The tour uses air-conditioned private vehicles (AC minivans, minibuses, or 4x4s) throughout the journey. These are shared among a small group (2–16 people), which helps reduce per-person CO? emissions compared to individual travel.

Human-Powered Transport
The itinerary includes walking tours in several locations:
• Fes Medina (Day 5): A full day of walking through the historic city.
• Todra Gorge (Day 3): A leisurely walk through the gorge and palm groves.
• Chefchaouen (Day 6): Exploration of the medina and markets on foot.

Advice on Reducing Carbon Impacts
In the tour notes travelers are encouraged to:
• Conserve energy by switching off lights and air conditioning.
• Minimize plastic waste by using Water-to-Go filter bottles.
• Choose flights with lower CO? emissions, referencing tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner.

Vegetarian and Vegan Food Availability
The tour includes traditional Moroccan meals, and Morocco is known for its plant-based dishes like tagines, couscous, and lentil stews. The optional cooking class in Chefchaouen may also offer vegetarian options.


ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Wildlife Encounters and Protection
• The tour includes a stop in the Cedar Forest to observe Barbary macaques in their natural habitat (Day 4).
• The camel trek into the Sahara (Day 3) follows strict animal welfare guidelines:
• Only one rider per camel.
• Camels are used for a maximum of one hour per day.
• No camels under 4 years old are used.
• Camels are vet-checked regularly and have access to food and water.

Entry to Protected Areas
• The tour includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Ait Benhaddou.
• The Sahara Desert and Todra Gorge are natural landscapes that benefit from sustainable tourism through local employment and conservation awareness.

Environmental Policies of Accommodations
The tour encourages:
• Energy and water conservation.
• Plastic reduction through reusable water bottles.
• Respect for local customs and minimal environmental impact.

Reducing Plastic Waste
The tour promotes the use of Water-to-Go filter bottles, which eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottles and provide safe drinking water from local sources.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Locally Owned Accommodations
The tour uses locally owned 3–4 star hotels and a traditional Berber desert camp, supporting local businesses and communities.

Local Economic Opportunities
• Employs local Moroccan guides and drivers.
• Visits local markets in Fes and Chefchaouen.
• Offers optional local experiences like cooking classes and traditional entertainment.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local Employment
The tour is operated by local Moroccan staff, including guides and drivers. This supports the local economy and ensures authentic cultural experiences.

Income Opportunities for Marginalized Groups
• The Berber desert camp provides income to indigenous Berber communities.
• Camel herders and local artisans benefit from tourism-related employment.

Fair Wages
The tour includes a tipping kitty to ensure fair compensation for service staff such as porters, waiters, and local guides.

LGBTQ+ and Accessibility
The tour is noted for small group inclusivity and moderate physical requirements. However, it may not be fully suitable for travelers with significant mobility or sensory impairments due to terrain and walking tours.