Environment, Cultural Immersion & Nomadism

Morocco

Duration 10 days

Suggested group size 12 - 20 students / 2 Envoys Field Staff

Suggested ages 14 - 18

Experience Cultural Immersion & Nomadism
Environment

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Environment, Cultural Immersion & Nomadism

Morocco II

This travel experience is al about experiencing true immersion in the natural enironnment and culture of the Amazigh of the High Atlas Mountains. An invitation to unlearn modern assumptions, and rediscover ancient wisdoms. Explore resource sharing, eco-living, and sustainable philosophies. Step on a lighter path - pave the way for a just future, hand in hand with the Earth.

“From the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara's golden expanse, a tapestry of landscapes and cultures woven by centuries of crossroads.“

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“Berber traditions meet Arabic flair, every step is a journey through a land where history and hospitality intertwine.“

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Impact Statement Everywhere we go, we carry a promise – to engage with respect, act with purpose, and leave a positive imprint. As envoys of our journey is more than travel; Our footprint is light, but our impact is profound, creating bridges of cooperation and mutual growth across the globe.

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Day 1

The group arrives in Marrakech. After settling in, we conduct a lenses of inquiry activity and a program briefing, and then set out to explore the city. In the evening, after a dinner of local specialties, we explore the lively, music-filled night market that occurs nightly on Jemaa El Fna.

Day 2

We eat a traditional Moroccan breakfast, and visit a local women’s cooperative. Many such cooperatives have sprung up with the intention of fostering skill developing, sharing resources, and encouraging solidarity. Then, we take a tour of the Bahia Palace and visit Amal NonProfit.

Day 3

We visit Musée Farid Belkahia, housing a collection of works by the artist Farid Belkahia, who broke away from European art movements, and defended Moroccan culture. Afterwards, we travel to Imlil. Stopping along the way to visit the rice terraces of Asni and the Moulay Brahim Gorge.

Day 4

We visit Association Toubkal Développement, which aims to help the development of the villages of the Toubkal massif by setting up and coordinating projects based on volunteering, collecting financial or material donations, and organizing sports and cultural activities.

Day 5

In the morning, we meet our local trekking guides and participate in a staging workshop before we set out. We hike to Assif-Izagzaoun, where we have a picnic lunch and then continue on until sunset, when we settle in for the night with our local Amazigh host family.

Day 6

We hike to Tizgui, ascending the summit of Mt. Assaka. In the afternoon, we descend towards the Goudafa (Tizgui) valley. Again, we are hosted by a local family in a traditional home, to get to know our hosts, hear their stories, learn words in the local language, experience their music and cooking.

Day 7

The third day of our hike takes us to the pass of Tougdalt, also known as the Mount of Winds. In the afternoon, we come to Tizi Oussem, a small village with spectacular views of Mt. Toukbal. Here, we meet our hosts and settle in for a night of exchange, laughter, good food and rest.

Day 8

On the last day of our trek, we hike through Azzaden-Valley, or Valley of the 1000 colors, home to an incredible diversity of geological features. We enjoy a celebratory picnic lunch, finish our hike to Tizi Mzik, and then travel back to Imlil. We transfer back to Marrakech.

Day 9

Students have the choice of visiting another social or environmental organization, based on their personal interest, and create zines to distribute to other tourists. We take some time for some final trinket shopping and enjoy a celebratory dinner with live music and storytelling at Café Clock.

Day 10

We wake up for sunrise in the medina. After eating breakfast, we conduct our program closing ceremony in the central square, and then return back to our hotel to pack our bags, set off for the airport, and begin our journey home.

Highlights

Lenses of Inquiry

ENVIRONMENT

We explore the natural environment of the High Atlas Mountains and how it is under threat from a variety of factors, like climate change, overgrazing, and deforestation. Students learn what is being made to protect it through conservation efforts, reforestation, and sustainable tourism practices.

AMAZIGH CULTURAL IMMERSION

As students trek through the High Atlas Mountains with guides from Amazigh communities, they learn about traditional cultural values and lifeways. They explore their values, culture and role in Morocco’s cultural identity.

NOMADISM

Students explore nomadic lifestyle, learning about living lightly on the earth, developing resilience, sharing resources, overcoming challenges together, being adaptable and developing mutually beneficial relationships with the plant, animal, and fungal communities that surround us and support life.

FAQS

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At Envoys, we work to unite and educators from around the world to explore issues of global significance.

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Do I need a visa to travel this destination?

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Envoys is not a licensed insurance broker. However, families can easily request a quote and purchase insurance through our partner, Trawick International. Click here to get a quote. For assistance or any questions that may arise regarding insurance, you can contact Trawick international at 1-888-301-9289 or by email at info@TrawickInternational.com Non-US citizens are only legally allowed to purchase Safe Travels USA Comprehensive or Safe Travels International Cost Saver insurance plans from Trawick International.

What currency is used, and how can I exchange money?

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The program maintains multiple lines of communication with the school, families, and Envoys main offices. The expedition will be equipped with local and international cell phones, a GPS transponder, and two-way radios. Program leaders will follow strict protocols to maintain a consistent flow of information. To ensure families are able to follow our trip, Envoys has custom-built a proprietary online platform to facilitate mobile uploading of information. Staff upload photos, videos, and postings feeds to the platform multiple times each day.

What vaccinations or health precautions do I need?

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No one can guarantee freedom from harm, including accident, injury, illness, or death. A degree of risk is inherent in this program, as well as in all travel and outdoor activities. Potential hazards include severe weather, public disorder, interactions with non-program participants, lack of medical facilities, exposure to disease, and transportation accidents. Mental health issues may also be exacerbated through the stresses of a new experience.

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