24th Mar 2025 - 1st Apr 2025
8 days/Morocco /Project Trip
Help mark Different Travel’s 20th Anniversary with a trip that returns to our roots.
The Different Travel Company was founded in early 2005, just after the Asian Boxing Day tsunami and our very first groups departed just months later, on a mission to help those affected. Now 20 years on and we’re still giving back to those communities who need our help the most.
We have teamed up with Baraka for this unique trip 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 worst affected remote Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains. 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!
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.
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 10-15 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.
If you would like to request a single room, this is available for £175, on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to availability. Please state this on your booking form.
Temperatures in the Atlas Mountains in March can reach highs of 20°C 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, eggs and hot drinks. 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.
Your kit list can be downloaded here.
Marrakech
You will arrive in Marrakech and transfer to Riad Bledna for the night.
Meals: Dinner
Marrakech – Telhouet
After breakfast we take to the road and head up to the Atlas mountains to the Berber village of Telhouet. 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 three days assisting at the local project.
The main task will be to help some of the villagers rebuild their homes. There may be other tasks associated with the destruction caused by the earthquake and tasks based on the needs at the time.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Telhouet – Marrakech
To day we return to Marrakech for another night at Riad Bledna. This evening there is some free time for you to head into the city to explore.
Meals: Breakfast
Marrakech – Essaouira
After breakfast we will head back on the road and head towards the coastal city of Essaouira. We check into the Maison du Sud for the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Essaouira
Today is a free day for you to enjoy Essaouira. 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Essaouira – Marrakech
Today we head back to Marrakech before you transfer to the airport for your 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.
Total trip costs:
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.