THEME OR TYPE OF PROJECT:
Guided trekking in Marrakech mountains!
PROJECT FEES:
400 Euros.
PROJECT PARTNER:
CSM Local branch in Marrakech.
AIMS OF THE PROJECT:
The aim of this project is to offer the participants the opportunity to get to know the Moroccan culture while doing a special activity and going on an exciting adventure. The program includes visiting Rabat and Marrakech not only as tourist, but also to enjoy and get to know the Moroccan culture and to get immersed in it by participating in the several activities proposed. The main goal of this project is to promote interculturality.
MORE INFO ABOUT THE PROJECT:
This project will combine discovering the city of Marrakech; trekking around in Marrakech mountains and doing some solidarity work with the local population in the mountains. Participants will spend the first week in Rabat in a host family in order to get immerged into the local culture and will give some language support classes as volunteer work. After they will move to the mountains surroundings Marrakech, where they will live in a private house rented for the purpose of the project.
COMMUNITY CONTEXT:
Rabat is the capital and fourth largest city of Morocco with an average population of 580,000 people. It combines both Mediterranean and Oceanic influences on many aspects. Rabat’s climate is mild and temperate, with cool winters and warm summer days. The city is quite dynamic as far as cultural activity is concerned thanks to many structures (Theatre Mohammed V right in the city centre, Cinema Renaissance, official galleries and the archaeological museum) and active associative work.
Marrakech is the capital of the mid-south-western region of Morocco called “Marrakesh-Asfi”. It owes it nickname “Red city” or “Ochre city” to its red sandstone building walls. It is among the 5 biggest cities of the country and benefits from a hot semi-arid climate (about 12°C in winter and 32 to 45°C in summer).
The Jemma El-Fnaa is one of the most famous squares of Africa and is the city’s activity and trade center. Snake charmers, acrobats, magicians, musicians, monkey trainers, herb sellers, storytellers, dentists, pickpockets and entertainers in medieval garb still abound in the square.
Marrakesh hosts many national and Islamic festivals including the National Folklore Festival, the Berber Festival and the International Film Festival of Marrakesh, which aspires to be the North African version of Cannes.
The best way to explore the streets and alleyways of the city is to dive in and get lost. Check out for the dotted signs that will point you back to the Dejeema el Fna and don’t hesitate to seek help from locals. If you let them walk you to a place they might ask you for money, in that case no problem you can politely decline, but if they did take you to a nice place you would ordinarily miss it doesn’t hurt to give away 10 or 20 dirhams (1 or 2 euros).
Keep in mind that bargaining is a huge part of the Moroccan culture; don’t be afraid to do it. When you get used to it, it’s a very nice and fun way to start a conversation with locals and learn more about their way of life.
VOLUNTEER’S:
No previous working experience required.
REQUIREMENTS:
Enthusiastic, positive and respectful people needed.
Willingness to develop ties with other nationalities and learn new things.
VOLUNTEER’S TASKS:
The volunteers do not have any obligatory task, as it is not a regular work camp. The activities planned are designed exclusively for them to enjoy the Moroccan culture and way of life. They are expected to participate actively in all of them.
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS:
The volunteers will first live in a host family in Rabat, then in Marrakech they will live in a shared apartment rented by CSM for this purpose.
They will be given 3 meals per day.
Even if blankets and mats will of course be provided, we highly recommend volunteers to bring their own sleeping bags just in case.
Important highlight: Toilets in Morocco are usually Turkish bath style. We prefer to warn you because we learned from previous volunteers experiences.
CAMP ADDRESS:
CSM IMM 13 APP 06 rue elmowahidine Quartier Hassan.
ARRIVAL OPTIONS AND MEETING POINT:
If you choose to arrive directly in Rabat Airport, we can arrange someone to pick you up for 150 dirhams, otherwise the meeting point will be Rabat Ville Train Station.
To get to the Rabat Ville Train Station from the airport you can take the bus right outside the gate for 20 dirhams and it will leave you in front of the train station. With a taxi, it should cost you about 100 dirhams (price negotiable).
If you arrive in any other airport of the country, you will be able to reach Rabat by train, check the timetable and connections on www.oncf.ma
Once you have your flights details please pass them by e-mail to your interlocutor so you can arrange with him/her the meeting point.
The info sheet will be send to you by e-mail 3 weeks prior departure.