Tourism has an impact on the environment in every conceivable way and we are trying to reduce the negative impact and maximise sustainable and responsible tourism.
We aim to provide a conscious alternative to mainstream operators.
What does this mean?
Let’s make this clear, we are not claiming that we have no adverse impact on the environment – that would be impossible and the very fact that we sometimes use fuel hungry 4×4’s means we are apprehensive to begin to market ourselves as an eco business. However, we are promoting good practices and are more than happy to shout that from the rooftops if it helps to raise awareness.
We have some policies which we insist on and those relate to the use of drugs and animal cruelty. If you do not agree with us on these issues, we ask you not to book with us.
The rest are ethical travel guidelines and are here as suggestions to help you understand what it means to travel responsibly in Morocco. How you interpret these is your choice and if you require any clarification or think we’ve missed something important, please do get in touch.
We are totally against the use of wild animals in tourism under any circumstances. In some of the wild areas of Morocco, there are wild monkeys and ostrich and more.
We are happy for you to stop in these regions to try and get a sighting but not to touch them.
Regarding domesticated animals, the use of donkeys and camels in Morocco for tourist purposes is very much part of the culture. Even if you do not ride one, you will most certainly benefit from their hard work as nothing moves in and out of the souks and medinas, without them.
As we wish to respect the local culture and bring conscious tourism into rural areas which use donkeys, mules and camels as transport for themselves as well as tourists, we strive to find a way for this to sit more comfortably with us.
In the desert we use only the camels belonging to our own guides and one nomad family. Most camps use one or two camel providers who have hundreds of camels who, in our opinion, are not cared for correctly. We have only a few and they are much loved, respected and well cared for and when they are not working, they are free to roam and graze.
We never offer donkey rides but donkeys and mules are occasionally used to carry luggage in areas that vehicles can’t reach. We encourage and support various local initiatives to help ensure that these donkeys are in good health and well treated and if you see anything of concern, please let us know. We are strong supporters of the donkey sanctuary near Marrakech – Jarjeer – and in addition to sponsoring a donkey and contributing to ad-hoc campaigns, we also donate £10 for every booking we take. If you wish to visit the sanctuary while you are with us, we charge only the basic transport/driver rate with no mark-up on the understanding that you will probably wish to make a donation to them. They welcome visitors but are not a tourist attraction and don’t make any entrance charge, so if you like their work (and you will) please, please donate.
Horses are used in Marrakech to pull carriages (Calleche). During the covid situation, it became apparent that the living conditions and level of care provided to these horses fell far short of acceptable standards. Therefore, we ask you not to book rides through this service. We are regularly in touch with SPANA ( the charity responsible), reporting the mistreatment of these horses and if you see anything that you are uncomfortable with, we urge you to take the carriage number and report it to SPANA also.
We fully acknowledge that not all calleche drivers are operating unethically, but the number that are is not acceptable.
Instead why not try one of the many tuk-tuks? The municipality of Marrakech has granted a licence to disabled people that are able to drive a tuk-tuk, who have the monopoly on this activity. Approx. 150 MAD for a medina tour.
We have written a blog detailing the do’s and don’ts relating to the ostrich in M’hamid Desert, Morocco.
In order to be sure that you practice responsible tourism and protect the ostriches, please read this important blog.
Witness the Ostrich Return: Responsible Tourism in Morocco’s M’hamid Desert
Book your ethical desert adventure, camel trek or Morocco tour with Walking with Nomads today and travel with a gentle footprint.