EDUCATIONAL TOPICS: Contrasting Cultures; Developing World City; World Heritage Site

Arrive into Marrakech Menara Airport and transfer to hotel. Depending on flight time, walk to the Old Medina. Here the city bustles and fascinates in equal measure. Take in a view of the Koutoubia Mosque, move across Jemaa el Fna Square and enter the Souks with a City Guide. A traditional Apothecary visit is included too.

Overnight Marrakech

EDUCATIONAL TOPICS: Fold mountains; Hazardous environments; Water resource management; Traditional/New farming systems; Cultural Contrasts; Climate Change; Development Issues

Travelling south from Marrakech across the Marrakech Plain to the rural settlement of Amizmiz takes approximately 1 hour. But once in Amizmiz, in amongst the High Atlas, Marrakech feels like it could be a million miles away.

En route to Amizmiz, a visit to the Barage (dam) and reservoir of Lalla Takerkoust (water issues/water sustainability issues) is taken. This illustrates clearly aspects of large-scale water resource management, vital to this area’s productivity and survival.

In Amizmiz and its surroundings, life is very traditional. Amizmiz is a rural market town with much everyday activity as well as its added market day activity too (once a week).

An easy stroll around the settlement and into the surrounding rural landscapes shows the traditional farming methods used here and the variety of crops grown and livestock reared.

Traditional, intricate irrigation systems are seen in operation; as a resource, water is utterly vital to any community’s survival. Chance encounters with local people can often enhance this experience of “real world living” so have some questions ready to ask through your Courier.

A relaxing picnic lunch (included) is taken in a forest glade.

Returning to the market town of Amizmiz in mid-afternoon, there is time to take a walk around its central area to see the souks and shops, perhaps enjoying some mint tea as a refreshment.

Return to Marrakech by late afternoon.

Overnight Marrakech

EDUCATIONAL TOPICS: Climate Change & its Impact; Traditional Agriculture; Understanding Different Cultures; Rural to Urban Migration, the Push & Pull Factors

This is a very special and most impacting day and is unique to Anzal Tourisme Services (ATS). There is full immersion into the reality of and engagement with rural life, its daily activities, its challenges and joys.

Travelling only a short distance north-eastwards from Marrakech (about 35 kms; about 45 minutes), across the Marrakech Plain, spending a day amongst the villagers and village activities of Douar Oulad Elguern is most enlightening and very stimulating.

This small, traditional village is little changed since its founding about 200 years ago. Farming the main economic activity here but changing climate and recent years of successive droughts has made survival here more and more marginal. There is evidence of this all around.

Spending a day with the village community is very special. Nothing is "put on" for visitors, all that you see and experience is as it would be on a normal day; it is all totally real.

Travelling from Marrakech, you travel across the Marrakech Plain, passing several traditional villages on the way. On arrival in Douar Oulad Elguern, you will be welcomed with the traditional tea ceremony in a typical village home's salon.

There are many opportunities to engage with the very warm and welcoming villagers and to also participate in several of their daily activities.

You first enjoy a traditional "second breakfast" in the salon, typically consisting of delicious home-made bread, olive oil, olives, honey and butter (all foodstuffs from the land around).

After all the introductions and eating, it is then time to participate in some of the village's daily activities; time to roll up your sleeves … and trouser legs!

For females: Bread making, couscous making, vegetable preparation with some of the ladies of the village (no doubt with many children around so lots of informal fun) are the main activities. These are done in the ladies’ homes.

For males: Fetching water from the village well (with a donkey) perhaps, making traditional mud & straw bricks, making charcoal, taking a walk around the village and the land of the community are the main activities.

Everyone reconvenes back in the salon in early afternoon, with many stories to tell eachother of their varied morning’s village activities. Then your group enjoys a large and sumptuous lunch, traditionally eaten in a salon, around a round table and using fingers (traditionally washed first using a basin and kettle; forks and spoons available too!).

After some small siesta time, there is the opportunity to ask questions, discuss and otherwise evaluate what the day has provided for everyone. Perhaps too there might be time for taking a further stroll around the village, to see and learn of the challenges facing the community. If any artisans are working then their little workshops might be visited.

Option: Traditional henna decorative hand painting. The ladies of the village use natural henna, not the chemicals that some people use in Jemaa El Fna Square in Marrakech. At a supplement then this can be organized in the afternoon.

Mid to late afternoon return to Marrakech.

A camel ride is taken in the Palmeries on the edge of Marrakech before returning to your hotel. The Palmeries is a pleasant area, in amongst tall palm trees; all very exotic.

Overnight Marrakech

Depending on your flight times, there may be the opportunity for more time to walk into Marrakech Medina.

Another option are the Majorelle Gardens (once owned by Yves St Lauren). At a supplementary cost this can be added. The Gardens offer a most tranquil, a lush oasis by contrast to the Medina.

Another option is the new and excellent Water Museum. At a supplementary cost this can be added.