Get Involved: Morocco Volunteer

The gite, although in a stunning location, is in a very remote area and as such, facilites are slightly more limited than you may find in a normal hotel. The term 'gite' in Morocco denotes simple rural accommodation, like a refuge or hostel, as opposed to the superior French definition. The rooms are dormitory style with mattresses placed directly on the floor and are often mixed sex so you will be sharing with other people from your group. Although blankets are provided, you should bring your own sleeping bag.

Thanks to electricity being linked to Tijhza Valley in 2004, the gite now has lighting and European two pin plug sockets for recharging camera batteries etc. There are four flush toilets and two Asian-style toilets, hot and cold showers plus a washroom with basic washing facilities. There is likely to be more than one group staying at the gite at any one time, but there is plenty of room. Although the facilities may be basic, the welcome is warm!

Breakfast will generally be porridge, bread, jam, coffee/fruit juice, while the evening meal will be a tasty local stew with vegetables (known as a tagine). You can buy chocolate bars/snacks, soft drinks etc at the Gite as well - all reasonably priced!You are allowed one hot shower each day, and if you require additional showers, you pay for these (approx £1).You do need to take a sleeping bag but there are extra blankets available at the Gite if you are cold. Thick mattresses are provided and you sleep on these on the floor "Moroccan style"!

Ian Langford - Sales

Moroccan cuisine is very diverse, with many influeneces due to the interaction of Morocco with the outside world for centuries. The cuisine of Morocco is a mix of Berber, Moorish, Mediterranean and Arab influences. The main Moroccan dish most people are familiar with is couscous, usually eaten with beef or lamb. Chicken is also very common and the importance of seafood is increasing, especially on the coast. Vegetarians won't have any problems either, although choice can be more limited in remote locations.

The common and tasty tajine is everywhere, a mouth watering stew with meat and vegetables. Green tea with mint is the drink of choice, and you can pick up bocadillos (sandwiches) from street stalls everywhere - you won't go hungry!

 Olly Leicester - Sales

Our project work could be anything from painting, building, rubbish collection to tree planting. If you would like to bring anything to the school then please see our project website page for the latest requests from the villagers. Andy will also advise before departure on any last minute additions. Please note there is a compulsory donation of £50 per person to be paid locally, (used for painting supplies etc).

Andy McKee - Exodus Leader

Please note that the holy month of Ramadan will take place from the 20th of July to the 18th of August 2012 (dates can shift slightly). This is a time when followers of Islam do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. This can sometimes affect the opening hours of certain tourist sites. However we will ensure that that the itinerary is affected as little as possible if you travel during this period. Food and drink is available to tourists during the day.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

You are visiting a predominantly Muslim country, therefore you should dress modestly at all times when visiting cultural sites, and there may also be times when you are asked to 'cover up'. During your trip the tour leader will always advise you on appropriate dress for each day's activities. 

If you are asked to 'cover up', you'll need to cover your shoulders, arms and legs. We recommend packing lightweight trousers or a long skirt, and a long sleeved shirt. Women may also be required to cover their hair with a scarf if entering a mosque or religious quarters.

Jim Eite - Product Manager

The Moroccan currency is the Dirham and cannot be imported or exported, as it is a 'closed' currency. We suggest you take your personal spending money in good condition notes, either in £, Euros or US$. Local costs - it depends! - £2-4 per day to cover postcards, small souvenirs, soft drinks etc; £15 a day for food is fine (if it's not included).

Danuta Janik - Morocco Operations

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to Morocco where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

You can view the Grading System for our Walking & Trekking programme online.

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!