Get Involved: Morocco Volunteer

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 17 reviews.

Janene Liston

GET INVOLVED: MOROCCO VOLUNTEER

Written April 2013
This was my first trip to Morocco and my first time on one of the Get Involved trips. We got to see the work that was previously done by the groups on prior trips which was inspiring...then we got stuck in and started on the current projects. Working along side the locals in Tighza, Imlil and Tafedna was a wonderful experience -- at time exhausting but so very rewarding. Having a good laugh with the locals and sharing lunch and tea breaks made the experience one I will never forget.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
What always amazes me is the ability of people to communicate and connect with each other inspite of language and cultural barriers. Often the results are things that will live in memory for a life time. Working with the locals was the most inspirational bit and seeing how those who had been in previous years were welcomed back as "old friends". I look forward to returning again myself and continuing my connection with the country and it's people.
Specifically the trip to the Hamam in Tighza - only the ladies who were there will really know what an experience it was. Thank you to Fatima for her hard work!
The ingenuity of the local people. Coming from a technical background one has expectations on how things will be done. However the best was is often the simplest and often we forget this. The locals did a brilliant job of getting the job effectively and efficiently and it was a constant wonder for me to watch them in action.
Realizing all that was accomplished at the end of the day. Often at the start (especially with digging) it feels like you're getting no where fast, but then at the end of day to see how much the team and locals were able to accomplish together was so motivating. As was the amazing scenery that was around us at all times.
What did you think of your group leader?
Andy is very passionate about the charity work and is an inspiration himself. He obviously has a great relationship with the local guides and the people in the communities that Baraka work with. He did a great job of managing the needs of both the individuals and the group collectively while keeping in mind the purpose of the trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go with an open mind, be ready to work hard, go with the flow and have fun. You too will want to return again and again.

Be prepared for windy roads, washing your hands regularly, and possilbe stomach upsets. Pack wisely so that you can bring / wear older things that at the end of the trip you can donate...this will also make your bag lighter and/or leave room for shopping in Essouaira.
rebecca williams

GET INVOLVED: MOROCCO VOLUNTEER

Written April 2013
This was my third Morocco Volunteer trip and it was up there with my previous experiences! I will keep this review as short as I can as my previous reviews pretty much say it all, but I just want people to know that this trip has retained its magic.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
So many inspirational moments....
Swinging my pickaxe surrounded by stunning scenery and seeing the hole getting bigger.......smiles and laughter with the locals.....tea breaks with homemade doughnuts or flatbreads to dip into olive or argan oil....... the vibrant greens of the valley with the reds and golds of the mountain backdrops.....the stunning starry skies......showering under a waterfall.....being totally filthy, covered in dust, then wonderfully clean after a shower......the beautiful beach at Essaouira.......the way in which our group, largely strangers at the start, became like a large family, looking out for each other, sharing the ups and downs of life.....the joy of feeling alive in nature's playground and the fun of adventure.
What did you think of your group leader?
Andy, as I have said on my previous reviews, is a great leader. He invests so much in putting every trip together, trying to take on board comments from previous trips, trying to keep local projects happy, trying to create an experience which is varied and fun for his clients (both newcomers and oldtimers!). On this trip, things didn't always go to plan and he had a lot of work behind the scenes trying to rectify problems and deal with eventualities. He also recognised the need to modify the initial itinerary in response to events on the trip, but discussed this with the group before making the necessary changes. As always, he was efficient, knowledgable, cared about his clients, communicated with ease with the locals (with his wonderful French!) and was great fun to be around.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be ready to 'go with the flow'
Take warm clothes, even though it is Morocco, as the weather is not always what you expect!
Handwash essential

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I never fail to enjoy these trips and to return feeling alive and rejuvenated. There is such joy to be had in the simple things in life. If you enjoy adventure and meeting new people and like the idea of being off the beaten track and experiencing a bit of the real Morocco, then this is the trip for you.
Peter Florence

GET INVOLVED: MOROCCO VOLUNTEER

Written October 2012
Having been a regular on the Morocco volunteer trips right from the start I always enjoy returning to Tijhza. With each visit I feel closer to the community there and it is uplifting to be able to help in some small way.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
After working on the hammam with my fellow volunters for the last couple of years it was wonderful to see it almost complete. The community pulled out all the stops to ensure I had the first ever hammam, thereby providing me with not only my most inspirational moment of the trip but one that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
My second moment was arriving in Merzouga and being remembered as 'the good footballer' - perhaps a case of a poor memory as we lost 6 - 1 on our last visit!
What did you think of your group leader?
My 15th trip with Andy - must be an Exodus record?
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go because you will love it! Morocco is a diverse land with warm and friendly people. Getting involved on the volunteer trips is as rewarding for the group as it is the local communities. It is great to work alongside the villagers and to see the results of our joint labours and know they will make a real difference.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am already looking forward to returning in April!
rebecca williams

GET INVOLVED: MOROCCO VOLUNTEER

Written April 2012
My second Morocco Volunteer trip and even more wonderful than the first! I loved being back in Tijhza, seeing the vibrant spring colours and snow on the high mountains, seeing the villagers again, seeing the hammam with its completed walls and roof, making my home in the kasbah and getting stuck into work again. I loved being back in Tafedna, seeing the school looking as colourful as we had left it, playing with the local children, working alongside the locals again. I loved being back in Essaouira, walking along the beach and exploring the souks in beautiful sunshine. I also loved the new areas we visited, the beautiful hotels we stayed in and the wonderful company of my group. Another altogether amazing trip with a multitude of memorable moments and experiences.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
So many inspirational moments.... I will describe just a few:
In Tijhza, at the hammam, digging a ditch for a water pipe...I just loved being there, swinging my pickaxe in the mountains, villagers working hard with us, local children keen to help, the sun shining, laughter and chatter all around.
Again, in Tijhza, working on the irrigation channels across the valley. Sun shining, tall red rocked mountains as a backdrop, the river rushing downstream, our group forming a chain gang to get cement to the men building the wall; people laughing, singing and chatting; a sense of togetherness and beauty.
Up the hill behind the kasbah, at top speed, walking fast then scrambling, getting to the top utterly exhausted, then standing on the massive boulder with stunning views across the valley to distant snow-covered mountains.
At Tafedna, teaching the children 'Head, shoulders knees and toes'...
It was so inspiring bringing life back to its basics...away from so many of the distractions of modern 21st century life..... the joy of being with people, old and young, all kinds of personalities, cultures and nationalities.....the joy of nature, the warmth of the sun, the wonderful colours......the joy of fresh food with no food miles, oranges and grapefruit straight off the tree, dates, almonds, all kinds of vegetables to name a few....... the joy of sharing and adventure.
What did you think of your group leader?
Andy was a great leader. He had put so much work into creating an itinerary that we would enjoy. We stayed in some beautiful hotels between projects and visited some wonderful places. By managing the kitty/tips etc we could just relax and not worry about money matters....except what lovely things we could spend our money on! He knew so many of the locals from all his previous trips to Morocco so we were immediately considered 'friends' not 'clients'. He was very organised, full of knowledgable information and lots of fun.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
A few health tips: handwash definitely advisable as handwashing so important; people do get bugs so useful things to have in a medical kit include rehydration sachets, dextrose tablets (a good energy boost if not feeling great), travel sickness tablets, throat lozenges, ibuprofen and lemsips.
A sarong can be very useful.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This trip is perfect for people who enjoy the company of others, meeting new people, having new experiences; for whom getting dirty and doing physical work is all part of the experience; for people who would love to experience a country at a level that is very different to that of a typical tourist.
This trip is a wonderful experience on so many levels and I thoroughly recommend it. I have come home once again feeling refreshed and recharged and I know that at least one person in our group feels totally transformed.
Wendy Mansell

GET INVOLVED: MOROCCO VOLUNTEER

Written April 2012
What an amazing experience! The combination of working hard, seeing some stunning scenery and the pleasure of great company, all made for an outstanding trip.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Working as a group and repairing a flood damaged irrigation ditch while singing "Do Ron Ron ...".
What did you think of your group leader?
Andy was excellent. He strikes a great balance of being friendly and professional at the same time.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take your oldest clothes, working gloves and be prepared to get dirty.
Beverley Phillips

GET INVOLVED: MOROCCO VOLUNTEER

Written April 2012
As ever I love being in Tijhza, it's amazing to see how much changes year on year - we really do make a difference out there. It was lovely to get involved in the Tafedna project too and seeing the partnership develop there.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing the hammam nearly complete, laughing at the timing of the locals (waiting for our translators to go to a different area of the project and then trying to give us instructions) but most of all seeing the commitment of other volunteers to the various projects, and being prepared to do any random task.
It was great to see so many people being fitted for sunglasses, and the delight on children's faces when they get a new pair of shoes or a warm coat.
What did you think of your group leader?
Andy is totally committed to these projects and it's great seeing how the villagers respond to him - they can see how much he cares and in return they want to commit to improving their lives.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you want to make a difference on your holiday then I strongly recommend one of the volunteer trips. The holiday doesn't just change the lives of the locals it can change your life too.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to see even more time in the villages, they are the reason I go back. Morocco is a beautiful country but for me Morocco is Tijhza (and hopefully soon Tafedna) for me.
Mandy Chauhan

GET INVOLVED: MOROCCO VOLUNTEER

Written October 2011
This was a fantastic trip to the hidden Morocco that not many people get to see. Off the beaten track - definately, and a great experience helping the villagers and the school. Great fun as well as hard work, and thoroughly rewarding on many levels!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Too many to mention! El Fna square in Marrakech was madness but glad we visited it. Riad Bledna - really nice, with a little bit of tranquility with the perfect hosts in Mohammed and Jamil. Tighza village - totally off that beaten track and like stepping back in time, the people were so friendly and again brilliant hosts in Carolyn and Mohammed at the kasbah. Voluntary work in the village - tiring but very rewarding helping the locals with their cement bucket chain gang and breezeblocks. Trekking up to the valley and having our "elevenses" sat in such a peaceful location on rocks by a river and being given mint tea out of a silver teapot - very surreal!
And then on to Essaouira and the school which was enlightening to see those little children who were so pleased to receive a new toothbrush! And even more pleased when we left them with a newly painted school.
It was a great group of people on the trip, from different walks of life and 5 different countries who got on so well together and helped each other as well as having such a laugh.
I would definately return as it was a truely inspirational trip in many ways.
What did you think of your group leader?
Andy was a great tour leader, very knowledgable and passionate about Morocco and the voluntary projects that we visited. He was also very organised and had clearly made many friends in Morocco on his past visits as they were so thrilled to see him again. A really well planned trip.
The group nicknamed him "Top rep" - and he really was.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Just go, enjoy yourself and be prepared to muck in and you will have a great time. Whether it be painting, building, smashing rocks, or being in a cement bucket chain gang, etc etc etc. It's all for such a good cause and very rewarding.
I was dubious before I went as this was my first holiday on my own, but honestly it was brilliant and a great way to make friends and do something completely different that not many people get the chance to do. I am so grateful for the memories, photos and friendships that I have made on the trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just a huge "Thank you!" to Andy and Exodus for arranging such a good holiday. Yes it is completely different than lying on a beach for a week, but so much more worthwhile.
In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger - "I'll be back"!