RESPONSIBLE TREKKING
Morocco is being developed as a walking destination, but many regions remain remote – and
susceptible to the cultural and environmental impact of tourism. Many travellers return home
warmed and heartened by Berber hospitality, but as visitor numbers increase so too does the
pressure on locals. In response, travellers should adopt an appropriate code of behaviour.
TREKKING THE WAY ALLAH INTENDED
Morocco, beloved for its casual, God-willing, now-pass-another-cup-of-tea charm, does not provide trekkers with many
resources for safe and responsible exploration, or for protecting the environment. The following tips should help, and this
chapter gives more detail on many of them.
» » Dress appropriately according to local custom.
» » Use current topographical maps.
» » Run maps by a local if you can: someone who lives in the area can verify water sources and indicate rivers that are now
dry.
» » Camp only in designated camp sites; fields are a private source of business for local families.
» » Buy or collect firewood (do not chop) and use it sparingly to respect its scarcity.
» » Carry out rubbish to the nearest town or city.
» » Hitchhike at your own risk.
» » If you flag down a grand taxi you’re no longer hitchhiking; expect to pay the fare to the next town.
» » Scorpions hide under rocks – and potentially in shoes and sleeping bags, so shake them out occasionally. Scorpions will
not sting unless provoked.
» » Laundering or bathing in rivers and streams pollutes a village’s primary water source.
» » Some villages consider photography blasphemous, while in others a camera makes you the Pied Piper. It is always
inappropriate to photograph someone without permission, and cameras can cause particular offence when pointed at women.
» » Refrain from feeding or handling animals – even Barbary macaques, who will tease you with their charisma!
» » Consider the impact of 4WDs before embarking on off- piste adventures (see the boxed text, Click here ).
» » Give a warm smile and some kind words to the friendly children who live in rural areas.
» » Handing out money, candy and other gifts teaches kids to beg and harass tourists. If you wish to give something, it’s better
to give a donation to a local charity or school.
» » Don’t drink alcohol in remote villages where the practice is considered offensive.Cross-Cultural Considerations
For advice on alcohol, photography and giving gifts to children see the boxed text, Click here.
Dress
The way you dress is important, especially among remote mountain people, who remain
conservative. In villages, wear buttoned shirts or T-shirts and not sleeveless vests, which
villagers use as underwear. Above all, trousers should be worn rather than shorts. This applies
equally to men and women.
The importance of dress in the villages cannot be overemphasised (as many a frustrated and
embarrassed trekking tour leader will affirm). However much you might disagree with this
conservatism, respecting local traditions will bring greater rewards, not least by way of contact,
hospitality and assistance.