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Marrakech, known for its vibrant culture and rich history, also offers a variety of sustainable activities for eco-conscious travelers. By engaging in these activities, visitors can explore the city and its surroundings in a way that respects the environment and supports the local community. Here are 9 sustainable activities you can do in Marrakech:
1. Visit A Community Cafe’
Why not enjoy coffee and delicious local food while also doing something good? Café Clock is a community-focused café that promotes cultural exchange between tourists and locals. They serve organic and locally sourced food, and host workshops and cooking classes.
2. Stay in Eco-Friendly Riads
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses with interior gardens or courtyards. Many riads in Marrakech have embraced eco-friendly practices, making them perfect for sustainable travel. These accommodations often implement water conservation methods, use solar energy, and source their food locally.
Here are some of the eco-friendly accommodations you will find in Marrakech:
Staying in an eco-friendly riad supports local businesses that are committed to environmental conservation efforts. These riads often use renewable energy sources and promote water-saving initiatives.
Look for riads that are certified by eco-labels (such as Green Key) or those that have clear sustainability policies. Enjoy the locally sourced, organic meals often provided by these establishments.
3. Participate in a Cooking Class at Amal
Amal is a non-profit organisation and social enterprise based in Marrakech, dedicated to the empowerment of women through culinary training and employment opportunities. Amal offers also cooking classes that cost between 400-500 dirham. If you are not up for a cooking class you can try the Amal restaurant that offers delicious Moroccan dishes prepared by the trainees and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
4. Do A Bike Tour
If you think about Marrakech probably you don’t think it is very bike friendly, but actually this is not true! There are some guided tours available to take you through the city and its surroundings. Bike tours offer a unique perspective on Marrakech, allowing you to see more than you would on foot.
The are 2 main companies that offer bike tours: one is Pikala Bikes: an organisation that promotes cycling in Marrakech, and the other one is Marrakech Green Wheels, which offers guided tours focusing on sustainability.
You can book the Pikala Bikes Tours via GetYourGuide or directly via their website.
5. Visit Organic Gardens and Shop Eco-Friendly
Only 35km outside of Marrakech you can find the Jardin Bio Aromatique Nectarome where you can learn about aromatic plants and their uses and buy their organic local products that goes from beauty care, hammam and dietary products.
6. Support Local Artisans
Marrakech is renowned for its vibrant artisan community. Visiting cooperatives and workshops where local artisans create traditional crafts is a great way to support the local economy and preserve cultural heritage. For example you can visit Al Nour, a cooperative supporting women artisans, and Ensemble Artisanal (here they have fixed price so no haggle), a government-run complex where you can watch artisans at work and buy from them, of course.
7. Experience Eco-Tourism in the Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains, located near Marrakech, offer stunning natural landscapes and a chance to experience traditional Berber culture. Eco-friendly tours to this region often include hiking, visiting Berber villages, and staying in eco-lodges. For example companies such as Berber Adventures or Morocco Green Tours offer eco-friendly treks and cultural experiences.
8. Get a Henna Tattoo at Henna Art Cafe’
The Henna Art Cafe in Marrakech offers a unique cultural experience where you can get a traditional henna tattoo. This cafe supports local artists and provides a welcoming space for cultural exchange.
Henna tattoos here are made from natural ingredients, making them an eco-friendly form of body art. The Henna Cafe also supports local communities by providing employment opportunities and promoting traditional arts. Choose designs that are meaningful and learn about the cultural significance of henna tattoos. Enjoy a meal or drink at the cafe to further support their community initiatives.
9. Enjoy Local, Organic Cuisine
Marrakech offers a variety of dining options that focus on plant-based and locally sourced menus. These restaurants often emphasise organic ingredients and traditional cooking methods. For example, Pikala Café (whose part of the Pikala Bikes initiative), serves a variety of dishes and beverages, with an emphasis on healthy and locally sourced ingredients with different vegetarian and vegan options.
Although Marrakech may not yet be considered a perfectly sustainable destination, there is evident progress towards a more eco-conscious mindset, with growing interest in eco-friendly accommodations, green tours, and the empowerment of minorities. As travelers, we can also contribute to this positive shift and make a lasting impact on this beautiful city and its people.
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