Morocco
Mentorship, Culture and Shared Experiences
Successfully Completed!!
January 26 - February 6, 2025
In January 2025, Kindness Adventures partnered with Education For All (EFA) in Morocco, an organization that provides girls from rural Atlas Mountain villages access to secondary education through safe and supportive boarding houses. Over five days, our group of ten women volunteers mentored and connected with 27 girls, opening doors to opportunities they may never have experienced otherwise.
This journey was about more than travel—it was about mentorship, cultural exchange, and shared humanity.
What We Did
🤝 Mentorship Groups
The 27 girls were divided into four groups, each guided by two or three of our volunteers. This structure allowed for deeper connection, personalized mentoring, and meaningful English practice throughout the week.
👩🍳 Cooking & Connection
Together with a well-known Moroccan chef, we cooked traditional dishes, shopped in the market, sang, danced, and shared a joyful meal filled with love and laughter.
📸 Photography Workshop
The girls learned professional camera techniques, experimented with lighting, and captured portraits. Their creativity and pride shone through every frame.
🧵 Weaving Traditions
We took on the challenge of the Berber art of rug weaving, gaining respect for the skill, patience, and artistry required in this ancestral craft.
🚲 Biking in Marrakesh
After practicing in a local park, we biked through the narrow cobblestoned streets of Marrakesh on tandems, guided safely by local leaders. For many girls, it was their first time riding through their city this way.
🏺 Pottery Lessons
A local potter opened his studio to us, teaching traditional techniques. Each girl—and volunteer—created her own pottery piece to take home as a keepsake.
🌆 Exploring Marrakesh
We toured the old city and markets, soaking up the history, color, and vibrancy of Marrakesh. For the girls, this was a rare chance to see landmarks of their own culture firsthand.
🎶 A Day of Gratitude
On the final day, the girls gave back to us in the most heartfelt way. They welcomed us into their homes, sang songs, performed a play, read stories and journals about their journeys, and shared a meal with us. There were tears, laughter, and love as we departed—reminders of the lasting bonds created.
Why It Mattered
Education & Opportunity
Partnering with EFA supports their mission to break cycles of poverty by giving rural girls access to secondary education. These experiences nurtured confidence, skills, and dreams.
Mentorship & Friendship
Each activity became an exchange of encouragement, language practice, and shared joy. The bonds formed extended far beyond culture or geography.
Shared Humanity
The final day of gratitude showed us that kindness flows in both directions—through stories, art, and heartfelt connection.
Outcomes & Gratitude
The girls gained mentorship, new skills, and cultural experiences they might never have otherwise.
Our volunteers gained deeper insight into the challenges women face in rural Morocco, and the joy of meaningful cultural exchange.
Our partnership with EFA strengthened a mission of education, empowerment, and opportunity that will ripple far into the future.
We are deeply grateful to the ten women who traveled, the 27 girls who opened their lives to us, the families who welcomed us into their homes, and Education For All for making this unforgettable journey possible.
Together, we built friendships, shared experiences, and created memories to last a lifetime.
Empowering Young Moroccan Women in Collaboration with Education for All (EFA)
Kindness:
Education For All provides girls from rural Morocco with access to secondary education through boarding houses, helping them escape poverty. Over five days, we will mentor these girls, engage in enrichment activities, learn about Moroccan culture, and understand the challenges women face in rural areas.
Adventures:
An unforgettable adventure with a guided tour of Marrakesh, scenic cycling journey, and visits to the stunning Anima Gardens and Paradis du Safran. Hands-on cooking classes, photography and pottery workshops. Glamping at a beautiful oasis in Dar Daif, camel rides, and a breathtaking hike in the Atlas Mountains.
Empowering women to make a difference through kindness and adventure
Itinerary
Sun, Jan 26 - Wed, Feb 6, 2025
Marrakesh and beyond, Morocco
Please note this itinerary may be subject to minor changes to ensure the best possible experience.
January 26 – Welcome to Kindness Adventures Morocco!
Get ready for an incredible journey as we arrive in Marrakesh, where we begin our mission to empower young women in partnership with Education for All (EFA). We’ll be staying at the stunning Riad Cinnamon, an exquisitely renovated traditional Moroccan house offering a magical, fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Here, you can unwind in the tranquil surroundings, sip fresh orange juice by the pool, or enjoy a refreshing mint tea on the patio.
Overnight at Riad Cinnamon
January 27-30 – Building Bonds and Exploring Morocco
Over the next four days, we’ll be splitting into groups to ensure everyone gets to experience all the exciting activities planned. Each group will rotate through these enriching experiences:
Guided Tour of Medina Marrakesh
Cycling Tour with Pikala Bikes - After a morning exploring the vibrant Medina, we’ll enjoy lunch at Pikala Café before setting out on an exhilarating cycling tour with Pikala Bikes.Visit to Anima Gardens and Paradis du Safran*
We’ll journey along the Route Ourika to visit the stunning Anima Gardens and Paradis du Safran, where we’ll enjoy lunch amidst breathtaking surroundings.Cooking Class at Souk Cuisine
Dive into Moroccan culture with a hands-on cooking class at Souk Cuisine, followed by a delicious meal that you’ll prepare yourself!Photography Workshop
Capture the essence of Marrakesh with a photography workshop held either at the EFA house or in Chwiter.Pottery Workshop
Get creative with clay as we explore the art of pottery.
*Note: Due to the closure of Paradis du Safran on Mondays and Tuesdays, visits are scheduled for January 29 and 30, with the group divided into two.
Overnight at Riad Cinnamon
January 31 – A Surprise Day and the Start of Our Adventure
On our fifth day, we’ll all come together at the EFA house in Marrakesh for a surprise day of activities organized by the girls themselves – a perfect way to celebrate our new friendships and shared experiences.
Overnight at Riad Cinnamon
Click the link to see the
DETAILED ITINERARY FEBRUARY 1-6
February 1 — From Marrakech to the Desert’s Edge: A Journey Through Valleys, Passes, and Historic Villages
Meet in Marrakech early morning at Riad Cinnamon Drive through the Atlas Mountains via Tizi'n Tichka Pass (2260m), descending into the southern region. Explore the Ounila Valley’s scenic villages en route to Aït Ben Haddou for lunch at a women’s cooperative and a village tour, including the Museum of Oral Traditions.
Continue across arid plains, stopping at the Wilgane Pass (1290m) for valley views. Visit Ouarzazate, the historic gateway to the desert, known for its Taourirt medina and Tifoultoute kasbah. Pass through the Tifoultout palm grove and arrive at Talmasla by evening, overlooking Ouarzazate Lake and the Atlas Mountains.
Dinner and Overnight at Dar Daïf
Start your day with breakfast on a sunny terrace overlooking Ouarzazate Lake and the Atlas Mountains. Depart at 8 a.m. by 4x4, ascending through the Tinifift Pass in the Anti-Atlas range. As you descend into the Tizgui Gorge, follow a scenic route along the upper Draa Gorge, with stunning views of the craggy Jbel Saghro and the majestic Atlas peaks stretching in the distance.
Arrive in the town of Agdz, then continue along winding roads through the Draa Valley. Stop at Tamnougalt to explore its historic fortified kasbah before heading to a local date farm. Enjoy a guided walk through the traditional village and lush gardens, followed by a homemade lunch at the farm.
In the afternoon, make a short detour to the Foum Chenna petroglyph site, featuring ancient rock carvings of human figures, hunting scenes, and wildlife along the cliffs. After an hour of exploring the petroglyphs, return to the Draa Valley road, lined with lush palm groves, and continue south to reach Zagora by evening. Settle into a small kasbah, where you can relax on the terrace, unwind by the pool, and enjoy dinner before the day concludes.
Overnight Zagora at fibule-zagora.com/en/
February 3 – From Ancient Villages to Desert Dunes: A Journey Through the Heart of the Sahara
Enjoy a sunrise breakfast in the cool, enchanting garden before heading a few kilometers south to the old village of Tamgrout. Here, we’ll be welcomed by our friend Atmane, a potter, and take a walking tour to see the famous emerald green and amazonite glazed pottery that has adorned palaces and mosques for centuries. We’ll wander through the adobe village, with its unique Saharan architecture and semi-subterranean alleys, and visit the renowned religious center and ancient library, which houses a collection of illuminated Qur’ans and 13th-century books on astronomy and poetry.
We’ll then continue along the scenic Draa gorge and palm grove to reach M’hamid El Ghizlane, the last village on the edge of the desert at the base of the Jbel Bani. From here, we’ll travel in a 4x4 for 1.5 hours along a sandy plain following the Draa River until we arrive at the Chgaga dunes, where we’ll meet the camel team. Our 2.5-day trek begins with witnessing the camels being loaded before setting off on foot for a 3-hour journey deep into the heart of the southeast Chgaga dunes.
Overnight Glamping in the desert
February 4 - 5 – Camel Trek and Scenic Journey from Chgaga Dunes to Marrakech
The journey begins by crossing the western Chgaga dunes, walking and riding camels along wind-rounded ridges for about 5 hours. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cultural exchanges throughout the day.
The next day, we trek across the northwest of the Chgaga dunes for 3 hours before bidding farewell to our camel companions. Afterward, we travel by 4x4 across Lake Iriki, passing L'mdor Mountain and the Acacia-dotted plain until we reach Foum Z’guid, the last village at the desert’s edge. The route follows the palm groves and valleys of the Anti-Atlas mountains to Taznakht, known for its colorful rugs. We continue through arid plains, rivers, and adobe villages, eventually crossing the Atlas Mountains at Tizi’n Tichka, with a stop for lunch. We descend through the Haouz plain, reaching Marrakech by 10 p.m. after 10 hours of travel.
Overnight in a Bivouac Shelter
February 6 – Final Farewell
We will gather for a heartfelt farewell before heading to the airport. In addition to our planned activities, we will cover the Kindness Development Program developed by Isabela Minogue, highlighting the positive impact of kindness throughout our journey.
Cancellation Policy
If you must cancel a reservation, we will provide a full refund, less $500, which is non-refundable. We must receive your cancellation in writing at least 90 days before the Kindness trip's start date. We are sorry, but we cannot refund any payments for cancellations made after 90 days.
We reserve the right to cancel the event with inadequate participant interest. Kindness Adventures IS NOT responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets, due to changes in schedules or tour cancellations.
Registration
Limited to 10 people.
SOLD OUT
Registration
$4,990
INCLUDES:
- 12 days/11 nights
- Shared accommodations*
- All meals
- All ground transportation
- All activities
- Donation to Education for All (EFA)
Payment Details
Pay via credit card, debit card or bank transfer (ACH).
NOTE: Please see note regarding fees on registration page.
DEADLINE: October 31, 2024
If you require a payment plan, please contact jax@kindnessadventures.org.
NOT Included
- Flights to/from Marrakesh RAK
- Personal trip Insurance including repatriation and rescue in
- Tips
Morocco
Education for All
Education for All (EFA) is a charity that builds and runs boarding houses near secondary schools in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, allowing girls from rural villages to continue their education. Due to distance and lack of resources, most girls from these communities do not attend secondary school. EFA's boarding houses provide a safe environment for education, helping many girls escape cycles of poverty and illiteracy. Many graduates have gone on to pursue university degrees and become role models for other young women.
In September 2023, a devastating earthquake struck the High Atlas region, severely damaging Asni, where four EFA boarding houses are located, and completely destroying Talaat n’Yakoub, home to two more. As a result, EFA relocated schools and boarding facilities to Marrakech, renting temporary housing to continue supporting the girls.
Event Details
Accommodations
Meals & Beverages
We will do our best to ensure you have healthy, happy meals. Please let us know your specific dietary requests.
When dining out, we will do our best to ensure a good selection of options.
A survey of food preferences will be sent after registration.
Preparation & Packing
We will have 3 Zoom calls. Two before our trip and one post-trip.
Dates and times TBD.
Scroll down for Packing List.
Requirements & Deadlines
You will be required to complete several documents after you register.
These will provide us with information regarding your travel arrangements and requirements as well as event-related documents that require your review and signature:
Personal Statement Performa — (due by November 15, 2024) used to design activities and match you to those that best fit your skills and interests.
Kindness Adventures' Release and Assumption of Risk
Kindness Adventures' Audio-Visual Release
People & Places' Volunteer Compliance Agreement Form which includes: Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy and Photography Code of Conduct
In addition, you will be required to
provide a basic background check verification
purchase personal liability travel insurance
DEADLINE: All documents, other than the Personal Statement Performa, are due no later than November 15, 2024.
Airlines & Airport
Arrive at Marrakesh RAK Airport no later that January 26, 2025.
Depart Marrakesh anytime on February 6, 2025.
Travel Insurance
You are required to purchase your personal liability travel insurance and Repatriation and rescue insurance: you must have a copy of your policy with the precise number and contact details. If you do not have rescue insurance, check out https://www.globalrescue.com https://medjetassist.com
Please be aware that many travel policies will not include coverage for your time at work. Most travel insurance covers absolutely everything & anything, but only if you're at leisure. We strongly advise you to check that your policy includes coverage for your time at work as a volunteer, particularly for your own personal liability.
COVID Protocols & Border Crossing
Currently, there are no COVID protocols.
For the safety of our guests and our local community, we recommend vaccinations and encourage you to test before embarking on this adventure.
Activities and Fitness
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Easy to Medium
Itinerary & Program Updates
In order to provide you with the best experience, we may adjust the program components due to weather or other schedule considerations.
Refer back to the website for the latest information.
Questions?
Kindness Adventures & Trip Details
Contact: Jacqueline Stanford
WhatsApp: +1 818-331-9955
Email: Jax@KindnessAdventures.org
Help with booking your flights or help with extending your travel plans
Contact: Melissa Fulton
Phone: +1 949-433-5129
Email: mfulton@dreamvacations.com
Given the mild but varying temperatures in Marrakesh from January 26 to February 6, 2025, here are some packing tips to ensure comfort and preparedness:
Layering is Key
Daytime Wear: Since temperatures can range from 17°C to 21°C (63°F to 70°F) during the day, pack lightweight, breathable clothing for when it’s sunny. T-shirts, light long-sleeve shirts, and lightweight pants or long skirts would be ideal.
Evening Wear: Nights can get cooler, dropping to around 7°C to 8°C (45°F to 46°F), so pack a warm sweater, a fleece, or a light jacket. Layering allows you to adjust your clothing throughout the day as temperatures change.
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes or trail running shoes with good grip are recommended, especially if you plan to explore the city or hike in nearby areas. Sandals can be useful for casual outings or inside your accommodation.
Conservative Clothing
In respect to the local culture, pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially if you plan to visit religious sites or venture into more remote areas. A shawl or scarf can be useful to cover your head and shoulders when necessary.
Accessories
Hat and Sunglasses: Even in winter, the Moroccan sun can be quite strong. A hat or visor and a good pair of sunglasses will protect you from the sun.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: SPF 30+ sunscreen is advisable to protect against sunburn, and lip balm will help keep your lips from drying out.
Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you're out in the sun for extended periods.
Miscellaneous
Daypack: A small daypack can be handy for carrying essentials like water, sunscreen, snacks, and a camera while exploring.
Hand Sanitizer and Tissues: These are practical for situations where water or toilet paper may not be available.
Empty Suitcase: If you plan on shopping, an extra, foldable suitcase for souvenirs and local goods can be very useful.
Weather Preparedness
While rain is unlikely during your trip, a lightweight waterproof jacket could be helpful in case of unexpected showers.
Indoor Comfort
Bring sturdy socks or light slippers, as Moroccans typically remove their shoes inside homes. This will keep you comfortable and respectful when visiting local homes or accommodations
Health and Safety
Medication: Bring any necessary prescription medication, and consider over-the-counter basics like pain relievers or rehydration tablets.
Bug Spray: Even in winter, there might be mosquitoes, so pack insect repellent, particularly if you’re prone to bites.
Conclusion
Packing with versatility in mind will allow you to adapt to Marrakesh's variable weather and cultural expectations. By following these tips, you can enjoy a comfortable and respectful stay while making the most of your time in this vibrant city.