All travel uses carbon, and once you are over that fact, you get plan how you minimize your impact.

Morocco is a land of vibrant colors, bustling souks, stunning architecture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. From the red city of Marrakech to the blue city of Chefchaouen, Morocco is a feast for the senses. However, with tourism growing rapidly in the country (especially after the Moroccan football team’s huge success at the 2022 world cup), it’s important to consider the environmental impact of our travels. Here are some tips for making your holiday in Morocco eco-friendlier and more sustainable. 

Firstly, come stay at Riad Tizwa Eco-Friendly Accommodations. We have prioritized sustainability since we opened in 2006 and we very much go for the 3 r’s. Reduce what you consume, Reuse what you can and recycle everything else!   That started for us by deciding to refurbish our beautiful Moroccan homes – rather than destroy it and build from scratch! We saved so much from destruction and managed to sidestep the mass consumption of new cement, metal, plastics and extensive use of water.  

The other things you might want to consider when you are planning your environmental trip to Morocco, is how you can arrive and/or travel by train. It’s the first country in the continent of Africa to have high speed rail (far out speeding almost any other train systems in the world – give or take the Japanese’s bullet train). 

“Al Boraq” [(البُراق) in reference to the creature in Islamic tradition believed to have transported the prophet Muhammad] trains operate over a dedicated high-speed line, reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h (199 mph). In comparison to the east coast of America’s Acela train (average speed 70 mph) which ricochets. It runs from Tangir to Casabanca and can link you from the northern ferry port having hopped on a local taxi. Have a look at this 2 day journey from the UK to Morocco.

London – Paris Nord (2h 19min)

Gare De Lyon Paris – Barcelona-Sants (6h 29min)

Barcelona – Madrid-Puerta De Atocha (2h 30min)

Madrid – Algeciras (5hs) 

Ferry to Tangier!  

More info

So… If you haven’t got two days to use – you might want to offset your carbon emissions by using carbon offsetting programs, such as those offered by Carbon Footprint or MyClimate. These programs allow you to calculate your carbon footprint and invest in projects that help to reduce carbon emissions, such as reforestation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.

Once you arrive in Morocco, consider using public transportation, such as trains and buses, to get around, rather than renting a car or taking taxis. Respect the Environment and Local Culture When traveling to Morocco, it’s important to respect the environment and local culture. This means being mindful of your impact on the natural environment, such as avoiding littering, using reusable water bottles, not using plastic bags and reducing your water usage. It also means being respectful of local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly and refraining from taking photos of people without their permission. 

Supporting local businesses is a great way to reduce your environmental impact when traveling to Morocco. By purchasing locally-made products and eating at locally-owned restaurants, you are supporting the local economy and reducing the carbon emissions associated with importing goods from other countries. Morocco is known for its vibrant markets, or souks, which are filled with locally-made handicrafts, textiles, and ceramics. When shopping in the souks, look for products that are made using sustainable materials and traditional methods, such as hand-woven carpets or pottery made from locally-sourced clay. Eat Sustainably Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, and there are many ways to eat sustainably while traveling in Morocco. One way is to eat at restaurants that prioritize sustainability and source their ingredients from local farms and markets. Another way to eat sustainably in Morocco is to choose vegetarian or vegan dishes, which have a lower carbon footprint than meat-based dishes.

Moroccan cuisine has many delicious vegetarian and vegan options, such as tagine with chickpeas and vegetables, lentil soup, and roasted vegetable salads. Choose Sustainable Activities Morocco offers a wide range of activities for travelers, from hiking in the Atlas Mountains to exploring the ancient medinas of Marrakech and Fez.

When choosing activities, look for options that promote sustainability and environmental conservation. For example, you can explore the Atlas Mountains on foot, horse or by bike, rather than taking a car or ATV tour. You can also visit eco-friendly attractions, such as the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech.

At Riad Tizwa, we also use water and energy reducing practices, as well as using natural cleaning products wherever we can. We have respected the local traditions of recycling any plastic and any left-over food.