Welcome Pack
Welcome to Original Volunteers in Marrakech, Morocco.
Please read through the information in this pack and hopefully it will answer any queries you may have and help you to enjoy your volunteering experience.
There are two main Riads that we use to accommodate volunteers. They are situated within the Medina, approximately fifteen minutes walk from the main square and Souks.
A Riad is a traditional Moroccan building with an open courtyard in the centre and rooms situated off this area.
The Riads consist of three storeys with a roof terrace that is usually used for sunbathing.
Some volunteers prefer to sleep on the terrace during very hot periods!
Typically a bedroom will accommodate up to six people.
Each bedroom should have two electric fans for use during very hot weather. Please switch them off when the rooms are not in use.
(Leaving the fans running constantly will burn out the motors. Do not pull the plug from the socket without switching it off first, as it will cause the fan to fuse!)
There are bathrooms on each floor (except the roof terrace).
The bathrooms usually have a bath/shower, basin and toilet.
Plumbing in Morocco is fairly basic and the waste pipes are too thin to accept toilet tissue and similar waste products. They can become blocked very quickly resulting in an unpleasant experience for all concerned!!!
A waste paper bin is placed next to the toilet. Please remember to use this when disposing of used tissues. The bins are emptied once a day by the cleaners.
The kitchens are functional and a fridge/freezer is provided for volunteers to store food hygienically.
Please label your own food items etc and remember to dispose of any unwanted foods using the waste bins provided.
To avoid unwanted guests (mainly cockroaches), please ensure you clean your work area of any food droppings especially on the floor.
Similarly, it is advised you do not eat or store food in the bedrooms.
Each Riad is cleaned daily but volunteers are expected to wash their own dishes after use.
Most buildings in the Medina do not have outward facing windows, this means their light comes from an internal courtyard. This can also mean an increased chance of damp.
For light during the day or better ventilation at night you may need to leave the bedroom doors open.
Riads should be considered a home rather than a hotel or hostel!
Remember, you will be living with a group of people of different ages and from a variety of backgrounds.
For anyone who has watched reality TV programmes, like “Big Brother,” to be a successful housemate requires positive attitude, tolerance and the willingness to turn a blind eye at times.
Meet the Staff
Rachid is the Lead Co-ordinator. He is responsible for the smooth running of the Riads and for organising the volunteering projects. He speaks excellent English and is happy to answer any queries or assist you in any way he can. He will arrange taxis, organise excursions and deal with any problems regarding the accommodation.
Noura is the on site accountant. Although she is based away from the Riad, she often pops in to see the staff and meet volunteers.
Fatine is the Co-ordinator with the responsibility of presenting the TEFL course to volunteers. She also assists the volunteers with the projects linked to teaching English to children.
Fatima and Hannah are Co-ordinators who will accompany you to the various projects in and around Marrakech. They all speak very good English.
Amina looks after the accommodation in Riad 5. She speaks very little English except when she is angry with volunteers who have made a lot of mess!!!
Saida looks after the accommodation in Riad 9 (and Riad 4 during June, July and August)
Adil greets new volunteers at the airport and escorts them via taxi to their accommodation
Sadiq is the taxi driver responsible for transporting you from and returning you to the airport.
Alcohol and Curfew
Please note that for the safety and well being of every volunteer and in compliance with local customs there is a curfew in place for the evenings and the storage or consumption of alcohol on the premises is strictly prohibited.
To avoid disappointment, please be aware that any volunteer drinking in or returning to the volunteer house visibly under the influence raises a safety issue not only for themselves but for everyone else in the house and will affect the reputation of volunteering in the local area.
As such any volunteer disregarding these rules may be requested to leave the accommodation and the volunteer programme.
The curfew is 23.00 which allows plenty of time to eat out and shop in the Souks.
Visiting nightclubs is also prohibited whilst with Original Volunteers. Nightclubs in Morocco are very different from those in the UK. They tend to be places where ladies of “ill repute” tout for business and the men who frequent these establishments are usually considered as potential clients or who are there for a specific reason.
Visitors
Visitors are not allowed into the Riads unless they are part of the Original Volunteers programme. This especially applies to local people who you may meet or befriend.
This is for safety and security reasons.
Usually when you arrive, you will be issued with a key to your Riad, (subject to avaialablity).
Please do not give this key to anyone else and remember to return it at the end of your stay.
Dress code
Morocco is a Muslim country. Whilst volunteering you will be expected to dress modestly. The usual requirement for women is to wear high-necked tops (crew neck) and avoid v-neck or open neck tops which suggest any cleavage.
Arms should be covered. Long skirts, trousers or long tops over leggings are preferred.
To avoid any inter-cultural misunderstandings tattoos should be covered with clothing or make up and visible piercings removed.
Volunteers with bold hair colouring, such as electric blue or pink or with “Mohicans” cuts, should cover, colour or wear a hat to avoid any embarrassment whilst in public..
Eating In/Eating Out
There are plenty of places to buy cheap food and often people like to share and cook food together in the house.
A popular supermarket for foreigners is Aswak Assalam opposite Bab Moussafa (Moussafa Gate) in the Western wall of the Medina. It is 10 minutes walk from the main Riad. There is a bank next door.
Old fashioned corner shops sell basic items including bottled water, bread and sliced ham and tinned tuna.
They also sell everyday items such as soap, shampoo and toothpaste.
Chez Chegrouni
Chez Chegrouri is situated in the main square with the dining area on the top floor (like many). If you are not sure what to eat for your first meal try Brochette de Viande (skewered meat). It comes with chips and olives for about £5 or 50 Dirham.
Their vegetarian couscous (DH 30) is supposedly the only true vegetarian couscous in town; it’s also a bit bland but they give you plenty of it. Prices go up if you sit on the terrace, which is usually packed full of tourists.
If you are feeling very hungry try Tagine – the portions can be huge and you might want to share.
Cafe Argana
This café can be found at the edge of the main square Djemaa El-Fna. At Argana they give you a little receipt/bill so you can check easily what you need to pay-rare in Morocco. They also serve some of the best ice-cream in Marrakesh.
Toilets are available on the ground and first floor – 1 Dirham is usually offered. Argana also has a security guard so less chance of unwanted attention. There are some great views across the square from the roof terrace.
For a quick filling snack when you are on the move (or for those on really tight budgets) go to a corner shop anywhere and ask for ‘half a bread with tinned tuna’ and they will prepare a sandwich out of half a round loaf.
Restaurant Sesame
Restaurant Sesame is a firm favourite with volunteers. It is the location for the Street kids feeding programme. As a result volunteers usually receive a 50% discount on their total bill.
Fritos
Fritos is another popular “eating place” for volunteers. It is situated along the main street from the Medina to the main square. It serves burgers, pasta, omelettes etc at very reasonable prices.
In New Town you will find McDonalds, Pizza Express, KFC and various other fast food outlets.
Market stalls
There are “market style” eating stalls in the main square (near the Souks). Initially they appear to be cheap but beware of “extras” appearing on the bill, or if you are in a big group they may offer you an “all inclusive” bill (after you’ve eaten) which seems to be a convenient way of paying but often works out far more than the total should be!
Communication
WI-FI is available in Riad 5 and Riad 9. The internet can be a bit slow in Morocco and SKYPE is very erratic! Please do not try to improve the signal by adjusting the modem or switching it off. If you do switch it off the modem will default to the factory settings and has to be reset. (Resetting can take several days causing inconvenience to everyone in the Riad).
A local SIM card costs between £3 and £5. They can be bought (along with mobiles) from the shops and stands on Rue Agnaou opposite the banks.
Public phones are the cheapest option for ringing the UK. Cards can be bought from local shops for 20 Dirham. (Marroc Telecom is the most frequently used card and there are phones in most streets.)
Warning: Do not buy phone cards from street vendors as they will charge you exorbitant rates.
To ring the UK +44, then your local code minus the first zero, then the number you require.
Calls home from a public phone at a ‘teleboutique’ cost approximately £1 per minute. Most main roads in Marrakesh have one.
Sightseeing Bus
There is an open-topped City Sightseeing bus that will take you around the outskirts of the city, with commentary provided via headphones (supplied with your ticket) in any of 8 different languages.
The best place to catch it is from the coach stops by Square de Foucauld. Tickets cost DH 130 each and are valid for 24 hours from the time of issue, no matter how many times you get on or off. However, check the timetable carefully, as the buses can stop running earlier than you might think. If there is a group of you it may be cheaper to club together and take a horse drawn carriage from the main square. You will have to negotiate a price often between 50Dh – 70 Dh per person.
Making Your Own Way Back To The Airport At The End of Your Stay
For volunteers staying in Kennaria, near the main square
From the main square follow the road south where the horse-drawn carriages are at the park full of palms and turn left. The No. 19 passes here every 30 minutes from:
06’30 / 07’00 / 07’30 / 08’00 / 08’30 / 09’00…until 00’15
There is no bus stop. You will need to wave the driver to stop. The bus company is ALSA CITY heading to Aeroport Centre Ville.
Changing money
Hotel Ali has a facility to change money and is open all day. It is located just off the main square on the South side on Rue Moulay Ismail. Keep the receipt as you will need it if you want to change dirham back to sterling at the airport.
Cash machines (2000 Dirham maximum per day – approximately £200) and banks can be found on Rue Agnaou on the South side of the main square (two streets up from Rue Moulay Ismail).
The nearest cash points are on the main street from the Medina to the main square.
Using large denomination notes (200 and 100 Dirham ) may prove difficult in small shops. Use these in the supermarket or in restaurants and save the change for buying items from local vendors.
Spending Money
Overall Morocco is cheap by western standards. However, Marrakech is the tourist capital of the country and prices in shops and cafes where tourists gather will be pricey.
Most volunteers enjoy shopping in the vast enclosed markets called Souks.
However be prepared to be hassled constantly and if you show interest in any particular item the vendor will try to make a sale through any means!
Bargaining is expected but be realistic. The vendor will start at an unrealistic price and you should start in a similar manner. However, be prepared to negotiate … the final price should be somewhere in the region of 40% of the first price quoted.
Beware of pickpockets and always keep your valuables as secure as possible. Leave your passport safely in the Riad and carry a photocopy in case you need it.
Inevitably you will become lost in the many winding alleyways of the Souks. Local people will offer to lead you out or take you to your destination. For this service they will expect payment!!
Getting around
The easiest and cheapest way of getting around is walking! Be aware that vehicles do not give way at pedestrian crossings and mopeds are driven through the streets in any direction and at speed.
If you take a taxi expect to share it with five or six other people. Safety standards are non-existent and you may have to share the front seat with another passenger. Seat belts are available but not always functional.
If you take a taxi to a specific location, always agree a price beforehand with the driver. The large taxis from the taxi stand usually charge 5-6 dirham per person.
Do not take a taxi from the main square as they will charge tourist rates that can be exorbitant.
The small taxis can be hailed from the side of the road. They can only carry a maximum of three passengers. Always ensure the driver is using the meter as he is legally bound to do.
If you are traveling out of Marrakech to outlying villages the local bus service is very good and reasonably priced.
Keep your ticket safe as passengers are often asked to produce their ticket for inspection at short notice.
Whilst traveling to projects you will always be accompanied by a local Co-ordinator to ensure your safety en route.
We strongly advise against hiring a moped or scooter as the traffic accident rate in Morocco is the highest in Africa. Any insurance offered is usually invalid for overseas drivers.
Excursions
There are various excursions available during your stay in Marrakech.
Berber village
A firm favourite with volunteers is an overnight stay in a Berber village about 100 km from the city.
Situated in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the village is a tranquil haven away from the chaos of Marrakech.
A Co-ordinator will accompany you on the visit.
Included in the price is travel to and from the village, overnight accommodation, two main meals and the opportunity to make bread or prepare a traditional Tagine dish.
See the notice board for a more in depth account of this amazing visit.
The Waterfalls
This trip can be arranged either through an independent agent or through Rachid. It usually costs about 200 Dh but extra money is needed to pay for the guide, lunch, and the boat trip.
The waterfalls are about two hours drive from Marrakech. The excursion usually leaves at 07.45 from the mosque in the Medina (a short walk from the Riad).
You should take plenty of water to drink plus some money in case you want to buy lunch, souvenirs etc.
It is advisable to wear trainers as some of the footpaths are very steep and slippery.
When you arrive we recommend you use a guide (approximately 30 Dh) as they know the safest footpaths and places to swim.
It is also well worth taking the boat trip (20Dh approx) that takes you underneath the waterfalls enabling you to see things not visible from the banks.
There is opportunity to swim in and around the waterfalls and for the more adventurous to jump from the rocks surrounding the falls. Be careful, as the currents are very strong.
Be aware that the waterfalls are fed from the nearby mountains and therefore the water temperature can be very cold even in the height of summer.
At the waterfalls there is a café that serves an excellent three-course meal for 90Dh.
The Sahara
There are two options for visits to the Sahara
Option 1 is the 24 hour visit which includes two hours camel trek to the edge of the desert, overnight camp and evening meal. (Most volunteers go for this option)
Option 2 is the 48 hour visit which includes two hours camel trek to the edge of the desert, overnight camp and evening meal plus an excursion further into the desert on day two and overnight accommodation in a hotel.
The journey to the desert takes approximately 12 hours but there are various stops on en route to visit places of interest and take refreshment. Inevitably you will need extra money to pay entry fees, buy food, water and souvenirs. Many volunteers take a cushion to sit on whilst riding the camel!
Transport is usually via mini bus (sometimes air conditioned). Do not expect roads or driving standards to match those in the UK.
If you suffer from travel sickness we suggest you take several plastic bags as the drivers are fairly unsympathetic and have a schedule to adhere to.
Whilst in the desert the overnight temperature can drop dramatically during the night so take something warm to wear whilst sleeping. A scarf is also needed to avoid sand blowing into your mouth whilst on the camel. Some volunteers wear long skirts or trousers to prevent their legs becoming chafed on the camels’ skin.
We strongly advise female volunteers to always stay within the group and refuse any offers from the local guides to “Go and view the stars away from the camp!”
Hammams – Public Baths
There are two types of Hammam across Morocco. The first is the tourist hammam, where you can go and be pampered and scrubbed by an experienced staff member. As these are promoted only to tourists they are the more expensive option with pricing usually around DH 150 for a hammam. They cannot be technically referred
to as a proper hammam, but they are nonetheless enjoyable, especially for the timid.
The second option is to visit a “popular” Hammam. Popular hammams are the places where the locals go. Ask your Co-ordinator where they would go. At the popular hammams, you do it all yourself. To make the most of a popular hammam, you need to take a scrubbing mitten (available cheap in the Souks), a towel, and some extra
underwear (otherwise, you will be going home without any, as it will be soaked).
Popular hammams are often only identified by tiles around a door and entrance way.
If you do not speak French or Arabic, it could be a daunting, or at least a very memorable, experience.
Men and women have either separate session times or separate hammams.
Nudity in a popular hammam is strictly forbidden for men, so be prepared to wear your underwear or a bathing suit. For women, you’ll see some wearing underwear and some going naked.
Whilst in a popular hammam, you may be offered help and a massage from another person. It is essential to remember that this massage is nothing but a massage, with no other intentions. Sexual contact or presumption of sexual contact does not occur in these places. If you accept a massage, be prepared to return the favour!
Prices vary but you can negotiate good rates if you arrange to go in a group.
Health
The most common complaints are stomach and sun related. Good hygiene (washing hands) and avoiding uncooked food and drinks made with tap water can help prevent upset stomachs.
Cafes may struggle to manage food hygiene and storage in the heat that can mean a higher chance of a stomach upset.
When buying water always ensure the seal has not been broken. Avoid sharing water when drinking directly from the bottle. Do not drink tap water.
For most of the year sunburn is the more frequent sun related annoyance.
Most volunteers sunbathe on the roof terraces which are shielded from curious onlookers and neighbours. Even in the winter months the sun’s rays are strong during the day so remember to use high factor sun creams.
Between July and August the temperature soars to 40+. On average, 1 in 4 visitors at this time of year will experience heat related problems from heat exhaustion, sunburn, general lethargy to stomach related problems.
Sunbathing is not recommended at this time.
Usually a couple of days bed rest or a visit to the doctor for some rehydration salts and paracetamol, if you haven’t taken them with you, is enough until symptoms pass.
However with careful precautions most visitors should avoid this.
Preventative suggestions include slowing down (taking longer in the morning to get ready and sitting down activities with the children), drinking plenty, avoiding late nights, avoiding alcohol, eating little and often, avoiding direct sun and taking regular cold showers.
Medication
Medicines, including anti-biotics can be bought directly from the pharmacist without a prescription. Painkillers such as paracetemol, aspirin etc can only be bought from the chemist, not supermarkets or local shops.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Police: 19 and Ambulance/ Fire: 15
Doctors and Hospitals
GP: Dr Zerhloul Noureddine, GP, 7 Rue Des Banques, Kennaria (just off the main square). Tel: 0544 444 270.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
Doctors consultation is approximately 200 Dirham, basic prescription is approximately 160 Dirham. Cash only, no credit cards.
There is a chemist next to the cafe Grande Balcon in the main square.
Hospital:
Inb Tofail Hospital, Rue Abdelouahab Derraq (Tel: 00 212 444 480 11)
Polyclinique du Sud, 2 Rue Yougoslavie, Gueliz ( Tel: 044 44 79 99 / 044 44 83 72)
In case of a medical emergency, it’s always a good idea to know where to find the local physicians who speak your language. According to the U.S. Consulate’s website, Dr. Taarji Bel Abbass at the Polyclinique du Sud speaks “fair to good English”.
Please be aware that any medical costs will be payable at the time of treatment. Usually travel insurance will reimburse any costs incurred but not until you return to the UK. Always keep any receipts and medical reports safe as you will need to produce them when making a claim.
Projects
There are projects virtually every day, although weekends are usually used by volunteers for sightseeing trips etc.
A weekly schedule is posted on the main notice board at the beginning of each week.
The projects are varied in content and location.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Some of the projects in Marrakech involve teaching English to children at local orphanages.
Soon after arrival every volunteer is offered the opportunity to attend a practical seminar giving helpful tips and advice on teaching English to children. The techniques are based on accredited TEFL practices.
On completion of the course volunteers receive a certificate.
Volunteers use pre-prepared lesson plans and often work one-to one with children following a set lesson style.
We usually teach English at the Boy’s Orphanage and occasionally at Tananhout and Tamslought.
Tamslought
Twice a week volunteers (accompanied by a Co-ordinator), travel by bus to the nearby village of Tamslought to spend time with children from the village orphanage.
This usually involves playing games and sports at the sports ground or craft activities in the orphanage.
Volunteers are encouraged to take various activities from the main store of materials held in the Riads.
The Baby Orphanage
This is a very popular project with all volunteers and numbers are limited to eight people per visit. Volunteers are asked to sign a list including their passport number two days before each visit. (You will be denied access if you do not include your passport details)
The Orphanage relies on charitable contributions and volunteers usually buy nappies, yoghurts, formula milk and soft fruits to take each time they visit. Plastic teaspoons etc are also extremely useful as the orphanage is often short of practical equipment.
The Boys Orphanage
This orphanage is located just a short walk from the Riads in the Medina. From September to June the children are taught English by the volunteers. There are usually up to thirty children (boys and girls) who attend the lessons, so go prepared with plenty of materials and paper.
The Girls Orphanage
The Girls Orphanage is situated on the outskirts of Marrakech. Volunteers travel there by taxi accompanied by a Co-ordinator. The cost of the taxi is usually 5 DH per person each way.
Volunteers usually teach English here. The girls are aged approximately ten to sixteen and the group is normally small (approximately 8 to 10 girls).
Taking photographs is strictly forbidden at this Orphanage.
Street Feeding Program
There are two projects under this title.
The first programme is working in conjunction with the restaurant Sesame. Once a week local children from the streets are given a cooked meal at lunchtime by the staff at the Sesame restaurant. After they have finished eating volunteers entertain the children on the roof terrace of the restaurant. Arts and crafts, games and water fights are the usual forms of entertainment. The number of children varies from week to week but can be as many as forty.
Occasionally a trip to a nearby swimming pool is organized. Each volunteer is asked to pay for themselves and one child’s entrance costs. This usually amounts to 100 Dirham (£7.50).
Each volunteer takes responsibility for a child in the pool………. Great fun but very tiring as the children have endless energy and are very excited.
There are showers at the pool and this is an opportunity for the children to have a good scrub and wash their hair…… so take plenty of soap and shampoo!!
The second programme involves the volunteers buying and making up food parcels that are delivered to people living rough under the arches at the edge of the Medina.
A Co-ordinator will always accompany you on this project as the food distribution needs to be organized by a local shopkeeper who can control what can become a difficult situation especially with hungry adult men arguing with each other. Children always receive priority on this project. Other similar programmes also include providing food parcels for the blind and distributing food and clothes at designated centers during Ramadam.
Other projects when available:
Downs Syndrome center
Street Kids Youth center
Berber village children
Swimming project (summer months)
Single Mums Association
Painting Projects
Camping Projects in Atlas Mountains and Agadir (Summer months)
