JUST a ferry ride away – which means no flying – Morocco offers the potential for a fascinating road trip.
For green explorers, a trip to Essaouria to discover the wonders of argan oil – not only a natural product but sustainable too – is the ideal expedition.
Made from the nuts of the argan tree, which grows almost exclusively in Morocco, argan oil is said to have restorative and anti-aging qualities, as well as being a culinary delicacy loved by humans and goats alike!
Today, all argan oil is harvested and produced by local women who belong to fair trade working cooperatives which shares profits among the local Berber tribes.
An ecosystem reforestation project to help preserve the argan forest is also in place. For those that want to see it first hand Orange Grove Rural Retreats, founded by Kritzlynn Al Taib, now offer five to six holidays to Morocco each year that are specially tailored to suit each group.
Kritzlynn – who gives a percentage of her profits to a Moroccan school – is a very knowledgeable guide with years of experience and fluent in Arabic.
More importantly she has a passion for all things Moroccan.
“Morocco is absolutely fascinating and each area is very different although the south is the best for me,” she explains.
“It is quite a hike to get down to the argan area in Essaouria so it takes about a week in total, but it is really amazing.
The first day is spent in Chefchaouen with another night in Fez before the long drive south, but really it depends on what the person wants to do as to how long it takes to get down there with stops on the way.
“It is very interesting to see the cooperative especially as no one had heard of the oil a decade ago! Now every group I take wants to stock up on the way back.”
The next trip will take place in September after the end of Ramadan.
For more information visit www.orangegroveruralretreats.com
