Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
villagers use as underwear. Above all, trousers should be worn rather than shorts. This ap-
plies equally to men and women.
The importance of dress in the villages cannot be overemphasised (as many a frustrated
and embarrassed trekking tour leader will affirm). However much you might disagree
with this conservatism, respecting local traditions will bring great rewards, not least by
way of contact, hospitality and assistance.
Hospitality
Invitations for tea and offers of food are common in the mountains. By taking a guide,
who may have friends in many villages, you'll open yourself up to even more offers of
genuine hospitality.
While these offers are unconditional, it is worth bearing in mind that the mountain eco-
nomy is one of basic subsistence farming. No one has large supplies, and in outlying vil-
lages there may be no surplus food. Offering your hosts some Chinese gunpowder tea and
some sugar (preferably in cones) is a very welcome gesture. Dried fruits are also appreci-
ated, as is a taste of any imported food you may have.
For this reason, it is important to be generous when buying provisions for yourself and
guides.
Medicine
In remote areas, people along the way will often ask for medicine, from disinfectant and
bandages to painkillers or cream for dry skin (which many children have). Always make
sure the guide explains what to do with what you offer - how often to take it and so on.
Environmental Considerations
Rubbish
Carry out all your rubbish; never bury it or burn it (Western-style packaging never burns
well). Your guide may be happy to bag up all your rubbish and hurl it over a cliff, but that
approach is unsustainable, especially given that more and more people are now trekking
in Morocco. So if you have carried it in, then you should carry it out.
Minimise the waste you'll carry out by taking minimal packaging, and by repackaging
provisions into reusable containers when appropriate. If you want to make a gesture, con-
sider carrying out some of the rubbish left by others.
