We are Abdoul and Youssef, and we warmly invite you to join our volunteer project in Morocco, where we cultivate a garden on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Here, we grow vegetables, care for palm trees, and occasionally look after Youssef’s father’s camels when they stop by for food and water. Our aim is to create a peaceful space for cultural exchange, learning, and sustainable living.
Volunteer Project in Morocco: Tasks & Roles
Our work schedule is flexible, with around three hours of tasks each day, depending on what needs attention. If the heat becomes too intense, you’re welcome to take a break. Your help will be invaluable in maintaining the garden, and no prior experience is necessary—we’ll guide you through everything. From planting and watering to general upkeep, there’s always something to do. Occasionally, we also have small projects related to the house, such as making mud bricks or carrying out minor repairs.
During the summer months, Youssef’s father’s camels sometimes come to the garden for food and water, and you’ll have the chance to assist with their care. Beyond the work, we’re eager to introduce you to Moroccan culture. If you’re interested, we can teach you how to prepare traditional meals, share some Darija phrases with you, or spend time playing music together. We cherish the opportunity to learn from each other and create unforgettable memories.
Volunteer Project in Morocco: Living & Getting There
You’ll be staying in a traditional Moroccan mud-brick house within our garden. The house is simple but comfortable, with a bathroom that includes a toilet and shower. One of us will always be there with you, and occasionally, we’ll have other friends visiting as well. Electricity is provided by solar panels, and we hope to expand our energy sources in the future. There is no Wi-Fi, but Moroccan SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or in town and are easy to recharge.
Tagounite is located in the beautiful Draa Valley, where water is becoming increasingly scarce due to climate changes and the dam in Ouarzazate. We are fortunate to have a well that sustains our garden, but we ask that you use water mindfully. To cool off, we have a small reservoir where you can take a refreshing swim, particularly in the hotter months. During winter, temperatures can drop at night, and we often light a fire for warmth.
Reaching us is simple, and we will meet you at the bus station in Tagounite upon your arrival. The most common travel routes include:
- From Marrakech: The CTM bus departs daily at 11:30 AM, arriving around 9:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the station or online.
- From Agadir: A night bus departs at 9:00 PM and arrives at 6:00 AM.
- Other Transport: Shared taxis (grand taxis) and local buses operate throughout the day and provide a flexible travel option.
Please let us know your travel plans so we can arrange to meet you.
Volunteer Project in Morocco: What Else?
Life in the garden is peaceful, and there’s plenty of free time to enjoy your surroundings. You might want to bring a book, sketchpad, or anything creative to pass the time. We also enjoy playing games and making music together. Abdoul is a musician who performs with a band across Morocco and internationally, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to see us play at one of the festivals in Mhamid.
If you’d like to explore the area, we’re happy to show you around. A walk up the nearby mountain to watch the sunset is a wonderful way to spend an evening. Tagounite itself has shops, cafés, and a local hammam, and on Thursdays, you can visit the lively weekly souk. If you’re keen on a longer excursion, Mhamid and Zagora are easy to reach by bus or shared taxi. We can also help you arrange a desert tour if you’re interested.
For safety reasons, we ask that you inform us whenever you plan to leave the property. Due to wild dogs and other factors, we may need to accompany you, depending on the situation.
A small daily fee of €5 per person helps us cover basic costs, and in return, we offer a warm welcome, delicious home-cooked meals, and a unique cultural experience. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. We’re looking forward to meeting you soon!
More HippoHelp Opportunities
- Volunteer Receptionist Opportunity at a Cosy Hostel in Busan (South Korea)
- Experience Sustainable Farming & Winemaking (Portugal)
- Be a Marine Conservation Volunteer (Panama)
- Teach English & Support Sustainable Farming (Vietnam)
- Volunteer with Our Trail Team (Iceland)
Blog Posts
- Interview with a Help Exchange Host in Southern Italy
- Insights into Teaching and Volunteering in Liberia from a HelpStay Host
- Meet Our Host: Facilitating Teacher Volunteers in a School in Gujarat, India
- Meet Our Host John Who’s Offering Volunteers a Farm Stay in Ireland
- Guide to Teaching English and Living in Morocco
Destination Guides
HelpStay Work Exchange Categories
- Animals & Environment
- Backpacker Hostels & Hospitality
- Building & Restoration Projects
- Farming & Homesteads
- Community Betterment
- Teaching & Language
- Yoga Travel Jobs