Our Company Ethos

Supporting Local Partners

Riad Zamzam aims to provide enjoyable new experiences to its clients in Marrakech and all over Morocco. We do this through meaningful exchange with local people, which gives an understanding of the country, its culture, local and environmental issues. We work hard to support our local partners and community with a focus on our ethical practice and giving back. How we support our local partners:

• Our Medina guides give you a wonderful introduction to Marrakech and Morocco, whilst our local Berber trekking guides and Sahara nomads give you an in-depth knowledge of the country directly from the local people.

• Working and supporting local people gives a greater tourism experience both to locals and their businesses and to you as the visitor.  There are greater benefits for all working directly with small local businesses.

• We actively try to promote Moroccan partners who are environmentally conscious and supporting one another through education and business.

• We employ local people and provide support and a fair working environment. We have helped staff develop their skills, including language and in doing so provide a friendly and professional service to our clients.

• Samir, who is Berber with Sahara origins, can guide you through the history and culture of this exciting country. We are committed to supporting our local communities and creating once in a lifetime experiences for you.

What you can do

Morocco and its heritage and culture are threatened by large tourist companies, which take business and support from small local businesses that offer real experiences – and also makes for a less pleasurable holiday and cultural experience. Although offering jobs and wages for a greater personnel, in our experience, when tourism is imposed upon by these giants, local people are more likely to lose sight of their heritage and get swamped by generic tourism. By supporting small, sustainable businesses, we can remind Moroccans that tourists do value their heritage and culture; that a wonderful holiday is as much about the experience and cultural exchange as it is about growing tourism numbers.

Below are some excellent NGO’s we work with and support. If you would like to visit them on your holiday, or want to know how you can donate, please contact us. 

Zamzam Supports…

Jarjeer Mule & Donkey Refuge

A haven of rest for working animals in Morocco. Susan and Charles are the most incredible people who set up Jarjeer mule and donkey sanctuary. They continually work tirelessly to grow the charity and expand the sanctuary with the help of tourist support and donations. The work they do to make these animals live better and save them from a sad retirement is incredible and selfless. This is a wonderful day out – see the animals and experience and support their incredible endeavours.

For further information, please phone Susan +212 602 866013 or Charles on +212 650 290693. For Arabic speakers, please call Mohammed +212 662 024298. Or you can email the Jarjeer team.  

Zamzam Supports…

Enfant Espoir, Marrakech 

A local orphanage in Marrakech manager by the incredible Touria. The children love visitors and the babies always need to be held and hugged.  You can also bring old blankets and baby clothes if you have them at home.

women’s co-operative Mhamid, Old Oasis of Mhamid, Sahara 

We support this wonderful co-operative which you can visit when staying with us at Camp Adounia. They sell local cloth, incense and embroidery and are so happy to receive guests. This is a fabulous trip and can be combined with the Kasbah Museum at Moulay Idriss (also a local community initiative), giving the history of the region and its tribes.