MBT and Sustainability

The Heart of Our Mission

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it is the very foundation of how we operate. As a locally-owned agency based in Morocco, we have a direct stake in the health of our environment and the prosperity of our communities. When we talk about MBT and sustainability, we are talking about a commitment to leaving a positive footprint on the landscapes we love, from the high peaks of the Atlas to the shifting sands of the Sahara.

Our approach is simple: we believe that tourism should be a win-win. You get an authentic, deep-seated experience of Moroccan life, and our local partners receive fair wages, respect, and the opportunity to preserve their heritage. We don’t just pass through villages; we belong to them.

1. Empowering Rural Communities

The backbone of our tours is the people. We intentionally bypass large, foreign-owned hotel chains in favor of family-run riads and traditional Berber guesthouses. By doing this, we ensure that the economic benefits of your trip go directly into the pockets of local families.

In the High Atlas Mountains, we work exclusively with local mountain guides who grew up in the valleys you are trekking through. They aren’t just showing you the way; they are sharing their home. This direct employment helps prevent rural-to-urban migration, allowing families to stay together in their ancestral villages while maintaining their traditional way of life.

2. Preserving Ancient Traditions

Morocco is a living museum of crafts, from the intricate zellij tilework of Fes to the hand-woven carpets of the Middle Atlas. Part of the MBT and sustainability strategy involves taking our guests to authentic artisan cooperatives. We avoid the “tourist traps” and instead focus on workshops where the ancient techniques are still honored.

By purchasing a rug or a piece of pottery directly from the maker, you are helping to keep these skills alive for the next generation. We encourage our guests to learn about the meaning behind the symbols and the months of labor that go into every piece. This creates a bridge of understanding that goes far beyond a simple transaction.

3. Respecting the Desert Ecosystem

The Sahara is a fragile environment. Our luxury desert camps in Merzouga and Erg Chigaga are designed with a “leave no trace” mindset. We use solar energy to power our tents whenever possible, minimizing the use of noisy, polluting generators. Water is a precious resource in the desert, and we educate our guests on how to use it sparingly.

We also ensure that our camel treks are conducted with the utmost respect for the animals. Our camels are well-fed, rested, and cared for by local nomads who have lived alongside these creatures for centuries. We refuse to participate in any activities that exploit animals or the environment for a quick photo opportunity.

4. Minimizing Plastic Waste

Plastic pollution is a challenge worldwide, and Morocco is no exception. At MBT and sustainability, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce single-use plastics during our tours. We encourage our travelers to bring reusable water bottles, and our drivers are happy to help you find large-format water dispensers to refill them. Small changes like saying “no” to plastic straws and bags in the souks make a massive collective difference over the course of a 12-day tour.

5. Authentic Cultural Exchange

We believe the best part of travel is the “tea moments”, those quiet hours spent sitting on a rug, sharing a glass of mint tea with a local family. These interactions are not “staged” for tourists. They are genuine expressions of Moroccan hospitality. We teach our guests basic phrases in Darija and Tamazight so they can interact with locals as guests, not just observers. This mutual respect is the purest form of sustainable tourism.

6. Supporting Local Education

A portion of our proceeds goes toward supporting small-scale community projects in the regions we visit. Whether it’s helping a village school with supplies or supporting a women’s weaving cooperative in the south, we believe in giving back to the places that give our guests such incredible memories. When you book with MBT, you are directly contributing to these grassroots efforts.

How You Can Help as a Traveler

Sustainability is a partnership between the agency and the traveler. Here is how you can help us maintain the beauty of Morocco:

• Ask Permission: Always ask before taking photos of people. It builds respect and opens doors to conversation.
• Buy Local: Choose handmade crafts over mass-produced souvenirs.
• Conserve Water: Especially in the desert and rural mountain areas where water is scarce.
• Pack Out Your Trash: If you see litter on a mountain trail, help us by picking it up.