Diversity Excursions in Morocco

Diversity Excursions offers half-day and full-day excursions in Marrakech, the High Atlas mountains, and biosphere reserves on the Atlantic coast and in the south of the country. All proceeds from the excursions are donated to The Global Diversity Foundation, a registered UK charitable organization that sponsors training and research on agricultural, biological and cultural diversity in Morocco and other countries. During the excursions, English-speaking Moroccan guides accompany guests on tours to Marrakech and its environs. The guides – many of them from Tamazight (Berber) speaking communities – are experts in explaining the general culture, ecology and history of the south of Morocco. Moroccan and foreign scholars accompany guests on selected field visits to provide additional insights on local diversity. ~ GJM

In “Morocco Readies for its Close-up” (Wall Street Journal Europe,  October 2002), Lanie Goodman writes, “The Martins' cultural tours lead small groups behind the closed doors of the labyrinth alleys of the medina. In Marrakech, with the snow-capped Atlas mountains serving as a backdrop, there are visits to spice and herb markets, a trip to ancient and contemporary gardens, restored historical monuments, and a look at traditional crafts and modern design, through visits to restored homes inside the medina. Specialized explorations of the palm groves of southern Morocco and the Atlas mountains have been created to show the country's culture and landscape... Susan Sully, author of the forthcoming book, New Moroccan Style: The Art of Sensual Living, joined one of the Martins' tours in the Atlas mountains. “There was no sense of the ersatz tourist experience here – just thoughtful planning that made sure we experienced as much of the Atlas mountain landscape, architecture and culture as possible.”

In the “Best Villa in the World” (Harpers Abroad December 2002), Harper's & Queen editor Catherine Fairweather says of Meryanne Loum-Martin's hospitality, “You never have to lift a finger: staff second-guess even your most unformed wishes, appearing from behind the elegant wooden mashrabiyas (screens), and disappearing discreetly at just the right moment.” and “Guests eulogise the food, an inspired and hearty blend of Moroccan and French cuisines.” She describes Diversity Excursions as “DESIRABLE DISTRACTIONS: A tour of the souk (in search of spices, herbs, oils and fruit, or modern design and traditional crafts), is just one of many excellent activities and excursions available to guests; others include trips into the High Atlas Mountains, or tours of ancient and contemporary gardens, the profits from which go to the Global Diversity Foundation, an ecological charity set up by Loum Martin's husband, American ethnobotanist Gary Martin.”