Diversity Excursions special programs

During most of the year, Jnane Tamsna specialises in ‘cultural tours’ designed with leading agencies, institutions and specialists from Australia, France, United Kingdom and the United States. If you are interested in specific tours around these themes, see the Links and Partners section. ~ GJM
Cuisine and wine: At Jnane House you will participate in a unique lifestyle, enjoying a different pace of life and an excellent diet that includes homegrown organic produce. Using the finest fresh ingredients, experts in traditional Moroccan cuisine demonstrate how to make couscous (semolina wheat granules served with meat, vegetables and sauces), pastilla (filo pastry crusts stuffed with sweet cinnamon-spiced poultry, eggs and almonds) and a variety of tagines (meat, fruit and vegetable dishes cooked in a Moroccan conical earthenware pots). Taste a diversity of Moroccan red, rosé and white wines from the traditional wine-making area near Meknes, as well as some new entries from the Atlantic coast region of Essaouira.

Cooking demonstration at Jnane Tamsna

Educational visits: Diversity Excursions Ltd. specialises in exploring the culture, ecology and history and contemporary trends of Marrakech and southern Morocco. We will show you some of the best architectural sites. Take a look in Marrakech, explore the souks, look at workshops for dyeing, leathercraft and metalworking, and other trades. Diversity Excursions also offers a window onto conservation, community development and research projects currently in progress. Explore this rich culture through its traditions and decorative arts, its spectacular gardens and landscapes, its flora and fauna. Learn about the traditional use of aromatic and medicinal plants by visiting gardens and market stalls in Marrakech and its hinterland.

Vendor of aromatic herbs used in mint tea

Fitness and recreation:  Jnane Tamsna is set in the midst of a beautiful palm grove, with kilometres of trails for camel riding, cycling and walking. Facilties for tennis, swimming and yoga are available on site. Golf courses, horse riding stables and walking paths are found a within 15 - 30 minutues from Jnane Tamsna. Part of the magic of Marrakech is that it is located one hour from the mountains - fantastic for climbing and skiing in season - and two hours from the Atlantic coast town of Essaouira, world renowned for its windsurfing and other water sports. If you are looking for local entertainment, you can experience firsthand the beauty of Moroccan dance, music and storytelling - either at the Place Djemaa El Fna every day or at Jnane Tamsna by special arrangement.
Acrobats at Hamam Dheb

Family stays: We can organise a programme of exciting workshops for all ages. Guided by an art teacher, try your hand at collage, paper making, papier mâché, puppet design and weaving, all using local materials. Inspired by rich Moroccan traditions in the Arts, explore dance, music and poetry. For children who have an interest in natural history, discover how local people use animals and plants. Cooking classes for kids offer additional insights into Moroccan culture and gardens: harvest fresh vegetables on the Jnane Tamsna estate, learn how to make bread in a clay oven and make a collection of the spices used in local cuisine. For children interested in adventure and sports, we can organize camel rides in the Palmeraie, tennis lessons with a local professional and even mountain activities.

Camel riding in the Marrakech Palmeraie