Our mission is to combat desertification and rejuvenate our oasis through sustainable farming

Morocco

3 reviews • Updated 7 months ago

My name is Karim, and I live in the beautiful and historic Oasis of Ktawa, located in the Zagora region of Morocco. I am passionate about sustainable living and preserving our natural environment. Our project, EcoOasis Retreat, is dedicated to combating desertification and revitalizing our oasis through organic farming and eco-friendly tourism. Our small community consists of my family, and my friend . We work together to maintain and improve the oasis, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and sustainable environment. Our project involves planting organic crops, setting up eco-friendly irrigation systems, and creating a welcoming space for tourists interested in experiencing the beauty and culture of our region. At EcoOasis Retreat, we aim to provide an immersive experience where volunteers can learn about traditional Moroccan farming techniques, participate in community projects, and enjoy the stunning natural scenery. We believe in the importance of cultural exchange and look forward to sharing our knowledge and learning from our volunteers as well. our daily farming activities are centered around sustainable practices and organic farming. Each day, we focus on tasks that contribute to the health and productivity of our oasis. Our activities include: - Planting and nurturing a variety of organic crops and trees - Setting up and maintaining eco-friendly irrigation systems - Composting and improving soil quality - Building and repairing sustainable structures, such as greenhouses and storage sheds - Harvesting crops and preparing them for local markets - Caring for our small flock of chickens and managing their free-range environment We aim to provide a hands-on learning experience for our volunteers. You will learn: - Organic farming techniques, including planting, composting, and pest management - Sustainable water management practices - Soil improvement methods - Traditional Moroccan farming practices and modern sustainable methods - Eco-friendly construction and maintenance skills A typical day at EcoOasis Retreat starts with a hearty breakfast at 7:00 AM, featuring fresh, local produce. By 8:00 AM, we begin our morning tasks, which might include planting, watering, or soil preparation. We work together in the fields until around 12:00 PM when we break for a delicious and nutritious lunch. After lunch, there is some free time to rest or explore the oasis. And the evenings free for relaxation, cultural exchange, and enjoying the serene environment of the oasis. Throughout your stay, you will have opportunities to participate in community events, explore the local area, and immerse yourself in Moroccan culture. We believe in a balanced approach to work and leisure, ensuring that your experience is both productive and enjoyable." --- Accommodation "At EcoOasis Retreat, we provide comfortable and welcoming accommodations for our WWOOFers. You will stay in a traditional Moroccan-style house, where you can enjoy the charm and simplicity of oasis living. Our accommodations include: - Private or shared rooms, depending on availability and your preference - Clean and cozy bedding - Access to shared bathroom facilities with hot water - A common area for relaxation and socializing with other volunteers - Basic amenities such as Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and electricity We strive to create a homey atmosphere where you can feel at ease and enjoy your time in our oasis. Meal Arrangements "We believe in the importance of healthy and nourishing meals, especially when working in the fields. Our meals are prepared using fresh, local, and organic ingredients, many of which come from our own farm. Here’s what you can expect: -Breakfast: hearty start to the day with a variety of options, including fresh bread, fruits, yogurt, eggs, and traditional Moroccan tea. - Lunch: nutritious midday meal featuring a mix of Moroccan and international dishes, often including salads, grains, vegetables, and protein-rich foods. - Dinner:A delightful evening meal that brings everyone together, offering a taste of local cuisine with dishes such as tagine, couscous, and fresh vegetables. We also accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions, ensuring that everyone has access to meals that suit their needs. Meals are a communal experience, providing an opportunity for cultural exchange and building friendships with fellow volunteers. Living and eating together at EcoOasis Retreat fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. We look forward to welcoming you into our home and sharing our way of life with you." Hobbies: "At EcoOasis Retreat, we enjoy a variety of hobbies that we love sharing with our volunteers. Some of our favorite activities include: - Music: We often gather in the evenings for informal music sessions. Whether it’s playing traditional Moroccan instruments, sharing songs from different cultures, or simply enjoying the rhythm, music is a big part of our life at the oasis. - Cooking:We take pride in our culinary traditions and love to cook together. You will have the chance to learn how to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine, couscous, and fresh bread. Cooking is not just about preparing food but also about sharing stories and connecting with each other. - Gardening:Beyond our farming activities, we enjoy spending time in our garden, cultivating herbs, flowers, and ornamental plants. Gardening provides a peaceful way to connect with nature and relax. Nearby Activities: "The Oasis of Ktawa and the surrounding region of Zagora offer numerous opportunities for exploration and adventure. Some activities you can enjoy nearby include: - Hiking:The stunning landscapes of the Zagora region are perfect for hiking. You can explore scenic trails that take you through the desert, along the Draa Valley, and up to panoramic viewpoints. - Cultural Visits:The region is rich in history and culture. You can visit local markets, ancient kasbahs, and traditional villages to experience the local way of life and learn about the region’s history. - Star Gazing:The clear desert skies offer incredible opportunities for star gazing. Spend your evenings marveling at the night sky, far away from city lights. We encourage our volunteers to immerse themselves in the local culture and take advantage of the natural beauty around us. There’s always something to do and explore at EcoOasis Retreat, whether it’s a quiet evening of music and conversation or an adventurous day hiking in the desert.

Learning opportunities

Grain farming

Green Building

Mechanics / tools / technology

Host type

Self-sufficiency property

4 Hectares | 9.9 Acres

Accommodation

4+ WWOOFers

Bedroom

Campsite

Yurt / Tipi

Children accepted

Pets accepted

Meals

Omnivore

Vegetarian

Vegan

Length of stay

Less than a week

1-2 weeks

3-4 weeks

Over a month

Karim

Member since 2024

Languages spoken: Arabic, English, French Response rate: 100% Response time: typically within 3 days

November 2025

Open

Planned visit

Closed

Morocco

Zagora

Reviews

Amitai

United States • January 2025

I stayed in Tagounite with Karim for about a month and I had a great experience. Karim is very laid back, funny, and makes delicious tagine. The days are very relaxed, we worked about once or twice a week for around two hours and the rest of the time we relaxed in town, played cards, made tagine, or watched sunsets on the nearby dunes outside of town. A flood in September destroyed a lot of Tagounite, so the work we did was construction-based, slowly rebuilding the farm/house that Karim has right outside of Tagounite. We made a lot of progress and it was great to see everything come together. Karim is lovely. You'll live with him in the village - there's hot water and Karim shares his mobile hotspot on his phone so there's also usually wifi in the house. We (me and the other volunteers) made food together with Karim every day and I make a fantastic tagine now from his cooking lessons. Volunteers pay 50 dirhams a day to help with food costs, but you get some absolutely delicious food. I really recommend asking Karim to teach you how to make a Moroccan pizza. I met some amazing people while staying in Tagounite, one of which I plan to visit later this year in their home country.

Leon

Germany • December 2024

I stayed two hole days at EcoOasis Retreat. The hole stay was not as I imagined before after reading the description. First of all Karim asked me to pay 5 € per day after the first night, without telling me before. The work itself consists only of digging holes for a new wall, destroying the old wall and building new stones out of earth. Maybe it's like this only in the moment, because the floods some weeks ago destroyed the old project buildings. But there was not much work, even more free days. It's good for chilling, but not for learning something. In the night we slept in a house in the village with three rooms with 3 to 5 Mattress each. There were 12 other Woofers while I stayed there. The food was really good - traditional dishes like Tangine, Couscous or just soups. In all for me it was not the right thing and I left earlier, but if you prefer a relaxed place without doing much it's maybe the perfect place.

Emile

Belgium • September 2024

Amazing experience in Tagounite with Karim, who's an very very nice person ! Tagounite is very beautiful and my trip is full of amazing encounters. There you work on a super project, eat and learn very good typical dishes. I really recommend if you want an unforgettable trip, you will be welcomed like a member of his family !