Medicinal & Aromatic Plants of Morocco
April 28 – May 10, 2007
Join Rosemary Gladstar, Robert Chartier and Shelly Browning as we travel into the mystical and exotically aromatic land of Morocco. We will experience some of the most varied topography North Africa has to offer in dramatic juxtaposition of rock, sand and sea. We will journey from the bustling medieval market place of Marrakech, to the calming shores of the Atlantic. Next we will move into the Atlas Mountains verdant with wild medicinals and ribbons of river worn gorges. Finally we will explore date palm oases and the mesmerizing Arabian nights allure of the Sahara Desert. This promises to be a wondrous journey shared with our friends in Morocco whose generosity knows no bounds. Sharing in the pleasures of Moroccan culture is only a pot of mint tea away.
Experience a rich variety of cultural, geographical, and botanical delights
A few highlights of the trip ~
- Nectarome: Born within the foothills of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, Nectarome is an organic aromatic garden nestled within a valley near Marrakech. Here we will enjoy footbaths, herbal teas, and a traditional bread baking demonstration amidst their exquisite organic garden beds designed in the shape of essential oil drops.
- Argan Forests: We will visit a women’s argan cooperative in Tafraoute, and meet with their founder Zoubida Charouf, protector of the argan forests. Argan trees are unique to Morocco and produce a rich nutty oil which has been used medicinally in cooking and cosmetics for centuries. We will wander through the argan forests and enjoy a fine meal of Morocco’s famed dish of vegetable tajine served with bread baked over rocks, and dipped in argan oil at a lovely hilltop restaurant over looking the forests.
- Valley of the Roses: The Valley of the Roses is a 25 mile stretch of roadway graced with fields of the aromatic pink Rose Damascus. This region produces 4,000 tons of rose petals annually. We will wander the rose fields and visit Aromas Du Maroc, a rose essential oil production facility.
- Dades Gorge: Hike through river-worn gorges in valleys rich with fossils and wild medicinals. We will stop along the way to share a pot of tea with the native Tuareg peoples of the region, who are known as the “Blue People” for their indigo colored clothing. The drive leading to the Gorge is laden with the ornate architecture of Kasbahs.
- Overnight in Sahara Desert: Trek into the Sahara on camel back with Tuareg guides, the native spice traders of the region. Experience the tranquility of a desert sunset, followed by a musical performance with the Tuaregs. Sleep overnight in nomadic style tents as a starry Saharan night swells with the blend of folklore and tradition.
Your Facilitators ~
- Rosemary Gladstar ~
- Author of nine herb books including the best seller Herbal Healing for Woman and The Family Herbal, co-founder of Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center and President of United Plant Savers. Rosemary has been a practicing herbalist for over two decades and brings a deep passion and joy to her work.
- Robert Chartier ~
- Earth steward and land manager at Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center and Botanical Sanctuary, a dedicated traveler and professional photographer. Bring your camera along for tips on great photography.
- Shelly Browning ~
- Graduate of the California School of Herbal Studies and a returned Peace Corps volunteer, having served in Tunisia, North Africa. Shelly has traveled extensively throughout North Africa and has an in-depth understanding of Arab culture. She is currently working on several projects in Morocco within the medicinal and aromatic plant sector.
We invite you to join us and experience the beauty and ancient wisdom of Morocco, which is manifest in the hearts of the people and throughout the land. In the spirit of the gypsies, the focus of this tour will be on learning about the medicinal plants of Morocco and enhancing our cultural understanding of one another through our shared interest in the plants and the natural world.
Scheduled Price for Herbal Tour to Morocco will include roundtrip airfare from New York to Morocco, all ground transportation and drivers, most meals, all accommodations, all activities and entrance fees, all tips, service charges, gratuities and guides.
Double Occupancy $2895.00
Single Occupancy $ 3095.00
Not Included in Trip: Airfare to New York, travel insurance, and items of a personal nature such as laundry and phone calls.
A $200, nonrefundable (unless program is cancelled) deposit is required to hold your place.
A minimum of 15 registered participants required by January 15th to ensure the trip.
The remaining payment is February 15th, 2007.
*Travel insurance is recommended, check with your travel agent or insurance company
Further traveling information and a detailed schedule will be mailed to participants upon registration.
