With its bustling souks, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural tapestry, Morocco has become one of the most sought-after travel destinations in Africa. In 2024 it welcomed a record-breaking 17.4 million travelers, surpassing Egypt as the most-visited country in Africa.
Whether you’re wandering through the vibrant alleys of Marrakesh, marveling at the timeless beauty of the Atlas Mountains, or soaking up the coastal charm of Essaouira, Morocco offers an unforgettable blend of tradition and modernity.
Now the most-visited country in Africa, Morocco’s allure lies in its ability to captivate travelers with its contrasts—ancient medinas and cutting-edge art scenes, bustling cities and enduring traditions alongside contemporary innovation.
For high school students seeking not just to visit, but to connect deeply with this remarkable country, our Morocco Service program offers a unique opportunity to get off the beaten path and experience Morocco from a new perspective.
Beyond the Souks: Living & Learning in Morocco
This isn’t just a chance to check off landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque or the Kasbah of the Udayas. Students who join our Service program in Morocco get to live and work alongside a local community in the High Atlas Mountains and truly connect with its people. Putney Student Travel has spent several summers working alongside this community that has changed our students’ lives for years. Our students work in collaboration with local people, immerse themselves in a different culture, and return home with newfound understandings and perspectives.
Putney students showing their handmade tiles after a workshop
And while the work is meaningful—whether building infrastructure, teaching English, or supporting agricultural initiatives—students also explore Morocco’s traditions. From language lessons in Tamazight to understanding the ancient architecture and building techniques, not to mention evenings filled with music, mint tea, and storytelling, the cultural immersion and cultural exchange are as impactful as the service work itself.
Marrakesh, Essaouira, & Beyond
Putney students enjoy a picnic on their hike in the High Atlas Mountains
One of the biggest highlights of this program is the once in a lifetime opportunity of a multi-day hike in the Atlas Mountains. Under the leadership of local guides, hike through desert mountains and the grazing lands of the Ait Abdi and Ait Atta tribes, camping along the way in valleys inhabited by these two nomadic and semi-nomadic groups. Interact with communities throughout the surrounding valleys and gain a greater understanding of their way of life. Experience dramatic rock formations and landscapes as you explore the connection between people, culture, and environment.
No trip to Morocco is complete without the sensory experience of Marrakesh’s Jemaa el-Fnaa square or the artistic vibes of Essaouira’s coastal charm. These portions of the program itinerary allow students to see how Morocco’s rich history informs its vibrant present. The program’s emphasis on exploration and cultural immersion ensures that our students don’t just visit Morocco—they connect with it, deeply and meaningfully.
Putney student learning to cut tiles in a traditional workshop
Why Morocco Now?
As Morocco gains more and more recognition for its culture and landscapes, history and traditions, there’s no better time to discover what makes this country so special. For students on Putney’s Morocco Service Program, it’s not just about seeing Morocco—it’s about experiencing its rhythms, understanding its complexities, and becoming part of a story that goes far beyond tourism.
Putney group campsite in Morocco
Click here to learn more about our Service program in Morocco.
