Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
The family strongly encourage the drinking of boiled well water (provided free of charge). The purchase of bottled water is possible in the local village shop but the disposal of large quantities of plastic bottles is problematic. In the very hot summer months you might drink up to 5 litres of water a day and visitors are asked to bring a refillable water bottle so they can carry a small supply of drinking water at all times. They will learn the traditional methods of cooling drinking water very effectively without using electricity.
Food is bought locally and the Bedda or one of the girls makes fresh bread and is happy to teach visitors. All (non-meat) scraps and vegetable peelings are fed to the family’s sheep, donkey and camels – nothing is wasted. If travelers help the family cook, they are asked to please keep organic waste separate. Cooking is powered by natural gas stored in refillable gas bottles – there is very little local wood and visitors are asked not to request a fire for enjoyment, so the local fuel is saved for when needed to cook bread or for warmth in the very cold winter nights. The electric lights are powered by a solar panel that has been fixed to the roof. Electricity cannot be guaranteed on cloudy days!
All money goes straight to the family who are paid directly in cash (local currency) at the beginning of the visit. There are no hotel managers or pushy guides to pay. This is a family run business. The holiday is very fairly priced, reflecting the true local economy and permitting the family to improve their standard of living and quality of life.
The camels used to carry travellers into the magnificent sand dunes belong to the family. At the moment they own 3 dromedaries but if a larger party requires additional camels, Mohammed will pay neighbours to borrow their camels, which provides an essential source of income for the local community. The L’Ho maintains their nomad style tent at an oasis about 2 hours into the breath taking dunes. If visitors are planning a longer camel trek they will spend time with other Berber families who are paid a fair rate for your board.
Visitors are asked to please respect the culture, traditions and home of the family by dressing appropriately. Spending time with the family and exchanging words, is really rewarding and so much fun with this family who are so full of laughter. Being able to speak a European language is so valuable for the children’s future as they become adults in this tourist dependent region. A list of Tamazight Berber/English phrases have been left in the house to help you get really involved in life with the family. Unwanted clothing is welcomed by the family and the children are clothed by donations from visiting guests. The practice is socially acceptable because of the important Islamic principle of 'sadaqua', or alms-giving.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
