We’ve been wanting to write a post that will get our readers in the mood for summer eco-travel, but it’s bad business to send people to countries that are bubbling with underlying trouble. Here’s the kind of letter we’re expressly trying to avoid: “Your writers recommended that we visit Egypt to sample biomimicry tours or Fayoum’s gorgeous new eco-haven but then we were harassed in Tahrir Square and abducted in Sinai. We’re dumping you!”
Of course, we would never recommend anything we wouldn’t do, and are heading to Egypt next week despite the ongoing uncertainty, but we decided to keep this post really safe by suggesting a visit to five countries that have options for the earth-conscious travelers and that, for now, are unlikely to erupt in mayhem. And we really hope to never eat those words.
Essentially, if you’re coming from the US or Europe, don’t be surprised to find that there are no recycling bins outside your hotel rooms or earth-friendly shampoo in retail outlets. Instead, having a light footprint while traveling through the Middle East and North Africa requires critical thinking and often a little more effort than home.
Here are five countries that make it a little easier to connect with the earth without destroying it:
1. Oman
Technically-speaking, Oman is located in SW Asia on the Arabian Peninsula. But it’s a Sultanate, an Arab-speaking country, and lies within our realm of concern. It is also one of the most beautiful countries in the region, having retained so much more of the slow desert pace than its neighbors Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
There are 2,092 kilometers of shoreline, a central desert plain and rugged mountains in the north and south and 32 Marine and littoral protected areas ensure that these vast natural reserves are reasonably well protected. It is also one of the premier diving spots in the world, a little known fact in the west, with over 100 dive sites to choose from around Musandam alone.
People are friendly and hospitable, it’s easy to obtain visas, and it is incredibly stable and peaceful.
2. Morocco
Although Morocco doesn’t have a pristine human rights record and activists constantly call attention to corruption, somehow King Mohamed VI has managed to quell any would-be riots.
Which means that tourists can travel without fear by bus and train to most locations, ensuring a lighter footprint than that of cars and planes, to resplendent locations that boast the nation’s rich cultural and natural heritage. There are eco-lodges galore, including one that looks like a castle, vegetarian restaurants, local crafts, and outdoor activities that draw scores of French and Spanish tourists from across the Mediterranean each year.
If you haven’t hiked to the top of Mt. Toubkal, slept under the stars in the Sahara, or sampled the ubiquitous tagine, this summer is as good a time as any. (Update 2024: European tourists were murdered on Mt Toubkal a few years ago. Women: travel with caution, and with a guide.
3. Jordan
King Abdullah II of Jordan has not been immune to the Arab Spring uprisings, nor has the country escaped rigorous anti-nuclear activism that has finally paid off, but the country is a reasonably-peaceful place to visit and there are an increasing number of activities for the earth-hearted traveler.
In addition to Petra and Wadi Rum, new areas of the small country are getting attention too. Brian camped in Wadi Rum and loved it. Laurie recently wrote about Freewheeling with Wild Jordan – the business arm of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) which has eco-tourism facilities in four protected areas: Dana Biosphere, Azraq Wetland, Mujib Nature Reserve, and Ajloun Forest.
Public transportation is somewhat limited, but available for those who are persistent.
4. Tunisia
image credit: Star Wars set in Tunisia
Tunisia is new on our list of favorite countries to visit. Albeit the catalyst for the Arab Spring uprisings, this charming Mediterranean country has eased into its new democracy relatively peacefully.
Occasionally there are small protests on Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the main road in downtown Tunis, and social inequities abound, but it’s a rising nation that does boast a small selection of earth-friendly attractions (in addition to a host of pressing ills).
For a beautiful place to stay, try the DAR HI eco-retreat in southern Tunisia designed by Matali Crasset, and not far from there, a visit to the Matmata troglodytes are an illuminating experience (especially if undertaken at times when the tourist rush has either yet to fire up or has already simmered for the day.)
5. ISRAEL
Of all these countries, Israel is probably the greenest. And, it is also probably one of the safest despite the impression of relentless violence that mot media outlets portray.
Although political drama abounds, mostly it is restricted to the West Bank and Gaza Strip and even then, visitors are usually perfectly safe traveling through all of the areas that are open to them. The heavy security may be off-putting, but unless you’re actively seeking ways to get involved, it is surprisingly easy to take a break from current events.
We recently reviewed a handy DIY guide to Tel Aviv that points out many of the green options available in the city, including where to eat and sleep, and there are numerous hiking opportunities as well. During summer months, it’s probably more comfortable to hike in the mountains up north, although it isn’t unknown to set out on early morning trips in the Negev or along the Dead Sea.
Happy Summer Green Prophet readers. Stay safe, stay hydrated and most of all, stay green!
I wonder why, when talking about eco-tourism which is a natural idea, you chose a composite-photoshopped image for Oman?
I guess one should ask, then, why we use computers to read natural news?
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was not * .
To accomodate the growing population , and to reverse the harmful trend our consumption culture has, we as a global society should be green and sustainable, and we can say thank you Green prophet for promoting the ‘green’ mind set . The Latter though is more important , and sadly this website is greenwashing israel.
The continuing israeli policies in the 1967 occupied Palestinian territories are not a matter of ‘security’ or ‘safety’ , but rather systematic apartheid policies , which place Jewish settlers on the top of pyramid and the Palestinians living nearby on the end of it. Stealing of land, denial of water resources , denial of freedom of transportation , and systematic segregation.
Inside israel 1948 , many Palestinian villages are prevented from all kinds of servies , including electricity and water , why ? because they are considered as demographic threat because they Non-jewish identities.
Sustainability evolves around humanity , people and society. Being GREEN is a way facilitate life for coming generations of People, for them to live a good life .. For us not to take from their rights in this earth. Israel , denies those rights today.
Ethnic cleansing on a continuous basis , demolishes all trials for being GREEN , in any way contributing to humanity.
So , Dear Green prophet reader, if this post was deleted, I urge you with all I have in hope to take action, and change the status quo by showing solidarity with people like and go .. go to the west bank , go to gaza strip that is under siege , make this world a better place, a place for humanity , before turning it green .
Every green initiative and innovation will be ruined if such a small nation as Irael is overrun by growing masses of refugeees. The same is true for the entire planet. The population explosion must be stopped and reversed or the planet will be overwhelmed by growing billions of people who will trample the green underfoot and under their growing tons of pollution.