Located in the corner of the car park opposite the Cafe Soleil. The office works on a rotation basis for those guides that are registered with them (31). Registered Moroccan guides have completed a six month training school in Tabant (near Azilal). This trains Moroccan qualified accompanateurs and guides to the equivalent of the British ML summer scheme. Originally set up and run by the French, this facility is now run by the ministry of tourism and ministry of interior. Between 1993 and 2004 there was also an additional ski training element which was based out of Ouakaimeden.
There are about 16 guides that have completed a winter training and assessment course in France. This agreement between France & Morocco operated in the 80's and 90's. Unfortunately, however, since 1993 this is no longer in place.
Here in Imlil there are also a number of guides without official recognition that operate in the area. Many of these guides have a deep understanding of the area. They are all very keen to get their 'unofficial' status regularised.
When I enquired about whether there was an official price for the guides, I was told that there was none. So - once again, it is down to you to do the deal and get the best bargain that you feel comfortable with.
If you do hire a guide, his job description does not include being a porter. So the normal package is a guide, a muleteer and a mule for all the kit. To anyone used to going lightweight it all seems a bit over the top. However, one thing you can be sure of is that there will be plenty of food!
Contact: IMERHANE Rachid Tel: +212 524485626 Email: bureau.guides@yahoo.fr Web: www.bureaudesguidesimlil.com