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). They are recognised by the office of tourism. There are a number of un-registered guides in Imlil, so if you want a recognised guide the only sure way of doing that is by enquiring at the office. Many of the guides also run guest houses so it is usually possible to arrange an 'all in' package of accommodation, trek, mules and food.
At this point the Moroccan qualification system
only trains the guides to be 'accompagnateurs',
roughly equivalent to the British summer ML scheme. There are no winter or
climbing qualifications. Many of the guides will have experience in winter
conditions, and of course have superb local knowledge. However, there has
been no progress over the years to provide a more comprehensive training
scheme for locals.
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: Ahcine AMSKINE Tel: 024 485626 Email: bureau.guides@yahoo.fr Web: www.guides.fr.fm