Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
man. Several young Moroccan female guides, who have succeeded in breaking into the
previously all-male world of mountain guiding, are in high demand.
Hiring a Guide
There are more than 400 accredited mountain guides in Morocco, and many can be found
through the
bureaux des guides
in Imlil, Setti Fatma, Chefchaouen, and Maroc Profond in
Tabant (Aït Bougomez Valley).
At the time of writing, the minimum rate for official guides was Dh300 per day (per
group, not per person). This rate can vary according to season and location. The rates do
not include food and accommodation expenses.
Guides generally get free accommodation in
refuges
and
gîtes,
but you may be asked to
cover their meals. If you walk a linear route, you'll also be expected to pay for their return
journey.
Negotiate all fees before departure and count on giving at least a 10% tip at the end, un-
less you have been unhappy with the service.
If your guide (rather than a tour operator) is organising your trip, be sure to go through
all aspects of the trek ahead of time. Discuss where each day will start and end; whether
tents will be shared (most guides have a tent and/or sleeping bag); how many mules will
be hired; who will be cooking (if there are enough of you, the guide may insist on hiring a
cook, usually for about Dh100 a day); food preferences, water provision, and the division
of food and equipment among the group.
Mules
Mules (and the odd donkey) are widely used in Morocco for transporting goods through
the mountains, and you can easily hire one to carry your gear.
If you are relying on heavy local supplies, or are in a large group, hiring a mule makes
especially good sense. As a rough guide, mules can carry up to 120kg - or up to four sets
of gear. If the route is very steep or demanding, the muleteer may insist upon carrying
less. He will have the wellbeing of his meal ticket in mind, although Moroccans are gener-
ally unsentimental about their pack animals.
Some trekking routes are not suitable for mules, although detours (for the mule) are of-
ten possible. If high passes are covered in snow, porters may have to be used instead of
mules (one porter can carry up to 18kg).
