Climb Mt T oubkal

Although it is possible to contact Mountain Guides once you get to Marrakech, all the best ones are booked up well in advance, especially during the spring high season. English-speaking guides are rare. Luckily, one of the best guides, Ahmed ait tadrart, speaks English, as well as French and Berber (tel: 00-212-24-361680 or mobile: 00-212-72-660880 or +212 66.945661). Mount Toubkal (4100m) is best climbed during a week's trekking trip to adjust to the height and to get the best out of the environment. However, a straight "up and down" trip from Imlil can be achieved in two or three days. The guide will arrange all food and accommodation, as well as porter age of your baggage by mule. There are many gires available to sample the local dwellings, but they are all of a very basic standard. For an early May trip, crampons may be required, but not by the end of May. One extra point: in Morocco there is a standard handling charge of 70p for each travellers cheque exchanged, regardless of denomination. It is best to use either high denomination travellers cheques or to use cash (the Euro is recommended). The exchange rate is controlled, so you will find the rate is the same in hotels or banks.