2025 Morocco: berber mountain guide training

Feb 2nd: Travel from LHR T2 via LISbon to marrakech and onto the Kasbah du Toubkal

We were on the road by 0630 for an easy drive to LHR T2 with a couple of stops on the M4. I drove as Yolande would drive home from T2. I was soon checked in and having breakfast in the Lufthansa Lounge.

Flight boarding was on time on the relatively new A321XLR Neo which was very comfortable with very good entertainment systems on a large screen and free WiFi for an hour. The 2.5hr flight was smooth and a very good lunch was served with fine wines followed by port. My transit in Lisbon was just over an hour before we bussed out to a waiting Embraer 195 aircraft for the fight to Marrakech. Again, the service was excellent.

Landing at Marrakech was 25mins ahead of schedule and after immigration, money changing and security I met Helen as she was arriving with our driver Ahmed. Helen had been in Morocco for a Bryn Walking for Women trekking event from the Kasbah du Toubkal.

The drive to Imlil was as expected but rather than being dropped off at the Kasbah du Toubkal we continued up the road to a road head above the Kasbah du Toubkal. This was great as instead of the usual uphill trudge we actuay only had a short walk down to the Kasbah  by the light of my petzl headtorch. We arrived there at about 2100hrs.

Our rooms were allocated and we were soon enjoying a late dinner. After some unpacking we turned in before midnight as I'd been keen to hear how Helen's trek had gone. I was in my favourite room Tikha Linen whilst Helen was in Ouggoug in the tower block close by.

HELEN'S COMMENTS:
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FEB 3rd: At the Kasbah du Toubkal

It was good to see how much rebuilding progress had been achieved and Mike McHugo, the owner, had asked me to bring my photographic equipment to record the progress. I liked the new dining room and the new reception are was good too. Some wall hangings and exterior work to complete and everything will be ready for the March grand opening post-earthquake.

During the morning we finished unpacking the 50kg of training equipment we'd brought with us and set up the Conference Room ready for tomorrow.

After lunch we went for a walk for a photoshoot as per Mike's request and, on our return, he expressed satisfaction with my efforts.

HELEN'S COMMENTS:
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feb 4th: At the kasbah du toubkal -  REC trekking first aid for 4 berber mountain guides

l had designed the REC Trekking First Aid course as either a 6hr or 8hr course dependent on who the candidates were. Disappointingly there were ony 4 mountain guides attending and one of those didn't show much interest all day. I'd though Hassan the receptionist and the new assistant receptionist might grasp the opportunity to be First Aid trained but this wasn't to be.

The morning course content was Basic Life Support for 3hrs with Travel & Expedition First Aid for 3hrs in the afternoon.

​The course went well generally with several outdoor scenario sessions and the Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) demonstration up by the new tower on the raised rooftop bacony. All of the 20 mountain guides we've trained over the last two years for UIAA Mountain Skills think there shoud be a PAC up at the high lodges (3200m). Interestingly, the IML's I've asked don't think there should be - I wonder who knows best?

​My concluding thoughts for the day were that being only able to train 4 mountain guides was a poor result after travelling all this way for today.........

HELEN'S COMMENTS:

feb 5th: at the kasbah du toubkal - REC life saver first aid for 7 housemothers from the education for all (EFa) charity which the kasbah du toubkal supports

We'd trained 12 EFA Housemothers back in December and they were all a pleasure to work with, such a fun bunch of ladies who were very grateful for this learning opportunity.

The Life Saver First Aid was a 4hr REC certificated course.

​After lunch Helen, Latifa and I walked down into Imil for another photoshoot opportunity and used Dar Imlil rooftop for this before climbing back up to the Kasbah du Toubkal.

Helen purchased the first of two carpets from her favourite shop in Imlil.
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HELEN'S COMMENTS:
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feb 6th: at the kasbah du toubkal day - photography

Today should have been another Life Saver First Aid course but no candidates from the hotel staff appeared for this so Helen and I spent the morning on administrative tasks and photo editing.

The afternoon was at leisure for me whist Helen and Latifa went for a walk but only after purchasing a second carpet which I was given to carry back up to the Kasbah. 

​HELEN'S COMMENTS:

feb 7th: at the kasbah du toubkal - Helen & latifa depart

We were all up bright and early for breakfast with Helen almost packed and ready for her evening BA669 at 1800. Latifa and her were departing for Marrakech after an early lunch.

At Mike's suggestion we headed down into Imlil for an eary coffee and final photoshop opportunities from Dar Imlil Lodge and several other rooftop cafes which provided a new classic view looking up at the Kasbah du Toubkal. Unfortunately the frontage presented unfinished areas but Mike was confident that Photoshop could fresolve these issues.

Heading back up for lunch, Helen stopped for a jabela she'd been admiring.

Helen and Latifa left after lunch and I enjoyed an afternoon nap! Helen was met at HR by husband James and dog Cooper.

I spent the rest of the day photo editing and transferring images to Mike's portabe hard drive.

​With everything finished I decided to head to Ait Ben Haddou the following morning and Mike very kindly provided transport for me.

​​​HELEN'S COMMENTS:

concluding thoughts

The February 2025 training draws to an end a two year UIAA Mountain Skills training programme with 20 Berber mountain guides achieving completion certification. This training was delivered by myself and Helen Menhinick of Bryn Walking. Throughout the training we were assisted by Latifa Asselouf one of the area's most qualified and experienced mountain guides.

​Many  thanks to Helen and Latifa for their valuable contributions to the training program.

uiaa mountain skills feedback from the kasbah du toubkal

Q1. Did the course provide the knowledge to help you as a Mountain Guide in the High Atlas Mountains? Yes, the course offered comprehensive knowledge and practical skills that are directly applicable to guiding in the High Atlas Mountains. We learned about the terrain, and safety measures necessary for guiding in this specific region. The course’s focus on real-world situations, including navigation, first aid, and decision-making under pressure, gave us confidence in my ability to lead and manage groups in the mountains.

Q2. Did the two instructors help you to learn this information? Absolutely. The two instructors Alan & Helene were highly knowledgeable and experienced. They provided clear explanations, demonstrated techniques, and answered all of our questions. They encouraged active participation and offered valuable insights from their own experiences as mountain guides. Their feedback during practice sessions was constructive and helped us improve our skills and confidence.

Q3. Was the training equipment good for you to practice on? Yes, the training equipment was top-notch and well-suited for the tasks we were practicing. From technical climbing gear to maps and compasses, everything was high-quality and appropriate for the terrain we were working on. The equipment was well-maintained and allowed for safe and effective practice.

Q4. Do you have any more comments about the course? Overall, We found the course to be an excellent learning experience. The combination of theory, hands-on practice, and immersion in the High Atlas environment gave us a well-rounded understanding of mountain guiding. I especially appreciated the focus on sustainable and respectful practices when working with local communities. The course exceeded our expectations, and we feel more prepared for our future role as a mountain guides.

Q5. Was the Kasbah du Toubkal a good learning venue experience for you? Yes, the Kasbah du Toubkal was an ideal venue for this course. Its location in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains provided an authentic and immersive learning environment. The facilities were comfortable and well-equipped, and the stunning surroundings gave us the opportunity to practice in a real-world mountain setting. The Kasbah’s close proximity to the trails and mountains made it easy to explore the region, and the atmosphere was perfect for both learning and relaxation.

Hope this makes sense & let us know how we can help you & hope you are enjoying your time in Ait Ben Hadou .

Lahcen & Team & Guides - Best regards 

rec first aid feedback from the kasbah du toubkal

1. First Aid Elements: The inclusion of the Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) and the LifeVac anti-choking device in the course was particularly valuable. The PAC is a crucial tool for dealing with altitude sickness in remote areas, and it was great to see it in action during the training. Knowing how to use it could be a lifesaver in the event of a high-altitude emergency, and it gave me a sense of reassurance about handling these critical situations effectively.
2. The LifeVac device is a new and innovative piece of equipment that addresses choking emergencies. It was a useful addition to the training, especially in remote mountain settings where quick medical help may not always be available. Learning how to use this device gave us another layer of confidence in managing emergencies that could arise on the trails.