Western High Atlas 2006
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Climbing the main summits in Western High Atlas during the year 2006: Jbel Toubkal, Timesguida, and Ras N'ouanoukrim (Ouanoukrim)
Currently, the best option for travel to the area of Great Western Atlas is via Marrakech, because the many low cost airlines operating out of its airport, like EasyJet and Ryanair.
Our journey was in December 2006. We started the journey in Madrid, with a direct flight Madrid - Marrakech. The distance from Madrid - Marrakech is approximately 1,050 km in a straight line and the flight lasts approximately 2 hours.
Airport of Marrakech is called Menara. It is a small airport, located about 6 km southwest of Marrakech.
In the same airport we can change money at a bank office or take money from an ATM. The official currency is the Moroccan dirham.
In Marrakech we can visit several palaces, monuments, museums and gardens. But the most interesting atraction can be found in any of its streets or squares, watching the lives of its inhabitants.
Perhaps, the most famous place of Marrakech is the square Djemaa el Fna, a large square that is full of activity and people the whole day. In the square we can find vendors of fruit juice, nuts and plants. At night, the square becomes a different place: filled with food stalls that produce huge amounts of smoke and at times it is difficult to walk because of the large number of people (be careful and watch your pockets).
Before going to the mountain, you should enjoy good food in Morocco to pick up "forces." We can enjoy the famous couscous or harira soup. Of course, all accompanied by dates.
The "mountain route" begins in the village of Imlil, which is located about 60 km south from Marrakech. To travel from Marrakech to Imlil, the best and easiest option is to hire a taxi. In Morocco it is essential to discuss (bargain) the price of everything.