An hour south of Fez the landscape changes completely. The Middle Atlas is cedar forest, volcanic lakes and cold air, and in winter there is snow on the ground. It is the easiest escape from the city and the best day for anyone travelling with children.
Ifrane comes first, a town of pitched roofs and gardens built by the French in the 1930s that looks nothing like the rest of Morocco. Then the cedar forest above Azrou, where troops of Barbary macaques come to the roadside, and the Gouraud cedar, one of the oldest trees in the country. We walk a quiet stretch of forest away from the crowds, stop at a Berber village or a lakeside cafe, and if the season is right take in the Dayet Aoua lake with its birdlife.
Bring a jacket whatever the forecast in Fez says, and bring fruit rather than crisps for the monkeys if you want to feed them. Your guide will show you how to do it without getting bitten.
Good to know before you book
- Length
- Full day
Highlights
- Ifrane, the "Switzerland of Morocco"
- Azrou and its cedar forests
- Barbary macaques
- Viewpoints and photo stops
The route
- i.Pick-up at your riad
- ii.Climb south out of the Saiss plain
- iii.Ifrane: pitched roofs, gardens, the stone lion
- iv.Dayet Aoua lake and its birdlife, in season
- v.Cedar forest above Azrou
- vi.Barbary macaques at the forest edge
- vii.The Gouraud cedar and a quiet forest walk
- viii.Lunch in Azrou or at a lakeside cafe
- ix.Return to Fez in the late afternoon
Included & not included
Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle approved by the Ministry of Tourism
- Certified professional driver
- Ministry-approved tour guide (English)
- Entrance fees, where applicable
Not included
- Meals and drinks
- Tips for driver and guide
Good to know
What does this include that the day-trip version does not?
A guide approved by the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism with you throughout, and the site entrance fees.
Is the guide licensed?
Yes. You are welcome to ask to see the Ministry card at the start of the day — every licensed guide in Morocco carries one.
How much walking is there at the site?
Expect an hour or more on uneven ground, often in full sun. Tell us in advance if that is difficult and we will set the pace around it.
