Overview
Most people arrive in Morocco expecting desert and are startled to learn that an hour south of Fez the land climbs to 1,650 metres, the air turns cold and clean, and the forests are full of cedar and monkeys. The Middle Atlas is the greenest, wettest part of the country, and this day trip is the easiest, most relaxing escape from the heat and noise of the medina.
Ifrane
Ifrane was built by the French in the 1930s as a hill station and looks nothing like the rest of Morocco: steep pitched roofs, dormer windows, gardens, lakes and clipped lawns, which is why Moroccans call it Little Switzerland. It is the cleanest town in the country and one of the coldest, holding the African record low of minus 23.9 degrees, and in winter it is a ski destination. You will see the stone Atlas lion carved in the 1930s, walk the parks and the lake, and stop for coffee by the campus of Al Akhawayn University.
The cedar forest and the macaques
Beyond Azrou lies one of the largest cedar forests in the world, home to the Cedre Gouraud, a landmark tree that stood for centuries, and to troops of Barbary macaques, the only macaque species living outside Asia and an endangered one. They will come close, and that is precisely the problem: please do not feed them. Fed monkeys lose their foraging behaviour, get sick on bread and peanuts, and become aggressive. Your guide will explain where to stand to watch and photograph them properly, which is far more rewarding anyway.
Lakes, springs and Amazigh country
Depending on your interests and the season we add the crater lakes of Dayet Aoua and Dayet Ifrah, the springs at Ain Vittel, and the market town of Azrou, whose Berber carpet cooperative sells the geometric Beni Ouarain and Azilal weaves at a fraction of medina prices. This is Amazigh country, and the pace, the language and the food all shift noticeably from Fez.
Who it suits
Families with children, anyone who needs a day out of the heat, nature and bird photographers, and travelers heading to the desert later who want a gentle preview of the mountain roads. It is the shortest and most affordable day trip we run from Fez, around 65 km each way, and it works beautifully as a half-day if you are short on time.
Highlights
- Ifrane, the alpine hill station Moroccans call Little Switzerland
- The stone Atlas lion and the gardens, lakes and parks of the town
- One of the largest cedar forests in the world, beyond Azrou
- Endangered Barbary macaques in the wild, watched responsibly and never fed
- The crater lakes of Dayet Aoua and Dayet Ifrah, season permitting
- Azrou market and its Amazigh carpet cooperative
- A cool, easy day out of the medina, only 65 km from Fez
Itinerary
- 09:00 - Departure
Pickup at your hotel or riad in Fez and climb south into the Middle Atlas.
- 10:00 - Ifrane
The Atlas lion, the parks and lake, and coffee near Al Akhawayn University.
- 11:30 - Lakes
Dayet Aoua and the springs, with time for photographs and birdlife.
- 12:30 - Cedar forest
The forest beyond Azrou, the great cedars and the Barbary macaques.
- 13:30 - Lunch
A mountain restaurant in Azrou or by the forest, on your own account.
- 15:00 - Azrou
The market town and its Amazigh carpet cooperative.
- 16:30 - Return
Back down to Fez, arriving late afternoon.
What's included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver from Fez
- Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Fez
- All fuel, tolls and parking
- Local guide on request
- Photo and refreshment stops
- Lunch and drinks
- Entrance fees where applicable
- Local guide fee if requested
- Tips
- Personal purchases
Good to know
Is the price per person?
Yes, from $55 per person. Your total for the group is confirmed in writing before you book.
Can I feed the monkeys?
Please do not. Barbary macaques are endangered, and feeding makes them sick and aggressive and stops them foraging. Your guide will show you how to watch and photograph them properly instead.
How cold does it get?
Much colder than Fez. Bring a jacket year round and warm layers from November to March, when there can be snow.
Is this good for children?
It is our best day for families. Short drive, cool air, forests, lakes and monkeys.
Can we do it as a half day?
Yes. A morning or afternoon version covering Ifrane and the cedar forest works well. Ask us for a half-day price.
Is it a good warm-up for the desert trip?
Yes, the first part of the Merzouga route follows the same road, so you will recognise it.
Do I pay online?
No. Send a request, receive your confirmed price, then pay as agreed.
