A day in the Middle Atlas is the easiest way to see another side of Morocco from Fes. Within a couple of hours the heat and walls of the medina give way to rolling highlands, pines, oaks and cedars, with air that feels noticeably cooler in summer. The usual route stops in Ifrane, a planned university town known for its Swiss-style roofs, parks and tidy streets, a surprise if you expect North Africa to look the same everywhere. Azrou follows, a market town in the Amazigh heartland known for its cedar forest, where wild Barbary macaques are often seen near the roadside and in the woods. The tour usually includes time in the forest, a short stroll, and a photo stop at viewpoints before returning to Fes in the late afternoon. It is a good complement to the city: green rather than stone, open rather than enclosed, and a useful change of pace after two days of lanes and souks.
The attraction of the trip is contrast. Fes is dense, historic and intensely urban, while the Middle Atlas is spacious, forested and rural. In Ifrane you can walk its tree-lined streets and parks and see why it has been called the Switzerland of Morocco. In Azrou you can browse a working market and watch craftsmen who work with cedar, a wood that is also central to the carved ceilings of the Fes madrasas.
The forest stop is the highlight for many visitors, with its tall cedars and chance to see macaques. Remember that these are wild animals: do not feed them, keep bags closed and keep a respectful distance.
Season shapes the day. Summer is the most comfortable time to escape the heat of Fes, while winter can bring cold, rain and even snow in the highlands, which some visitors find magical and others find inconvenient. Pack layers, a rain jacket in cooler months and sturdy shoes for forest paths. Roads are good but winding, so travellers prone to car sickness should sit near the front and bring remedies.
The tour typically runs as a full day with pickup from your accommodation in Fes, and it can be a relaxed alternative to the busier Volubilis and Chefchaouen excursions. It suits families, nature lovers and travellers who want a break from walking the medina. Confirm the itinerary, meal arrangements and group size when you book, and bring water, snacks and cash for small purchases. If you are short on time, choose either this trip or Volubilis and Meknes, not both on consecutive days, because long drives can tire you out.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day guided excursion by road from Fes to Ifrane, Azrou and the cedar forest, with photo stops and a forest walk.
Best time
Summer for cool air, or spring and autumn for gentle weather; winter can be cold and wet.
How long
A full day, returning to Fes in the late afternoon.
Tips
Wear layers, do not feed the macaques, bring water and snacks and confirm meals and group size when you book.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Nature lovers and families who want a green, cool break from the medina.
- Families
- Children usually enjoy the forest and the monkeys, but the drive is long, so bring snacks and entertainment.
- Couples
- Pause at a forest viewpoint for a quiet walk among the cedars.
- Pair with
- A medina walk the day before and the Volubilis trip on another day make a balanced stay.
- Time needed
- Plan a full day, with an early start.
Good questions
What will I see on the Middle Atlas trip?+
The usual route covers Ifrane, Azrou and the cedar forest, with photo stops and often a chance to see wild Barbary macaques.
Is it worth it in winter?+
Yes if you like cool, green landscapes, but it can be cold, wet and sometimes snowy, so pack warm layers.
Should I feed the monkeys?+
No. They are wild animals, and feeding them is discouraged. Keep bags closed and your distance.
How long is the drive?+
It is a full-day excursion with a couple of hours each way in total, with stops, but check the tour page for exact timings.
Is it better than Volubilis?+
They are different. Volubilis is Roman ruins and imperial cities, while the Middle Atlas is mountain scenery and forest, so choose by interest.
