Ifrane & Middle Atlas Cedar Forest Day Trip from Fes
An hour south of Fes, the landscape changes entirely. Ifrane, often nicknamed "Little Switzerland," is a tidy mountain town of steep-roofed stone houses and pine-lined streets that feels transplanted from the Alps, while the nearby Azrou cedar forest is one of the best places in Morocco to see wild Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. It's one of the shortest, easiest day trips from Fes, making it a good option for travelers with limited time or who prefer a lighter day.
Highlights
- Walk through Ifrane's alpine-style town center and lion statue landmark
- Drive through the Azrou cedar forest, among the oldest cedar stands in North Africa
- See wild Barbary macaques up close in the forest
- Visit Azrou's small souk, known for cedarwood carving
- Cooler mountain air, a welcome break from Fes's summer heat
- A shorter, more relaxed day compared to other Fes day trips
Full Itinerary
Morning: Departure from Fes
Pickup is typically around 9:00 AM for the roughly 1-hour drive south into the Middle Atlas. The change in scenery is quick — Fes's plains give way to pine forest and rising hills within 30–40 minutes.
Mid-Morning: Ifrane
Built during the French protectorate as a hill station, Ifrane still looks distinctly European: sloped red-tiled roofs, manicured gardens, and the town's well-known stone lion statue. A short walk through the town center covers its main landmarks, with time for photos and coffee at a local café.
Midday: Azrou and the Cedar Forest
From Ifrane, the drive continues to the Azrou cedar forest, home to some of the largest and oldest Atlas cedars in Morocco, some estimated at several hundred years old. This is also the most reliable spot in the country to see wild Barbary macaques, which are often found close to the roadside, particularly around the well-known "monkey area" of the forest.
Midday: Azrou Town
A stop in Azrou itself includes its small souk, known for cedarwood workshops where local artisans carve furniture and decorative items — a good place to see the material from the surrounding forest turned into finished crafts.
Afternoon: Lunch and Return to Fes
Lunch is typically taken in Ifrane or Azrou, with tagines and grilled dishes the standard options. Given the short driving distance, this trip usually returns to Fes by mid-to-late afternoon, making it one of the lighter day trip options available.
What's Included
- Round-trip private or shared transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- English or French-speaking driver-guide
- Guided stops in Ifrane, the cedar forest, and Azrou
Not Included
- Lunch (typically $8–15 USD)
- Tips for your driver-guide
- Personal purchases (cedarwood crafts)
Good to Know
Best time to go: Ifrane and the Middle Atlas are pleasant nearly year-round. Winter (December–February) occasionally brings snow, which can be a novelty for travelers not expecting it in Morocco; summer offers a cool escape from Fes's heat.
What to bring: A light jacket, as the Middle Atlas is noticeably cooler than Fes even in summer, and comfortable walking shoes for the forest stop.
Fitness level: Easy. Walking is limited to short, flat stretches in town and along forest paths.
Do not feed the macaques: Wild Barbary macaques are protected and human food can harm them; guides generally discourage feeding, though vendors selling nuts at the forest entrance are common — feeding remains a personal choice best made responsibly.
Good for: Families, travelers short on time, and anyone wanting a lighter, cooler alternative to Fes's more demanding day trips.