Imperial Cities Tours
Ifrane and the Middle Atlas: Cedar Forests, Barbary Macaques and the Road to the Sahara
Published November 4, 2026 by Morocco Amazing Tours
The short answer: Ifrane is a mountain town about 65 km south of Fes at roughly 1,650 m, built from 1929 in an alpine style that earned it the nickname "the Switzerland of Morocco". Just beyond it, the Atlas cedar forest around Azrou is home to wild Barbary macaques. Both are natural stops on the road from Fes to Merzouga, together with Midelt and the palm-filled Ziz Valley.
Ifrane, Morocco's alpine town
The French built Ifrane as a cool summer retreat, and it still looks nothing like the rest of Morocco: red sloping roofs, chalets, tidy parks, lakes and plane trees. In winter it is often covered in snow and is one of the coldest towns in the country. Things to see:
- The stone lion, a large carved statue in a park in the town centre and the town's emblem.
- Al Akhawayn University, an English-language university with a wooded campus.
- The lakes of Dayet Aoua and others nearby, with walking paths and birdlife.
- Michlifen, a small ski area a short drive away when snow allows.
More background in the Ifrane article on Wikipedia.
The cedar forest and the Barbary macaques
Between Ifrane and Azrou the road climbs through one of the largest Atlas cedar forests in the world, with trees that can live for centuries. Families of Barbary macaques, an endangered monkey found only in Morocco, Algeria and Gibraltar, live here and often sit by the roadside. Watch them from a few metres away, keep food in the car, and do not feed them: it makes them sick and aggressive, and it is the main threat to wild groups near roads.
From Fes to the Sahara: the stops
| Stop | Approx. from Fes | Why stop |
|---|---|---|
| Ifrane | 1 hour | Alpine town, coffee, the stone lion |
| Azrou cedar forest | 1 h 15 | Barbary macaques, ancient cedars |
| Midelt | 3 hours | Lunch at 1,500 m, apple orchards, views of the Ayachi range |
| Ziz Valley | 5 hours | Gorge and a long ribbon of palm groves and earthen villages |
| Erfoud and Rissani | 6.5 to 7 hours | Fossils, dates, the market town of the Tafilalt |
| Merzouga | 7 to 8 hours | Erg Chebbi dunes and the desert camp |
Times are indicative driving times without long stops. This route is the second day of our Marrakech to Fes desert tour in reverse, and the opening of every trip on Fes desert tours.
When to go
- Spring and autumn: fresh air, green forests, pleasant walks.
- Summer: Ifrane is a relief from the heat of Fes and Meknes.
- Winter: snow scenery, but bring warm clothes and expect occasional road closures on the passes after heavy snow.
Combine it with
Ifrane fits well between the imperial cities and the desert. Spend a day in the Fes medina and another on Meknes and Volubilis, then cross the Middle Atlas to the dunes. Our 8 day Morocco tour follows this route with a night in the Sahara.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Ifrane called the Switzerland of Morocco?
Because of its alpine-style houses with sloping roofs, its parks and lakes, its cool climate and its winter snow, unusual in Morocco.
Where can I see monkeys in Morocco?
In the cedar forest between Ifrane and Azrou in the Middle Atlas, and around the Ouzoud Waterfalls. Both are home to wild Barbary macaques.
How far is Ifrane from Fes?
About 65 km, roughly one hour by car, on the main road from Fes toward Midelt and the Sahara.
Does it snow in Ifrane?
Yes. Ifrane is one of the snowiest towns in Morocco, usually between December and March.
See it with a private driver
Planning a trip around this? These private, driver-guided itineraries cover it — every route can be adjusted to your dates.
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