Between Fez and the Sahara Desert, the road crosses the Middle Atlas, a region of gentle mountains, lakes and cedar forests that surprises almost every traveler. Its best-known town, Ifrane, is nicknamed «the Switzerland of Morocco».
Ifrane, an Alpine town in Africa
Ifrane was built in the 1930s, during the French protectorate, as a summer retreat. Its houses with sloping roofs, clean streets and gardens look like they come from a village in the Alps. At about 1,650 meters, it often snows in winter, and the Michlifen ski resort is nearby. Don’t leave without a photo of the famous stone lion, the symbol of the town and a reminder of the Atlas lion that once lived in these mountains.
The cedar forests of Azrou
Near Azrou lie some of the largest Atlas cedar forests in the country. Barbary macaques, a protected species found only in Morocco and Algeria, live among the trees. They are easy to spot by the road: watch them and take photos, but do not feed them, as it harms their health.
Midelt and the road south
Midelt, at the foot of the Atlas, is the usual lunch stop on the way to the desert. It is famous for its apples and for the minerals and fossils sold in its shops. From here the landscape changes completely: the green gives way to arid land and the first palm groves of the Ziz Valley.
When to go
The Middle Atlas is beautiful in spring and autumn; in winter there may be snow and you should bring warm clothes, and in summer it is a cool refuge from the heat.
Recommended trips through the Middle Atlas
- 3-day route from Fez to the desert
- 4-day desert tour from Fez to Marrakech
- 6-day tour from Fez to Merzouga
- 10-day tour from Fez to Marrakech
Travel with Vamos a Marrakech
We cross the Middle Atlas on all our routes between Fez and the desert. Write to us and we will plan a tailor-made trip for you.