Ifrane and the Middle Atlas: Cedar Forests, Barbary Macaques and the "Switzerland of Morocco"
Ifrane is a mountain town in the Middle Atlas, about 1 hour south of Fes at around 1,650 m, nicknamed the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its sloping roofs, parks and winter snow. Nearby, the Azrou cedar forest is home to wild Barbary macaques. Ifrane and Azrou are classic stops on day one of a Fes to Marrakech desert tour.
What to see in Ifrane
- The town centre: European-style chalets and gardens built during the French protectorate.
- The stone lion: a limestone lion statue, a local symbol and favourite photo stop.
- Al Akhawayn University: an English-language university set in green grounds on the edge of town.
- Lakes and springs: such as Dayet Aoua and other small lakes around Ifrane, depending on rainfall.
The cedar forest and Barbary macaques
Between Ifrane and Azrou, the Middle Atlas holds one of the largest Atlas cedar forests in the world. Barbary macaques, an endangered species and the only macaque native to Africa, live here and are often seen near the road. Watch them from a distance: do not feed them, as human food harms their health and makes them aggressive.
Winter in Ifrane
Ifrane is one of the coldest towns in Morocco, and snow is common in winter. A small ski area operates nearby when conditions allow. For the High Atlas ski area near Marrakech, read Oukaimeden and snow in Morocco.
How to visit
The easiest way is on the 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, which crosses the Middle Atlas on the first morning, with stops in Ifrane and the cedar forest before descending to the Ziz Valley and Merzouga. Travellers on the 7-day imperial cities tour and the 10-day grand tour also pass through the region.
Plan the rest of the route with the desert route stage by stage and our Fes medina guide. The IUCN Red List page for the Barbary macaque explains why this species is protected.
Book it with a local operator
- From Fes: 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour to Marrakech via Merzouga — from €165 per person, pay on the day.
- From Casablanca: 7-Day Private Imperial Cities Tour of Morocco — from €690 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: 10-Day Private Grand Tour of Morocco & Sahara — from €1190 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- Chouara Tannery Fes: How to Visit Morocco's Famous Leather Dye Pits
- Volubilis and Meknes Day Trip from Fes: Roman Ruins and an Imperial City
- Chefchaouen Blue City Guide: Why It's Blue, What to See and How to Visit from Fes
Frequently asked questions
Why is Ifrane called the Switzerland of Morocco?
Because of its alpine-style architecture with sloping roofs, its green parks, its cool climate and its regular winter snow.
Where can I see monkeys in Morocco?
In the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas near Azrou and Ifrane, and around the Ouzoud Waterfalls.
How far is Ifrane from Fes?
About 65 km, roughly 1 hour by road.
Can you feed the monkeys in the Middle Atlas?
No. Feeding Barbary macaques harms their health and behaviour. Observe them quietly from a distance.
Main photo: Jorge Franganillo, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
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