Azrou & Middle Atlas Itinerary: 2 Days

The Cedre Gouraud forest above Azrou is the best and most accessible place in Morocco to see wild Barbary apes (Barbary macaques). Troops gather in the cedar clearings, and they are the only macaque species found outside Asia. The Azrou cedars are more reliable for sightings than almost anywhere else in the country.

The Cedre Gouraud was a giant, centuries-old Atlas cedar near Azrou that became Morocco's most famous tree and a major tourist attraction. Although the original tree eventually died, the surrounding cedar forest still carries its name and remains a stunning place to walk among towering ancient cedars and watch the Barbary apes.

No. Roadside vendors sell peanuts, but feeding the macaques harms their health, disrupts their natural foraging and makes them aggressive toward people. Conservationists urge visitors to keep a respectful distance, secure their food and bags, and simply observe the animals without interfering with them.

Two days is plenty. One day covers the Cedre Gouraud cedar forest, the Barbary apes and Azrou town itself, while a second day is ideal for a short trip to alpine Ifrane and the Aïn Vittel spring. Many travellers also use Azrou as a cool overnight stop on the long route to the Sahara.

They sit only about 17km apart in the Middle Atlas but feel very different. Ifrane is a polished, French-built alpine resort town - the "Switzerland of Morocco" - while Azrou is a more authentic, working Berber market town surrounded by cedar forest. Many visitors base in quieter Azrou and day-trip to Ifrane.

Azrou is about 78km south of Fes, roughly 90 minutes by car through the Middle Atlas. It is an easy overnight from Fes and a popular first stop on the southern route toward Midelt, the Ziz Valley and the Sahara dunes, thanks to its cool air and cedar scenery.

Aïn Vittel is a natural spring near Ifrane that is the source of a well-known Moroccan bottled mineral water. Set in shaded Middle Atlas woodland, it is a pleasant, low-key spot to visit on a day trip from Azrou, often combined with a stroll around Ifrane town and the surrounding plateau.

Yes. Azrou sits high on the Middle Atlas plateau and has cold winters with regular snowfall on the surrounding cedar forests and mountains. Even in summer the nights are noticeably cool, so a warm layer is worth packing whatever the season you visit in.

Yes. Azrou offers a rare combination in Morocco - ancient cedar forests, wild Barbary apes, cool mountain air and an authentic, untouristy Berber market town - all easily reached from Fes. It makes a refreshing nature-focused break and a convenient, scenic overnight on the way to the desert.

Late spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) are ideal for walking the cedar forest and the plateau in mild, pleasant weather. Summer is a cool escape from the heat of the lowlands and desert, while winter brings snow and a crisp alpine atmosphere to the cedars.