Day Trip from Fes to Ifrane

Day Trip from Fes to Ifrane

Discover Ifrane, often called "the Switzerland of Morocco," a charming hillside town nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains at 1,665 meters elevation. This full-day excursion combines alpine scenery, cedar forests, and encounters with the famous Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.

Highlights

• Cedar Monkey Forest (Cèdre Gris) - Walk through pristine cedar forests and observe Barbary macaques in their natural environment
• Alpine Town - Explore the charming Swiss-style architecture and cool mountain climate of Ifrane
• Scenic Mountain Views - Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Middle Atlas Mountains and lush green landscapes
• Local Flora & Fauna - Experience diverse wildlife including birds, deer, and the rare Barbary macaques
• Lakes & Waterfalls - Discover beautiful natural water features and hiking trails
• Traditional Berber Villages - Visit nearby mountain communities and experience authentic Berber culture

Itinerary

Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

• Hotel pickup in Fes
• Scenic mountain drive through cedar forests (approximately 2 hours)

Midday (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)

• Guided walk in the Cedar Monkey Forest
• Wildlife observation and photography opportunities
• Learn about the ecosystem and conservation efforts
• Visit the monkey sanctuary and visitor center

Afternoon (12:30 PM - 2:30 PM)

• Lunch at a local restaurant (traditional Moroccan cuisine)
• Explore the town of Ifrane
• Visit Ifrane's peaceful town center and local sites

Late Afternoon (2:30 PM - 5:30 PM)

• Optional: Hike to nearby lakes or waterfalls
• Free time for nature walks
• Return journey to Fes

What to Expect

Ifrane offers a dramatic contrast to lowland Morocco with its cool alpine climate, evergreen landscapes, and European-influenced architecture. The town was developed as a French hill station during the colonial period and retains a distinctive character quite different from other Moroccan destinations.

The Barbary macaques are endemic to Morocco and Gibraltar, making this one of the few places to see them in the wild. These intelligent primates are habituated to humans and can be observed relatively closely with a guide. The surrounding cedar forests are among the largest in North Africa and provide excellent opportunities for nature photography.

Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit: May-September for warm, dry weather; December-February for possible snow
• What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, warm layers (temperature is 10-15°C cooler than Fes), sunscreen, camera
• Altitude: Ifrane is at 1,665m elevation; allow time to acclimate
• Hiking: Trails vary from easy to moderate; inform your guide of your fitness level
• Wildlife Safety: Follow guide instructions for monkey encounters; do not feed animals

Included Services

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Fes
• Air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
• Guided tour of Cedar Monkey Forest
• Entry to monkey sanctuary
• Guide naturalist services

Optional Add-ons

• Lunch included
• Extended hiking options
• Visit to Ifrane National Park
• Photography guidance
• Visit to Midelt or surrounding Berber villages

Price

Starting from $95 per person (based on 2 people)

• Private tours available
• Group discounts for 4+ people

Booking Information

Book in advance as group sizes are limited to protect the wildlife habitat. This tour combines outdoor adventure, wildlife viewing, and cultural immersion into one memorable day. The altitude and fresh air make this an invigorating retreat from the heat and bustle of lower-elevation Morocco.