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Journey stage
Trek through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas
The Middle Atlas has Morocco's largest cedar forests.
TrekkingMiddle Atlas Private
Middle Atlas Cedar Forest Trek
A two-day trek through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas near Azrou — ancient cedars, barbary macaques, and cool mountain air.
Duration
2 Days
Difficulty
Easy–Moderate
Elevation
Up to 1,800 m
Best Season
May–Oct
Start
Fes or Ifrane
Private
Yes
Start
Fes or Ifrane
End
Fes or Ifrane
Distance
Approx. 20 km trekking
Format
Private & customizable
Difficulty profile
How demanding is this journey?
A practical seven-step scale built from the route data on this page. It is intended to help you compare journeys, not to replace medical advice or a guide's on-the-ground assessment.
2/7
Easy–Moderate
Difficulty
Easy–Moderate
Duration
2 Days
Elevation
Up to 1,800 m
Start
Fes or Ifrane
Distance
Approx. 20 km trekking
Best Season
May–Oct
Why this rating makes sense
With a difficulty rating of 2, this trek is suitable for walkers with a basic level of fitness who can handle several hours of walking per day on forest trails. The elevation can be felt by those not acclimated, and the pace is moderate. It is a good option for those who want a nature trekking experience without the extreme demands of High Atlas routes. Basic hiking footwear and clothing for cool mountain conditions are necessary.
The radar is a planning aid derived from the route information already published on this page; it is not a medical or technical grading.
Why This Journey?
This is for travelers who want the Middle Atlas — a range of cedar forests, lakes, and Barbary macaques, very different from the High Atlas. A trek through the largest cedar forest in Morocco.
Journey overview
Middle Atlas Cedar Forest Trek: what the journey is really like
The Middle Atlas is Morocco's green heart — a range of rolling hills, lakes, and ancient cedar forests between the High Atlas and the Rif. The cedars near Azrou are some of the oldest and largest in Morocco, and the forests are home to wild barbary macaques. This trek walks through the forests, past springs and lakes, and to viewpoints over the Middle Atlas plateau. It is cooler and greener than the High Atlas — ideal in summer.
It is planned as a 2 days experience with the route beginning in Fes or Ifrane and finishing in Fes or Ifrane The listed difficulty is easy–moderate with a stated high point or elevation of Up to 1,800 m and an approximate distance of Approx. 20 km trekking. The current itinerary data lists May–Oct as the best season.
The journey is structured around Day 1: Fes or Ifrane to cedar forest (Fes → Ifrane → Cedar Forest); Day 2: Cedar forest trek and return (Cedar Forest → Ifrane → Fes). Key elements include Trek through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas; See the famous Barbary macaques in the wild; Walk among ancient cedar trees; Visit Ifrane — the "Switzerland of Morocco".
This is for travelers who want the Middle Atlas — a range of cedar forests, lakes, and Barbary macaques, very different from the High Atlas. A trek through the largest cedar forest in Morocco. Expect trekking through old-growth cedar forests with trees reaching centuries in age, along trails that wind between Azrou's cedar groves and the higher ground toward Michlifen. The routes pass through clearings with views across the Middle Atlas and by mountain lakes such as Dayet Aoua. Encounters with wild Barbary macaques are common, particularly in the early morning. Accommodation is in guesthouses in Azrou or Ifrane, or in mountain refuges. The terrain is generally moderate, with trails that are less steep than High Atlas routes but at significant elevation. With a difficulty rating of 2, this trek is suitable for walkers with a basic level of fitness who can handle several hours of walking per day on forest trails. The elevation can be felt by those not acclimated, and the pace is moderate. It is a good option for those who want a nature trekking experience without the extreme demands of High Atlas routes. Basic hiking footwear and clothing for cool mountain conditions are necessary.
For the guest
For guests choosing a Morocco trekking holiday, the value is in the rhythm of walking, the changing landscape and the chance to spend time in places that are easy to pass by on a road trip.
If you are researching middle atlas, this page is designed to answer the questions that matter before booking: what the days feel like, who the route suits, what the route includes and what conditions to prepare for.
The practical side matters too: this is a easy–moderate journey over 2 Days, with the best travel window listed as May–Oct. With a difficulty rating of 2, this trek is suitable for walkers with a basic level of fitness who can handle several hours of walking per day on forest trails. The elevation can be felt by those not acclimated, and the pace is moderate. It is a good option for those who want a nature trekking experience without the extreme demands of High Atlas routes. Basic hiking footwear and clothing for cool mountain conditions are necessary.
About the Region
Where this Middle Atlas cedar forest trek takes place
The Middle Atlas cedar forests are concentrated in the Ifrane National Park area, between the towns of Azrou and Ifrane, roughly an hour south of Fes. The park spans about 125,000 hectares at elevations between 1,300 and 2,400 metres, protecting the largest Atlas cedar forests in the world. The landscape features dense cedar and holm oak stands, volcanic plateaus, and seasonal mountain lakes called dayets. The high elevation produces a cool, sometimes alpine climate with snow in winter. Barbary macaques, an endangered primate species, live in the cedar canopy.
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Explore Middle Atlas and plan with confidence
Compare this Middle Atlas cedar forest trek with the places and practical guides that help travelers understand the route before booking.
Destinations on this route
Journey highlights
What you will experience along the way
A route-specific field guide built from the places, highlights and activities already recorded for this journey.
02
Journey stage
See the famous Barbary macaques in the wild
The cedars near Ifrane are among the oldest in Morocco.
03
Journey stage
Walk among ancient cedar trees
Barbary macaques are endangered — observe from a distance.
04
Journey stage
Visit Ifrane — the "Switzerland of Morocco"
Best from May to October.
05
Journey stage
A trek in Morocco's most forested region
This is for travelers who want the Middle Atlas — a range of cedar forests, lakes, and Barbary macaques, very different from the High Atlas. A trek through the largest cedar forest in Morocco.
06
Journey stage 1
Drive from Fes to Ifrane
Fes or Ifrane to cedar forest
07
Journey stage 1
Begin trek through cedar forest
Fes or Ifrane to cedar forest
08
Journey stage 1
See wild Barbary macaques
Fes or Ifrane to cedar forest
09
Journey stage 1
Overnight near the forest
Fes or Ifrane to cedar forest
10
Journey stage 2
Morning trek through ancient cedars
Cedar forest trek and return
11
Journey stage 2
Walk among the largest cedar trees
Cedar forest trek and return
12
Journey stage 2
Lunch
Cedar forest trek and return
Good to know
Travelers who want to see Morocco's forests
Good to know
Those interested in Barbary macaques
Explore destination
Gallery
Middle Atlas Cedar Forest Trek
5 photos
Route & Map
Middle Atlas cedar forest trek route and map
Key locations on this journey. Markers show the verified waypoints available for this route; the map does not claim exact trail geometry.
Day-by-Day
Day-by-day Middle Atlas cedar forest trek itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Every journey is adjustable — pace, activities, and accommodation.
- Drive from Fes to Ifrane
- Visit Ifrane — the "Switzerland of Morocco"
- Begin trek through cedar forest
- See wild Barbary macaques
- Overnight near the forest
Walking
3–4 hours
Driving
1–2 hours
Elevation
1,200 m → 1,600 m
Meals
Lunch, dinner
Accommodation
Guesthouse near the forest
- Morning trek through ancient cedars
- Walk among the largest cedar trees
- Lunch
- Return to Fes or Ifrane
Walking
4–5 hours
Driving
1–2 hours
Elevation
1,600 m → 1,200 m
Meals
Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation
Not included
What You Will Experience
What to expect on this Middle Atlas cedar forest trek
Expect trekking through old-growth cedar forests with trees reaching centuries in age, along trails that wind between Azrou's cedar groves and the higher ground toward Michlifen. The routes pass through clearings with views across the Middle Atlas and by mountain lakes such as Dayet Aoua. Encounters with wild Barbary macaques are common, particularly in the early morning. Accommodation is in guesthouses in Azrou or Ifrane, or in mountain refuges. The terrain is generally moderate, with trails that are less steep than High Atlas routes but at significant elevation.
Journey character
What defines this Middle Atlas cedar forest trek
MountainNatureFamily
Physical Demands
Middle Atlas cedar forest trek physical demands
Easy–Moderate
3–5 hours of walking per day on forest trails
Moderate altitude (up to 1,800 m)
Generally flat to rolling terrain
Basic accommodation
Best Time to Go
Best time for this Middle Atlas cedar forest trek
The May to October window avoids winter snow that blocks the higher trails and makes the cedar forest paths inaccessible. Spring within this range brings wildflowers and active wildlife, while autumn offers cooler hiking temperatures and golden light through the cedars. Summer is the busiest period but provides the most reliable trail conditions. Outside this window, snow and cold make trekking impractical at the higher elevations.
Is This Right for You?
Is this Middle Atlas cedar forest trek right for you?
Perfect for
Travelers who want to see Morocco's forests
Those interested in Barbary macaques
People who enjoy gentle forest walks
Families with children
May not suit
Those who want high altitude trekking
Travelers who prefer desert or coast
Those seeking challenging terrain
What's Included
What is included in this Middle Atlas cedar forest trek
Included
Qualified local guide
Guesthouse accommodation
Breakfast and dinner
Round-trip transport from Fes
Local guide for the forest walk
Round-trip transport from Fes or Ifrane
Visit to Barbary macaque habitat area
Not Included
Lunches
Personal non-alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance
Tips
Personal trekking gear
Practical Information
Practical information for this Middle Atlas cedar forest trek
Accommodation
Guesthouse near the cedar forest — basic but comfortable.
Transport
Private vehicle from Fes to Ifrane and the forest.
Food
Breakfast and dinner at the guesthouse. Moroccan cuisine.
Good to Know
- The Middle Atlas has Morocco's largest cedar forests.
- The cedars near Ifrane are among the oldest in Morocco.
- Barbary macaques are endangered — observe from a distance.
- Best from May to October.
What to Pack
What to pack for this Middle Atlas cedar forest trek
Sturdy hiking boots
Warm layers for evenings
Rain jacket
Sun protection
Water bottles
Camera
Binoculars (for macaques)
FAQs
Middle Atlas cedar forest trek FAQs
Yes — in the cedar forests near Ifrane, the macaques are commonly seen. They are used to humans but should not be fed.
The main cedar forests are around Ifrane and Azrou in the Middle Atlas, including the Cèdre Gouraud forest and the Jbel Koubbat area.
Barbary macaques are commonly seen in the cedar forests, along with various bird species. The area is also known for its trout rivers.
Ready to plan this journey?
This is a starting point. We will tailor every detail to your dates, interests, and travel companions.
From
Fes or Ifrane
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