Fez to Middle Atlas Day Trip – Discover Morocco’s Green Highlands

Enjoy a refreshing escape from the historic streets of Fez with our Fez to Middle Atlas Day Trip. This journey takes you through a stunning variety of landscapes, from fertile plains to cedar forests and high mountain plateaus, offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and seasonal beauty.

🗺️ Itinerary Overview

Departure from Fez Your adventure begins as you leave Fez and cross the fertile Saiss Plain, known for its olive groves and agricultural richness.

Imouzzer Kandar (1000–1300m) Continue into a fruit‑growing region famous for apples, pears, apricots, and peaches. The fresh mountain air and orchards make this area a delightful stop.

Oak & Cedar Forests (1500m+) Climb higher into lush green oak forests, followed by majestic cedar groves. These forests are home to diverse wildlife, including the playful Barbary macaques.

High Plateaus (2000m+) Above the cedar belt, vast steppe landscapes open up. These areas are used for summer transhumance and provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Middle Atlas.

🌸 Seasonal Highlights

• Spring (March–May): Vibrant blossoms and lush greenery make this the most picturesque season.
• Winter (Nov–May): Crisp air, occasional snow, and dramatic scenery create a magical atmosphere.

🧥 Travel Tips

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EXCURSION

– Ifrane, a small town and very European at the same time with a well known English speaking university, is a good base for exploring the area for those seeking the comfort of a hotel and do not like the isolation. It is a popular destination for Moroccan urban winter weekends when there is snow and summer when hot weather is dominating most of Moroccan cities. For those who love the quiet, several houses and inns welcome visitors into the countryside.

– Azrou, a small Berber charming city is less typical than Ifrane, the weekly souk or traditional markets on Tuesday held on the outskirts of the city is spectacular.

– The cedar forest. It is a heritage of paramount importance for Morocco and for humanity. Nowadays, most of the tourists visiting the forest are not aware of the role it plays for Morocco by lack of information! Some local and international organizations develop advocacy threats that put this invaluable Heritage in Danger. An interpretive center (“home of the cedar forest”) will soon see light in Azrou and this should help to raise awareness and motivate visitors to discover the region in a responsible approach that respects nature.