From Fez: Day Trip to the Middle Atlas and the Monkey Forest

Escape the bustling streets of Fez for a day and venture into the serene Middle Atlas mountains. This day trip offers a chance to discover charming Berber villages, encounter endangered primates, and learn about the region’s vibrant culture. From the apple festival in Immouzar to the architectural splendor of Ifrane, each stop promises to captivate the senses. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, cultural insights, or an opportunity to connect with the local community, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience. Prepare to be enchanted as you explore the diverse landscapes and traditions of this remarkable corner of Morocco.

Good To Know

• Experience the natural beauty of the Middle Atlas mountains and explore the charming towns of Immouzar, Ifrane, and Azrou.
• Participate in the annual September apple festival in Immouzar and witness traditional Berber cultural practices.
• Observe the endangered Barbary macaques in their natural habitat at Ifrane National Park.
• Gain insights into Berber lifestyle by visiting a traditional cave dwelling and enjoying authentic Moroccan tea with a local family.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off services, as well as multilingual driver, ensure a seamless day trip from Fez.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This day trip from Fez to the Middle Atlas and the Monkey Forest costs Kč 1,236 per person and lasts approximately 9 hours.

The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a driver fluent in multiple languages, admission fees, and a bottle of water. Lunch isn’t included, but guests can explore the local cuisine on their own.

Availability and start times are subject to check, allowing for flexible travel plans. This day trip offers a comprehensive experience in the Middle Atlas region.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting with a pickup from accommodations in Fez, the day trip takes travelers to explore the charming town of Immouzar and its September apple festival.

Scenic views of Ain Vital’s rolling hills provide ample photo opportunities. The itinerary then leads to Ifrane, a village with French-inspired architecture and a stone lion sculpture.

The highlight of the day is a trek through Ifrane National Park to see the endangered Barbary macaques. The journey concludes in the traditional Berber village of Azrou, situated at an elevation of 4,100 feet.

• Explore Immouzar and participate in September apple festival
• Visit Ifrane, a village with French-inspired architecture and stone lion sculpture
• Trek through Ifrane National Park to see endangered Barbary macaques
• Discover Azrou, a traditional Berber village at 4,100 feet elevation

Cultural Experiences

The cultural experiences on this day trip allow travelers to enjoy the Berber way of life. Visitors can explore a traditional cave dwelling, enjoying authentic Moroccan tea with a local family. They’ll also observe Berber men engaged in time-honored practices like flour grinding and carpentry, providing a glimpse into their daily routines.

Cultural Experience	Description
Cave Dwelling Visit	Explore a traditional Berber cave home
Moroccan Tea	Savor authentic tea with a local family
Flour Grinding	Observe Berber men using traditional methods
Carpentry	Watch Berber craftspeople at work
Berber Traditions	Discover the rich cultural heritage of the Berber people

Inclusions

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a driver fluent in French, English, Spanish, and Italian.

Plus, admission fees to all attractions and a bottle of water are provided.

Visitors will also have access to the cave, which costs €2 per person.

The tour ensures a seamless and immersive experience, allowing guests to fully engage with the cultural offerings without logistical hassles.

• Admission fees to attractions
• Bottle of water provided
• Entrance to the cave: €2 per person
• Driver fluent in multiple languages

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Picking Up and Timing

The day trip begins with pickup from your accommodations in Fez, whether you’re staying at a riad or a hotel.

Your driver, fluent in French, English, Spanish, and Italian, will arrive to transport you on this 9-hour adventure.

With a flexible schedule, you can select your preferred starting time to best suit your plans.

The tour departs Fez and winds through the scenic Middle Atlas mountains, providing ample opportunities to snap photos of the rolling hills and rocky landscapes.

Throughout the day, you’ll explore charming towns, discover unique Berber culture, and trek through Ifrane National Park to observe the endangered Barbary macaques.

Exploring Immouzar and the Apple Festival

First, the tour makes its way to Immouzar, a charming village where visitors can participate in the annual September apple festival.

Attendees can expect to:

• Witness the local community’s festive celebrations
• Sample an array of delicious apple-based delicacies
• Observe traditional apple-picking demonstrations
• Immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural atmosphere

The festival provides a unique opportunity to experience the region’s rich agricultural heritage and savor the flavors of the bountiful autumn harvest.

This stop allows travelers to gain a deeper appreciation for the Moroccan countryside and its vibrant traditions.

Visiting Ifrane and Ifrane National Park

Next, the tour journeys to the picturesque village of Ifrane, known for its French-inspired architecture and the iconic stone lion sculpture that graces its main square.

Travelers will explore this unique alpine town, taking in its charming stone buildings and exploring the Ifrane National Park. Here, they’ll have the opportunity to trek through the park and observe the endangered Barbary macaques, a species of Old World monkeys found only in the Atlas Mountains.

The village’s elevation of 4,100 feet provides a refreshing contrast to the lower-lying areas, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s diverse landscapes.

Discovering Azrou and Berber Practices

After exploring the charming alpine town of Ifrane, the tour continues its journey to the traditional Berber village of Azrou, nestled at an elevation of 4,100 feet.

Here, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Berber people.

The tour includes:

• Observing Berber men engaged in traditional practices like flour grinding and carpentry, providing a glimpse into their everyday lives.

• Enjoying authentic Moroccan tea with a local family, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

• Visiting a family in a traditional cave dwelling, offering a unique insight into Berber living conditions.

• Discovering the vibrant Berber marketplace, where locals buy and sell a variety of goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Day Trips in Fez?

Yes, you can combine this tour with other day trips from Fez. The tour’s flexible scheduling and availability make it easy to integrate it into a broader itinerary exploring the city and its surrounding regions.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment or Clothing for the Hike?

While no special equipment is required, visitors should wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and dress in layers for the trek through Ifrane National Park. Bringing sun protection and a light jacket is also recommended for the variable mountain weather.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Elderly Travelers?

The tour is suitable for children and elderly travelers. The hike through Ifrane National Park is moderate, and the driver can accommodate any needs. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Focus on Specific Interests?

Yes, the itinerary can be customized to focus on specific interests. The tour operator is flexible and willing to accommodate requests to tailor the experience to suit the traveler’s preferences and needs.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s average group size is not explicitly stated, but it’s typically a small group experience to allow for a more personalized and intimate exploration of the Middle Atlas region and Ifrane National Park.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Fez offers a chance to explore the stunning Middle Atlas region. Discover charming towns, witness endangered Barbary macaques, and learn about authentic Berber culture. With a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences, it’s an unforgettable way to discover the highlights of this enchanting area.

You can check availability for your dates here: