The Middle Atlas cedar forest of Morocco is one of the continent’s most remarkable wild ecosystems — a high-altitude ancient woodland that seems entirely improbable in a country that visitors associate with desert landscapes. Located in the central plateau south of Fes and Meknes, this cedar forest marks the transition between Morocco’s imperial city culture and the southern desert landscape, and it is traversed by all desert tours departing from Fes on the route toward Merzouga and the Sahara. The contrast between the deep cool shade of century-old cedars and the blazing desert plains two hours south is one of Morocco’s most dramatic and unexpected geographical transitions.
The Barbary Macaque: Morocco’s Most Charismatic Wildlife
The Barbary macaque is the only wild primate species native to Africa north of the Sahara — a medium-sized, stocky monkey with a distinctive pale-brown coat and a notably social personality. Approximately 6,000 individuals remain in the wild, predominantly in the cedar forests of the Moroccan Middle Atlas and the Rif Mountains. The macaque population around Azrou has become habituated to human presence over decades of road travel through their territory, and groups of twenty or more individuals can typically be found at several roadside locations between Ifrane and Azrou. They will approach vehicles, accept food from guides, and provide close-up observation and photography opportunities that require no tracking, guides, or special permits.
Ifrane: Morocco’s Alpine Village
The town of Ifrane at 1,650 metres altitude is one of Morocco’s most surprising destinations — a clean, orderly mountain town built during the French Protectorate period in a deliberately European alpine style, complete with peaked rooftops, carved stone facades, and snow-compatible infrastructure. The contrast with every other Moroccan town encountered on a desert tour is remarkable. Ifrane is also the location of Al Akhawayn University, a prestigious Moroccan institution modelled on American university campuses, which gives the town an unusual intellectual character alongside its mountain resort atmosphere.
The Cedar Forest on Fes to Desert Tours
All our tours departing from Fes traverse the Middle Atlas cedar forest, making it an integral part of the desert journey narrative. Our Tours from Errachidia includes a macaque stop at Azrou on day one, while our 2-Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Fes includes more time in Ifrane on the return leg. Browse our tours from Fes for all available options. TripAdvisor — Merzouga Desert and National Geographic — Sahara Desert Guide provide further Morocco ecology and travel resources.
