Morning
Fes to Immouzer Kandar
Up from the plain into the foothills; views back over the Saiss.
Fes, Morocco· Concierge · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 GMT+1
Apple orchards at Immouzer Kandar and the lakes of the plateau
This half or full-day tour from Fes climbs to Immouzer Kandar, an orchard town looking back over the Saiss plain, then walks the shore of Dayet Aoua and quieter lakes such as Dayet Ifrah. The lakes are rain-fed and can shrink or dry out in drought years, so we check conditions before the day and adjust the plan.
- Fes to Immouzer: About 35 to 40 km
- Immouzer to Dayet Aoua: About 10 to 15 km
- Length: Half to full day
A gentle plateau day
Immouzer Kandar sits on the edge of the Middle Atlas, looking back over the Saiss plain towards Fes, in orchard country known for its apples. Beyond it, a string of small natural lakes, or dayets, lies on the limestone plateau: Dayet Aoua is the best known, with Dayet Ifrah and Dayet Hachlaf nearby.
Mid-morning
Dayet Aoua
A walk on the lakeshore path, binoculars recommended.
Late morning
Dayet Ifrah or Hachlaf
Quieter lakes on back roads, conditions permitting.
Afternoon
On to Ifrane, or back to Fes
Add Ifrane and the cedar forest for a full Middle Atlas day.
Road distances and times are typical ranges for a private car, without stops.
How we run it
When the lakes are full they draw birdlife, picnicking families and walkers. We say it plainly: their water levels depend on rainfall, and in drought years they can shrink sharply or dry out. We check before we go and adjust the plan.
Private
Private means your party only: one vehicle, one driver, your start time, your stops. Linger at the macaques, skip the shop, add a viewpoint. It suits families, couples, photographers and anyone with a fixed plan.
Small-group
Small-group means we pair you with other travellers on the same route and date when there is a match, which shares the day with a few like-minded people. Ask for it in your quote request and we will tell you honestly whether a group fits your dates.
What we arrange
- Private vehicle and driver from your Fes riad or hotel and back
- Timing built around your pace, the season and site opening hours
- A licensed local guide where one adds real value (on request)
- Lunch stop chosen for the route, from a roadside grill to a riad table
- Bottled water on board and a phone or WhatsApp contact throughout
- Fuel, tolls and parking folded into one written quote
- A check on lake conditions before the day
Best season
Spring, after the winter rains, is when the lakes are fullest and the meadows greenest. Autumn is quiet and mild. In late summer of a dry year the lakes may be low.
The honest details
Water levels vary
The dayets are rain-fed. After dry winters they can be much reduced or empty. If that is the case on your dates, we will tell you and suggest a better use of the day.
Questions, answered
What people ask us most before they book this.
Is Dayet Aoua full of water?
It depends on the year. After good winter rains it is a proper lake; in drought years it can dry out entirely. We check current conditions before recommending it.
Can we combine the lakes with Ifrane and the cedar forest?
Yes, and most people do. The lakes sit between Immouzer and Ifrane, so they fit naturally into a full Middle Atlas day.
Is this tour private or small-group?
Both are possible. Private is your party alone. Small-group pairs you with other travellers on the same date when there is a match; tell us your preference when you ask for a quote.
How much does this tour cost?
Every tour is a custom quote for your party, dates, pace and choice of private or small-group. Send the details through the quote form and we reply with a written plan and one figure.
Tell us your dates. We'll plan it with you.
- Tell us what drew you in. Your dates, who is travelling and what you want to see.
- A person reads it. We write a day-by-day plan for your group, private or small-group.
- You change anything. Then we confirm the guides, drivers and riads.