Day 1, morning
Fes to Immouzer and Dayet Aoua
Up onto the plateau; a lake walk if the water is up.
Fes, Morocco· Concierge · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 GMT+1
Two days in the Middle Atlas: cedar mornings and the source of a river
This two-day loop from Fes climbs to Immouzer and Dayet Aoua, sleeps in Ifrane or Azrou, and starts the second morning in the cedar forest, the quiet hours for finding the macaques. You then head south to Ain Leuh and the springs where the Oum Er-Rbia bursts out of the rock, and reach Fes in the evening.
- Total distance: About 350 to 420 km
- Overnight: Ifrane or Azrou
- Driving per day: 3 to 4 hours
Day by day
One day in the Middle Atlas shows you Ifrane and the cedars. Two days let you go further south to the less-visited side: the Berber village of Ain Leuh and the springs where the Oum Er-Rbia, one of Morocco's longest rivers, bursts out of the rock.
Day 1, afternoon
Ifrane
Lunch and a stroll; overnight in Ifrane or Azrou.
Day 2, early
Cedar forest and macaques
The quiet morning hours in the forest near Azrou.
Day 2, midday
Ain Leuh and the Oum Er-Rbia springs
South through cedar country to the village and the river's source pools.
Day 2, afternoon
Back to Fes
Return north via Azrou, arriving in the evening.
Road distances and times are typical ranges for a private car, without stops.
How we run it
The loop sleeps in the mountains, so evenings are cool and mornings in the cedar forest are quiet, which is the best time to find the macaques.
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
- Help choosing a Middle Atlas overnight to suit your style
- Driver's accommodation and meals arranged by us
Best season
April to June for wildflowers and full springs; September to October for calm and colour. Winter is possible but snow can close or slow the higher roads.
The honest details
Mountain weather
Conditions change quickly at altitude. In winter we keep the route flexible and may swap stops for safety.
Do not feed the macaques
They are endangered and feeding harms them. We watch from a respectful distance.
Questions, answered
What people ask us most before they book this.
Where do we stay overnight?
In Ifrane or Azrou, from mountain lodges to simple guesthouses. Tell us your style and we suggest options; accommodation is part of your custom quote.
Can this loop end somewhere other than Fes?
Yes. It can finish in Meknes, or continue south towards Midelt and the desert road to Merzouga as the start of a longer journey.
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.