Things to do · Ifrane
Set high in Morocco's Middle Atlas, Ifrane is an alpine town of red-roofed chalets, cedar forests and clear mountain lakes. Built in the 1930s, it offers cool air, winter snow and easy access to a national park rich in wildlife.
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Ifrane's most photographed monument, this stone lion was carved during the French Protectorate era and commemorates the Atlas lions that once roamed the region. It stands in the town centre and has become the town's unofficial symbol.
Established in 2004, this protected area spans hundreds of thousands of hectares of cedar and oak forest across the Middle Atlas. It shelters Barbary macaques, deer and a wealth of birdlife, with marked trails and viewpoints throughout.
This famous cedar forest near Azrou is home to troops of endangered Barbary macaques, the only macaque species found outside Asia. It once held the giant cedar known as Gouraud, long a landmark before the tree died.
A tranquil natural lake ringed by hills and farmland a short drive north of Ifrane. It is a favourite spot for birdwatching, with herons, coots and migratory waterfowl, and for quiet picnics beside the water.
Set within the crater of an extinct volcano, Michlifen is one of Morocco's small ski areas, operating in winter when snow falls on the Middle Atlas. Outside the season it is a scenic spot for walking and mountain views.
Founded in 1995, this English-language university is built in a chalet style that mirrors the town. Its landscaped campus, with lawns, pine trees and walking paths, is a calm place to stroll and a hub of student life.
Just outside town, the Zerrouka springs feed cool, clear water from the surrounding limestone hills. The wooded setting is popular with locals for weekend outings and offers shaded paths and a glimpse of everyday Ifrane life.
A green valley and park along the small river that runs through Ifrane, dotted with poplars and willows. Footbridges and shaded walkways make it an easy place for a riverside walk close to the town centre.
Ifrane was laid out in the 1930s as a hill station, and its steep-pitched red roofs, chimneys and chalets were designed for snowy winters. The European-style streetscape is unusual in Morocco and earns the town its 'little Switzerland' nickname.
The market town of Azrou, southwest of Ifrane, is the gateway to vast cedar forests and more macaque troops. It makes an easy half-day or full-day trip, combining forest walks with a lively Berber town and local crafts.
A series of small waterfalls and cascades set in woodland near Ifrane, reached by a short walk from the road. The shaded, leafy surroundings make it a refreshing stop, especially in the warmer months.
Sitting around 1,600 metres above sea level, Ifrane regularly receives snow in winter, a rarity in Morocco. The season draws visitors for sledging, snowball fights and crisp walks among snow-dusted cedars and red-roofed houses.
Summer (June to September) is popular for its cool mountain air, when much of Morocco is hot. Winter (December to February) brings snow and a festive alpine feel, while spring and autumn offer mild weather ideal for forest walks and birdwatching.
Ifrane sits in the Middle Atlas, roughly an hour by road from Fez and Meknes, the nearest cities with airports and train stations. Most visitors arrive by car or grand taxi, often as part of a wider tour of the Middle Atlas.
Yes. The cedar forests around Azrou and within Ifrane National Park are home to wild Barbary macaques, often seen near the roadside. Visitors are asked not to feed them, as human food harms their health and alters their natural behaviour.
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