Fes to Middle Atlas: Troglodyte Home, Monkeys & Local Lunch

Summary

Visit Imouzzer, Ifrane & Azrou with locals plus forest monkeys

You’ll travel from Fes into Morocco’s Middle Atlas mountains with a local guide—sharing tea inside a troglodyte home, wandering Ifrane’s tidy streets, meeting wild monkeys in ancient cedar forests, and tasting lunch in Azrou near its famous rock. Expect laughter, small surprises, and moments that linger long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding through the hills outside Fes when our guide, Hassan, pointed out the first patch of cedar trees. The air felt cooler than I expected for Morocco — almost sharp, like someone had cracked open a window in spring. Our first stop was Imouzzer Kandar. It’s got this old French vibe, faded shutters and all. We wandered for a bit; I tried to order coffee in my best French but mostly got smiles (and something that tasted halfway between espresso and nostalgia).

The real surprise was stepping into a troglodyte dwelling just outside town. The family invited us in — their cave-home was cool and dim, walls smooth under my hand. We sat on low cushions while they poured mint tea (so sweet it made my teeth ache) and talked about life underground. My friend tried to pronounce “shukran” right; everyone laughed, including the grandmother who kept refilling our glasses.

Ifrane came next — honestly, it does look like Switzerland if you squint: tidy streets, red roofs, even a lion statue in the park. There was this weird moment where I caught myself missing snow for no reason at all. Then we drove on to the cedar forest. The monkeys showed up before we’d even parked — bold little things grabbing peanuts straight from our hands. Their fur felt rougher than I thought it would (I probably wasn’t supposed to touch them but couldn’t help it). Someone nearby offered horse rides through the trees but we just stood there listening to birds and wind for a while.

Lunch in Azrou was simple — tagine with bread you tear by hand, eaten outside near that giant rock everyone talks about. Some people climbed it for the view; I just watched kids playing football at its base and let the sun warm my back. On the drive back to Fes I kept thinking about that tea in the cave — how quiet it was inside compared to everywhere else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Middle Atlas from Fes

• Depart from Fes at 9 AM
• Drive 50 minutes to Imouzzer Kandar
• Take 10-minute break to explore town
• Visit troglodyte dwelling and meet family
• Enjoy traditional Moroccan tea
• Drive 30 minutes to Ifrane
• Explore Ifrane for 30 minutes
• Drive 30 minutes to Cedar Forest
• Meet and feed magot monkeys
• Optionally ride horse in forest
• Drive 15 minutes to Azrou
• Admire views and take photos
• Optionally climb giant rock
• Enjoy leisurely lunch break
• Return to Fes

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Fes to Azrou?

The tour lasts one full day with morning departure from Fes and return by evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this Middle Atlas tour?

Yes, transportation from your pickup point in Fes is included.

Do you visit a real troglodyte dwelling on this tour?

Yes, there’s an optional visit to an authentic cave home near Imouzzer Kandar.

Are meals or lunch included during the trip?

No, lunch is not included in the price but there’s time to buy food in Azrou.

Can you interact with monkeys during the cedar forest stop?

Yes, you can meet magot monkeys and feed them if you like.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and infant seats are available if needed.

How far is Imouzzer Kandar from Fes?

The drive takes about 50 minutes from Fes to Imouzzer Kandar.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation between Fes and Azrou in an air-conditioned vehicle with total insurance coverage; there’s also an option for specialized infant seats if needed. A local guide leads you through each stop—Imouzzer Kandar, Ifrane, cedar forest with monkeys—and brings you back comfortably at day’s end.