Ifrane National Park

This 500 sq km park encompasses Ifrane and Azrou as well as numerous Berber villages. It is known for its Atlas cedar trees and the Barbary macaque, an endangered species, and some 30 other mammals including wild pigs and wolves up on the high plateaus.

Bird life is exceptional and includes red kite, marbled teal, and common kestrel. Two Ramsar wetland sites and the lakes Dayet Ifrah and Dayet Aoua support ruddy shelduck and various coots. The lakes themselves, particularly those north of Ifrane, make for scenic touring and are popular with local day trippers from Meknes and Fez. Gentle hiking is the main pastime here.

Oak, juniper and cedar forests spread southeast from Azrou, harbouring a number of monkey troops and pleasant, partially shaded, hiking terrain. Further south lies the elevated village of Ain Leuh and the pretty Sources de l’Oum-er-Rbia, unusual for its water-skimming riverside cafes run by enterprising locals – a scenic lunch spot if you have the means to get here.

The nature around Ifrane is more alluring than the town itself. The woods of the national park virtually encroach on the urban area, and the region to the north is splashed with serene lakes.