Azrou and the Cedar Forest

Azrou is a Berber market town in the Middle Atlas about 80 km south of Fes, reached in roughly 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 30 minutes. A shared grand taxi from Fes costs about 35 to 55 MAD per seat and leaves when full, and a local taxi then runs from Azrou into the cedar forest for roughly 100 to 250 MAD return with waiting. Private cars and small-group tours cost 500 to 1100 MAD. The forest, on the road toward Ifrane, protects some of the largest stands of Atlas cedar in Morocco, including the veteran tree known as Cèdre Gouraud, and is home to wild Barbary macaques that gather near the roadside and clearings. Visitors should keep a respectful distance and avoid feeding the animals, since it encourages aggressive behaviour. In Azrou itself, the artisan cooperative sells carved cedar wood and wool rugs at fixed prices, which suits those who dislike bargaining, and the town centre offers cafés and grill stalls for lunch at about 50 to 100 MAD. A good plan starts with an early taxi to Azrou, a stop at the cooperative, and then the forest walk for one to two hours with macaque viewing. Walking is gentle but on uneven forest ground, and the altitude means mornings are cool even in summer. Mid-afternoon is a sensible time to head back so that the return taxi can be found without delay. The best seasons are April to June, when the forest is green and the weather is mild, and September to October for clear light. Winter snow can close forest tracks, so check conditions before leaving. This trip combines naturally with Ifrane, and sharing a taxi between the two towns spreads costs. Total spending is around 70 to 110 MAD for shared transport return, plus forest taxi and lunch, making it one of the best-value nature outings from Fes. Carry water and sun protection, because the forest clearings are open.