Middle Atlas · Ifrane Province
Azrou is the cedar-forest village of the Middle Atlas — the surest place in Morocco to see wild Barbary macaques and walk beneath ancient Cedrus atlantica.
Best time
April–June and September–November; snow may close high forest roads December–February
Recommended
Half-day to 1 night
Airport
Fès-Saïs (FEZ) + 1h drive
Region
Middle Atlas · Ifrane Province
Why Azrou
Azrou is a Berber market town of about 45,000 at roughly 1,250 m in the Middle Atlas, 17 km south of Ifrane and 67 km south of Fes on the N13. Its name means 'rock' in Tamazight, after the volcanic basalt outcrop on which the old town was raised. It sits at the edge of the Cèdre Gouraud forest — one of the oldest and most extensive groves of Cedrus atlantica (Atlas cedar) left in North Africa, where some trees top 900 years old and 40 m tall. Within this forest lives Morocco's most reliably accessible population of wild Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus): semi-habituated troops move through the cedars along the road south of Azrou in every season, making this the easiest and most dependable wildlife encounter in the country. Azrou also runs a well-established carpet and woodcraft cooperative whose carved-cedar and Berber-woven pieces are among the finest traditional crafts to be found outside the imperial-city souks.
What to see
The cedar forest south of Azrou on the N13 toward Midelt — especially the Cèdre Gouraud stretch around the ancient 'Cèdre Gouraud' tree — is the most reliably productive spot in Morocco for Barbary macaques. Troops of 20–50 are often met at road level. They're semi-habituated and approachable; don't feed them, as human food upends their foraging and breeds dependency.
The forests around Azrou and Ifrane form one of the last significant stands of Atlas cedar in North Africa. The 'Cèdre Gouraud' — a lone tree by the road — is reckoned over 900 years old and more than 40 m tall. Walking tracks thread through the forest between Azrou and the Ifrane National Park boundary.
The Ensemble Artisanal de Azrou is one of the few government-supervised craft cooperatives in Morocco selling cedar woodwork, Berber carpets and embroidered textiles at fixed, transparent prices. Cedar salad bowls, inlaid boxes and geometric rugs make this one of the best craft-buying stops on the Fes–Marrakech overland route.
Azrou's weekly Tuesday market is an authentic working souk that draws Berber communities from the surrounding plateau — livestock, raw wool, traditional dress and produce from the cedar-forest villages — far less tourist-facing than the urban souks of Fes or Marrakech.
Itineraries
Every itinerary below is privately operated, fully customisable, and includes a deep stop in Azrou. Click any tour for the day-by-day plan, the map, dates and pricing.
A private two-day loop out of Fes: cedar forests, the Barbary macaques at Azrou, the alpine town of Ifrane and a night in the Middle Atlas quiet.
A private morning from Ifrane or Fes: the ancient cedars, a Barbary macaque encounter and a stop at the Azrou craft cooperative.
Before you go
Concierge
Tell us your dates, group size and pace. We'll send back a written proposal within 24 hours — private guides, transfers, riads, the lot.
Request a proposalFAQ
The macaques range the forest between both towns, but the densest concentration is usually in the Cèdre Gouraud forest south of Azrou on the N13. Ifrane's cedar forest, reached via the national-park road east of town, holds populations too — a morning in the Azrou forest followed by lunch in Ifrane covers both.
The forest is ancient: the Cèdre Gouraud by the road is reckoned at 800–900 years old, and the surrounding Cedrus atlantica stands include trees several centuries old. In ideal conditions Atlas cedar can reach 2,000 years, though none confirmed that old survive in this forest.
Yes — it's one of the most transparent craft-buying experiences in Morocco, prices displayed and craftspeople working on site. Azrou's cedar woodwork is genuinely distinctive; the mix of cedar scent, intricate carving and Middle Atlas skill makes 30–45 minutes well spent.
Closest destinations
These destinations are closest to Azrou — easily combined on a private itinerary.
15 kmIfrane is Morocco's 'Little Switzerland' — a cedar-cloaked Middle Atlas town of alpine chalets, winter snow and wild Barbary macaques.
Explore
59 kmThe quiet imperial city of Moulay Ismail — monumental gates, cavernous granaries, and Roman Volubilis just a short drive away.
Explore
70 kmMorocco's oldest imperial capital and craft heartland — the labyrinthine medieval medina that completes a longer Marrakech trip.
ExploreRead more
Stories, guides and practical tips to help you plan your time in Azrou and beyond.