Ifrane Travel Guide
Known as the 'Switzerland' of Morocco, Ifrane is a small city in the middle Atlas region of Morocco perched at over 5,413 feet. It is the perfect destination for those looking to escape to the countryside for a peaceful and chilling weekend, this beautiful city of the Atlas is enclosed in a natural park and often surprises visitors with the quality and quantity of Moroccan experiences on offer.
Getting there
By Plane
There are no regular flights to Ifrane Airport, instead use the bus or the taxi.
By Train
There is no train station in Ifrane.
By Bus
Most of the buses comes from Fes or Meknes. Both cities are 55km away from Ifrane. We recommend choosing 'CTM' or 'Supratours' and avoiding other old and cheaper buses. The 'CTM' buses are found in the east end of the market, while the other companies are in the new 'Gare Routière'(bus station) which is in the south-west of the market.
By Car
From Rabat, Casablanca or Marrakesh : Meknes is accessible via A2 highway, after Meknes you need to take the N13 to 'El Hajeb' and finally the R707 to Ifrane.
From Fes : Take the national road known as N8
By Grand taxi
We don't recommend travelling by 'Grand taxi', buses are always preferable. Grand taxis arrive in Ifrane at the grand taxi station in the south-west of the market, prices from Meknes or Fes 30 Dh per place.
Where to Stay in Ifrane
History
Ifrane was established during the French protectorate in Morocco in 1928. The landscape of the region is comparable to that found in Europe. The goal was to provide a place where the French could spend their summer holidays
Places to visit
Centre ville
You can see in the park in Ifrane the iconic Sculpture of a Lion. The sculpture is the work of Henri Jean Moreau (1890-1956), who was an Art teacher in 'Gouraud' high school in Rabat. The sculpture dates from 1930.
Parc La Prairie
A beautiful park in which to enjoy nature and enjoy walking through.
Arzgoro
The oldest and largest cedar tree in the region is located in the middle of the forest of Arzgoro, The forest is notable as a habitat for a sub-population of Barbary macaques, Macaca sylvanus It is the only primate found north of the Sahara desert. The current population is threatened by habitat destruction and by illegal trade.
Michlifen Ski Station
This ski station is 40 minutes from Ifrane. Along the route you can stop and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding countryside. The station is low altitude and you can find several restaurants, however the prices are particularly inflated.
Source Vitel
A series of waterfalls inside the forests of Ifrane.
The small tourist train
Next to the coffee and Beethoven Bowling Ifrane you can take a tour in this small train which does a circuit around the city, a pleasant and original way to discover the beauty of Ifrane.
With its chalets, storks and clean mountain air at 1,650 metres, Ifrane feels like a slice of the Alps dropped into the Middle Atlas. Built by the French in the 1930s and home to Al Akhawayn University, it is Morocco at its most surprising — snow included. Here is what to do.
Top Things to Do in Ifrane
- See the Stone Lion of Ifrane. The town’s emblem, carved during the protectorate era. Legend ties it to the last wild Atlas lion — everyone takes a photo with it in the central gardens.
- Walk among the chalets and gardens. Ifrane’s alpine-style villas, tulip beds and manicured parks earn it the nickname ‘Switzerland of Morocco’. The town is famously one of the cleanest in Africa.
- Meet the Barbary macaques in the cedar forest. The Cedre Gouraud forest between Ifrane and Azrou shelters Barbary macaques among centuries-old Atlas cedars — an easy, memorable stop.
- Ski or sled at Michliffen. In winter, the Michliffen resort on an old volcanic crater offers Morocco’s most accessible ski slopes; in summer its cedar landscapes are great for walks.
- Picnic at Dayet Aoua lake. A serene mountain lake ringed by forest 15 km from town, loved for birdwatching, rowing and lakeside picnics (water levels vary with the year).
- Explore Ifrane National Park. Cedar and oak forests, karst plateaus and wildlife — the park protects the largest cedar forest in the world and is laced with walking trails.
- Visit Azrou’s Berber market. The neighbouring Amazigh town of Azrou holds a big weekly souk and is known for cedar-wood crafts and carpets.
- Taste the mountain air in a cafe. Trout, honey, and hot chocolate on a chalet terrace — Ifrane’s pleasures are simple and best enjoyed slowly.
How Many Days in Ifrane?
Ifrane is a half-day to one-day stop, typically combined with the cedar forest and Azrou on the scenic route between Fes or Meknes and the south. In winter, add time for the snow at Michliffen.
Getting There and Around
Ifrane sits about an hour south of Fes and Meknes by road (grand taxi or CTM bus). Drivers heading to the desert via Midelt pass right through — it makes a perfect leg-stretch. For the wider region, see our Atlas Mountains guide.
Ifrane has a handful of resort hotels and chalet-style stays; many travelers simply overnight in Fes and visit on a day loop with Azrou and the cedar forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ifrane called the Switzerland of Morocco?
Because of its alpine chalets, gardens, clean streets and mountain climate at 1,650 metres in the Middle Atlas - complete with snow in winter and a ski resort at Michliffen.
Does it snow in Ifrane?
Yes. Ifrane gets regular snowfalls between December and February, and temperatures can drop below freezing - it holds one of Africa's lowest recorded temperatures.
Is Ifrane worth visiting?
Yes, as a half-day or day trip: the stone lion, the alpine town centre, the cedar forest with its Barbary macaques and Dayet Aoua lake make an easy, refreshing break from the imperial cities.
How far is Ifrane from Fes?
About 65 kilometres - roughly one hour by road - making it one of the easiest day trips from Fes, often combined with Azrou and the cedar forest.
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Coordinates: 33° 31′ 58.8″ N, 5° 6′ 0″ W
| Name in English | Ifrane |
| Name in Arabic | Ifrane |
| Region | Fes - Meknes |
| Population | 155 000 |
| Demonym | Ifrayni |
| Zip Code | 53 000 |
- Ifrane weather
- Sunday 12:00
- Sky is clear
-
30ºC | 87°F
- More details about Ifrane Weather
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