Middle Atlas Mountains

About a forty-minute drive from Fes, nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains lies the city of Ifrane.  No, you didn’t take a wrong left turn at Albuquerque, and no, it’s not an illusion.  You’re still in Morocco, but you’ve been transported to an Alpine-looking village for the day.  The regional language of the Amazigh in this area is Tamazight, and the word “ifrane” means caves.  On your visit to this quiet spot, you will be able to visit with the lovely Amazigh people, see the caves and soak in the scenery.  Ifrane is home to the largest population of the endangered Barbary macaque monkey. Friendly and always in need of a snack, the monkeys will make you laugh.  Surrounded by Mediterranean oak and cedar trees, a visit to Ifrane is a chance to breathe in the fresh, cool mountain air and take a break.  Really, where else can you sip a cup of hot cocoa and feed a bunch of monkeys?