National Parks of the Middle Atlas

Brief Overview - The “National Parks of the Middle Atlas” trail segment leads us into the heart of the middle Atlas, connecting its two most scenic national parks: Khenifra and Ifrane. Less high than the Atlas Mountain Trail segments further south,  the three days from Khenifra to Azrou are in no way less intense and offer a lot of outstanding single trails.  Due to the lower altitude - the highest point is a plateau above the village of Aïn Leuh at around 1,900m - the trip can be undertaken even in winter or early spring, provided there is no snow. Overall, the route requires excellent fitness and solid technical ability.The journey leads through several important wetland ecosystems that protect Morocco’s scarce water resources. Along the way, you will encounter high-altitude lakes, dreamlike cedar forests, countless rivers, and impressive waterfalls, the most famous being above Zaouia d’Ifrane, where the Oum Er-Rbia River cascades over a wide karst cliff. Wildlife sightings are likely, including birds of prey and the Barbary macaques. The trip leads you through Amazigh communities, most prominently the tribe of the Zayanes in the region of Khenifra, the cradle of the music of the Middle Atlas and famous for their resistance against French colonization.

The tour starts in Khenifra, the provincial capital in the south west of the Middle Atlas. Khenifra is relatively easy to reach from Casablanca (4 to 5h), and Marrakech (6), or Rabat, although it is not connected to the country’s highway or railway network. It lies roughly halfway between Fes and Marrakech along National Route 8, also known as the “Route des Empires,” which historically linked Amazigh kingdoms during the Middle Ages. With around 120,000 inhabitants, Khenifra offers all basic facilities.

The excellent Dar Zayan, a few kilometres outside the centre is the perfect starting point for the tour and the young and dynamic team can support your logistics like transportation or the car transfer to the destination Azrou.

The tour ends in Azrou, a local touristic hub with many touristic facilities, including high-end hotels. Some of us chose to unwind and stretch our muscles at the hammam and spa of the “Palais des Cerisiers” resort.

Phone and 4G coverage is available for roughly 50% of the route. While there are no facilities to repair bikes along the way, in case of any issues it is usually possible to hitchhike down to the valley and nearest towns along the route.

Accommodation

Local Tourism Network
For additional information you can reach out to the members of the Atlas Mountain Trail Network

• Younes El Kassimi (Ait Tamlil) +xxx, 
• Ahmed Asho (Destination/Oualed Ali Youssef) +212 63950167