Ifrane National Park

Ifrane National Park

    Jewel of the Middle Atlas, the Ifrane National Park covers an area of 125,000 ha, at an altitude that varies from 1,500 to 2,400 meters. It owes its name to the city of the same name located in the region of Meknes, about sixty km south of Fez.

The particularity of Ifrane National Park is based on the diversity of its landscapes: mountains, valleys, springs. Without counting the presence of numerous caves, like that of Ifri Ouberid and even vestiges which date from prehistoric times. The site also has a ski resort in Michlifen, equipped to accommodate skiers from the first snowfall (please check the weather forecast for the correct period).

It is also the largest water reserve in the kingdom. Ifrane National Park is crossed by many rivers. Several sources have also taken up residence there. Not to mention the bodies of water that supply the surrounding towns and permanent natural lakes. In the park there is also a hiking circuit called "circuit of the lakes".

Its rich forest makes Ifrane National Park a unique site of its kind. The cedar forest it shelters is also the largest in the whole kingdom. But there are also maritime pines and various categories of oaks, such as holm oak or Portuguese oak.

Another interest of this famous site: the presence of quite exceptional and preserved fauna. It is in the Ifrane natural park that one can observe macaques, as well as prickly deer, otters, red-footed crayfish and even panthers. Obviously, very many species of birds breed there, notably raptors. Others stop there during their migration. It is also the area of choice for around thirty species of amphibians and reptiles.

Created in 2004, this natural site is also very protected and highly renowned in terms of ecotourism. Nature lovers, contemplatives, are amazed by the spectacle of this generous nature and offering a variety of breathtaking landscapes. Ifrane National Park is particularly popular with fishermen and hikers, as there are many walking and botanical trails that allow you to explore the fabulous riches of the park in peace. And we are seeing more and more mountain bikes. Accommodation is also available on site, usually in a gîte. Main festivity in Ifrane national park: the lake festival. It takes place every year in July around Lake Dayet Aoua.

Wildlife and Floristic reserve:

True natural reserve where is represented a variety of floristic essences including more than 1015 plant species is more than 22% of the Moroccan flora and a high rate of endemism (25%). The main forest species are Atlas Cedar, Holm Oak, Zen Oak, Maritime Mountain Pine, Thuriferous Juniper. As for secondary forest species, there are Montpellier maple, yew, holly, juniper oxyhedron, hawthorn, ash ... and fauna species (Magot monkey, wild boar, golden jackal, migratory and sedentary birds ...). The diversity of altitudes, wetlands and plateaus also provide ecosystems for very rich plants, many of which are endemic. Observe this rich biodiversity throughout the province.

Tourist Host country:

At the heart of the Middle Atlas Mountains, the tourist host country of Ifrane is a fascinating destination of charm located about sixty kilometers from the two imperial cities Meknes and Fez. The region is full of green landscapes, lakes and huge forests of cedars, holm oaks and pines. It is also one of the kingdom’s water supplies. The region is home to a multitude of picturesque villages with an Amazigh character and ancestral traditions. The Ministry of Tourism created in 2003 the concept of the Tourist Host Country which aims to enhance and develop the human and natural resources of rural areas, to attract tourists to the hinterland and organize a tourist offer around 'a well-defined territory.

Tourism infrastructure:

The destination of Ifrane benefits from an important and specific accommodation infrastructure (several standings of hotels, hotel residences, guest farms, inns, lodges, camping…) distributed between the town of Ifrane, d 'Azrou, rural and forest areas, small villages or douars ... The province also has an internal road network in good condition and it is connected to major cities, which facilitates the service of circuits and connections with the airport of Fez and the imperial cities of Fez and Meknes. A long-distance hiking trail allows you to live in the heart of the cedar forest for several days and rural accommodation welcomes you for the stage.

Tourist activity area:

The tourist activities of the Ifrane destination take on the colors of the four seasons of the year. Several innovative activities have emerged in recent years (skiing, hiking, marathon, horse, tree climbing, bivouac, mountain biking, fishing, hunting ...). Each of you can find in Ifrane one of the activities that can give him a feeling of well-being and pleasure either in the offer of existing tourist providers or in the life of local populations (souks, moussem, rites, transhumance, agriculture ...) . The curious, the amateurs or the professionals will surely find how to enhance their stay.