Perched impressively on the edge of a plateau, the medina of Taza
overlooks the strategic pass between the Rif and the Middle Atlas, the
origin of numerous invasions. It was said that whoever ruled Taza would
eventually conquer Fes. A tour of the Almohad walls offers great views,
while a walk in the charming
medina leads through partially covered souks and past grand houses with
beautiful, heavy, wooden doors
and ornate window grilles.
Ý 186 A4
* 120km east of Fes
v Buses from Fes, Oujda and Nador
t Trains from Fes, Oujda and Meknes
The picturesque village of Moulay-Idriss takes its name from the "Father
of Morocco"
5. Moulay-Idriss
Morocco's most sacred village, hugging Jebel Zerhoun, is arguably also
one of the most picturesque. Although its main attraction - the tomb of
its eponymous founder - is closed to non-Muslims (who are also not
allowed to stay overnight in the village), its beautiful alleys and
narrow streets are well worth a visit, particularly combined with nearby
Volubilis.
Moulay Idriss I, a sherif (descendant of the Prophet Mohammed), founded
the first Muslim kingdom
in Morocco in the 8th century when he came from Mecca and converted the
Berbers in Oualili to Islam.
A year later he founded Fes, and is considered the" Father of Morocco".
Every August, the country's largest moussem attracts pilgrims from all
over Morocco for several weeks.
Ý 183 E4
* 30km north of Meknes
v Bus from Fes; grand taxi from Meknes
6. Imouzzer-du-Kandar
In summer, Fassis come to this Berber village and mountain resort to
enjoy the cooler air, the parks, the tree-shaded avenues and a swimming
pool filled with spring water. A souk is held every Monday in the ruined
kasbah of the Ait Seghrouchen, which features the Seghrouchen tribe's
unusual underground habitations. These offer increased security and
protection from heat and cold. A track east out of town leads to the
watchtower on Jebel Abad, from Imperial Cities and Middle Atlas where
it's a short walk to the summit for spectacular views.
Ý 183 F3
* 40km south of Fes
v Bus from Fes
7. Sefrou
This ancient walled city, nestled in the foothills of the Middle Atlas,
features a small, picturesque and charming medina that's ideal for a
leisurely wander. Sefrou was strongly influenced by its once-thriving
Jewish community, though Moulay ldriss I passed through on his
way from Mecca and converted many of its Berber and Jewish inhabitants
to Islam. In the hills, within easy walking distance of the medina, are
several springs and waterfalls.
Ý 183 F3
* 28km south of Fes
v Bus from Fes
8. Azrou
The charm of this small town of pretty, whitewashed houses with
green-tiled roofs perhaps lies in its tranquillity. Built on the
crossroads of two important routes (Meknes to Tafilalt and fes to
Marrakech) it's the main market for the semi-nomadic Beni Mguild Berber
tribe, who cultivate lands in the mountains. In winter they descend to
the plains with their herds and in summer they climb to the higher
forests. Azrou is famous for its Berber carpets and cedarwood carving,
on sale at the Ensemble Artisanal or the Tuesday souk. It also makes a
perfect base for hiking the vast and beautiful cedar forests near by.
Ý 183 E3
* 80km south of Fes
v Buses from Meknes, Fes, Midelt, Ifrane and Casablanca
Ensemble Artisanal
* Town centre, near the Grand Mosque
( (05) 5562430
º Sat-Thu 8:30-noon, 2:30-6:30
9. Midelt
Midelt, a friendly and relaxed town of red-tiled, French colonial
chalets at the foot of Jebel Ayachi, makes a pleasant stop on the road
between the Middle and the High Atlas. It's also an excellent base for
hiking in summer or skiing in winter. Berbers in the surrounding
villages make beautiful carpets and embroideries, which are sold in the
kasbah at the Atelier de Tissage, run by Franciscan nuns. About 25km out
of town on Road 3419 you'll find a
beautiful gorge along the Oued Moulouya.
Berbers at the carpet shops enter negotiations with a fortifying cup of
mint tea
Ý 183 F2
* 125km southeast of Azrou
Atelier de Tissage
* Kasbah Miriem, on the road to Tataouine
( (05) 5582443
º Daily, but weavers do not work Fri, Sun and Aug
On the road from Fes to Marrakech, Beni-Mellal is a green
and pleasant town whose lushness is due to its many springs and its
location near the Bin el-Ouidane dam. The town is surrounded by olive
groves and citrus plantations, its oranges claimed to be the best in
Morocco. The oldest and most pleasant part of town lies within the
Kasbah Bel Kush, built by Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, but almost
entirely rebuilt in the 19th. The Ain Asserdoun ("Source of the Mule")
is a powerful spring 3.5km south of town that feeds the orchards and the
adjacent modern public garden. The restored stone fortress of Borj Ras
el-Ain (about 1km further on) commands wonderful views over the town.
Ý 183 D2
* 190km south of Fes
v Buses from Fes, Marrakech and Azilal
11. Cascades d'Ouzoud
A popular excursion from Beni-mellal, these 110m waterfalls are one of
Morocco's most beautiful natural sights. Don't be tempted to dive into
the shallow pools at their base; instead admire the falls from the
promontory near Cafe Immmouzzer, where you can see the water cascade
through a permanent rainbow. The striking surroundings include red
cliffs, oleanders and wildlife such as turtles, crabs and monkeys.
Stunning the falls may be, but the site can get overcrowded,
particularly at weekends or during the summer when Moroccan students
camp in the area.
Ý 183 D2
* 120km southwest of Beni-Mellal El Grands taxis from Beni-Mellal
The Cascades d'Ouzoud are a popular day trip for local Moroccans
12. Imilchil
Nestled remotely amid spectacular scenery in the heart of the High Atlas
is this pleasant and authentic town. Although it's only accessible by
4X4, it's definitely worth the effort for the famous wedding festival.
However, a new highway was due to open near by in 2002. The Berber Ait
Haddidou tribe meets here every September to celebrate the feast of the
local saint. But this festival is now better known as an occasion for
young Berber men and beautifully dressed girls to meet the partner of
their dreams, to get married (or sometimes divorced). It is a
spectacular event with dancing, singing and romance. The event has been
so overrun by tour groups that the tribe now holds one event for
tourists, and one for themselves,
only announcing the date of the latter at the last minute.
Ý 183 E2
* 45km northwest of Agoudal El
v Four-wheel-drive from Fes, Meknes and Marrakech (expensive)
