The trip from Ifran & Erfoud to the desert (Merzouga) is one of the most complete trips in Morocco. You have the possibility to admire every kind of landscape from the snow to the desert. The transition between the north and the center of the country is noticeable, not many tourists make this journey. We will pass from the Middle Atlas up to cross the High Atlas, which are the mountain ranges of the country.
IFRAN
From Fez we will go to the Middle Atlas, to visit Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Africa. The name came from the shape of the houses, it will remember you Switzerland. Visiting the city will not take you many hours, I anticipate that it is not a mandatory stop and you can avoid it. Also, it is not possible to access by car or bus because it is a residential area but if you take a break or take a coffee is perfect.
The next city will be Azrou “the rock”, a Berber village known for its crafts, carpets and wooden sculptures, so I arrive in Midelt.
WOOD OF THE MONKEYS
Near the town of Azrou, there is the wood of the monkeys, I highly recommend to stop. The monkeys are free and always hungry, (bring fruit) will be happy to receive it. They are pacific and well-educated, take food only if you offer it to them.
Follow the road to Tizi Talghemt or Cuello del Camella, at an altitude of 1907 meters. The relief is impressive, the mountains are completely naked, covered with a purple coat. Arrival at ErrachiDia and engage at the crossroads of the Tafilalet massif up to the Erfoud palm grove.
ERFOUD OASIS
Erfoud is a city located in an oasis of the Sahara desert, because of its proximity to Merzouga, a desert village in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, it has developed an important tourism industry with many hotels, Riads, and restaurants. If you are a film fanatic, know that in this area they filmed: The Mummy, Prince of Persia and ESPECTRO. The landscape is impressive, you can stop at various points to take the best pictures.
Once in Merzouga, you can enjoy a day in the desert, for more details read here! Or maybe you want to know about Marrakesh?
