Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Each morning and evening, CTM buses leave for Marrakesh (Dh155, eight hours) via
Beni Mellal. There's a daily 9am departure for Casablanca (Dh120, five hours) via
Meknès (Dh25, one hour) and Rabat (Dh90, 3½ hours).
Non-CTM buses are more frequent but Ifrane is not a regular stop: ask to be dropped
off.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Azrou
The Berber town of Azrou is an important market centre sitting at the junction of the
roads to Fez, Meknès, Midelt and Khenifra. Deep in the Middle Atlas it sits amid stunning
scenery, with sweeping views of cedar and pine forests, and high meadows that burst into
flower every spring. Thoroughly unhurried, it's a relaxing spot to wind down if you've
had too much of big cities.
Azrou (Great Rock) takes its name from the outcrop marking the town's western
boundary. The big
Ennour mosque
, beautifully finished with local cedar, provides another
handy landmark.
Azrou hosts one of the region's largest weekly souqs, and is particularly known for its
Berber carpets, so timing your visit for market day (Tuesday) is a good idea. A museum of
the Middle Atlas has been under construction for some years, yet its final opening seems
permanently delayed. It's probably better instead to just head out of town to enjoy the sur-
rounding countryside; there are plenty of day walks that take in the mountain air and great
views. You might even spot a few of the local Barbary apes.
