IFRANE TO AZROU

Ifrane is a beautiful little town that appears more like an alpine ski resort than a Moroccan country town. We decided to go for a wander in the countryside to the Source Vittel which was supposed to be a pretty waterfall about 3 km from town. Besides it was a nice day for a walk if you discounted the clouds overhead which appear to have followed us from Casablanca and threatened to again open up on us at the most inopportune time.

Off we wandered - found the sign off the sealed road, found another fork in the road with no directions so took a punt and followed a car left. Shortly after we came to what we were assured was the source vitel or small waterfall. Small is right - not sure about the waterfall part though. Technically it is - yes - because the water runs downhill but it’s more like a fast trickle over some strategically placed rocks.

We wandered back to our hotel, checked out and hired a grand taxi to take us the 10km down the road to our next location, Gite Ras El Ma, which is a small but beautiful B&B just outside of Azrou. It has been upgraded significantly from what we expected through the guide book and they are still going with at least another year until completion. The husband and wife team that own the place welcomed us with open arms and it didn’t take long to feel like one of the family. The Gite is nestled in the countryside and is surrounded by the mountains of the High Atlas. We spent the afternoon arranging a day trek into the mountains for the following day and then just kicked back and enjoyed the tranquility of this beautiful setting.