Midelt sits on a high plain between the Middle Atlas and the High Atlas, roughly halfway along the road from Fes to the Sahara. Most travelers know it as a lunch stop or an overnight break. It deserves a little more attention: the town lies at the foot of one of Morocco’s great mountains and is the center of the country’s apple-growing region. This Midelt travel guide covers what to see with a few spare hours or a full day.
Midelt at a Glance
- Altitude: about 1,500 meters.
- Best for: breaking the journey south, mountain scenery, off-road excursions.
- How long: one night; two if you explore the mountains.
- Best time: spring for blossom, autumn for the apple harvest.
What to See and Do
Jebel Ayachi and the Cirque de Jaffar
South of town, the long ridge of Jebel Ayachi rises to more than 3,700 meters and carries snow well into spring. At its foot, the Cirque de Jaffar is a natural amphitheater of cliffs and cedar-dotted slopes reached by a rough track of about 25 kilometers. A 4×4 with a local driver is recommended. Walkers can explore the cirque on foot, and experienced hikers can climb the mountain in a long day or two with a guide.
The Mines of Aouli
North-east of Midelt, a small road follows the gorge of the Moulouya River to the abandoned lead mines of Aouli. Workshops, bridges and housing built in the first half of the 20th century cling to the canyon walls, now empty. It is an eerie, photogenic place. Do not enter the tunnels or buildings, which are unstable.
Kasbah Myriem
On the edge of town, a workshop founded by Franciscan sisters trains local women in embroidery and weaving. Visitors can watch the work and buy carpets, blankets and linen at fixed prices, with the income going to the artisans. Next door is a small monastery.
Minerals and Fossils
The region is rich in minerals, and shops along the main road sell crystals and fossils collected in the surrounding hills. Quality and honesty vary; buy what you like at a price you are comfortable with.
Apples
The altitude and cold winters make Midelt the apple capital of Morocco. Orchards surround the town, white with blossom in April and heavy with fruit in September and October, when stalls line the road and a harvest festival is usually held.
On the Road: North and South of Midelt
To the north, the road from Fes crosses the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas around Ifrane and Azrou. To the south, it climbs over a pass in the High Atlas and descends through the gorges of the Ziz to Errachidia, Erfoud and the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Midelt is about three to three and a half hours from Fes and four from Merzouga.
Where to Stay
Hotels along the main road cater to passing travelers and tour groups, some with pools and restaurants. Smaller guesthouses in town and in nearby villages offer a more personal welcome and can organize mountain excursions.
Practical Tips
- Nights are cold for much of the year, and winters bring frost and snow. Pack accordingly.
- Mountain passes on either side can close briefly after heavy snowfall.
- Use the banks and fuel stations here before continuing south.
- Arrange 4×4 trips through your hotel rather than with roadside touts.