Ifrane National Park, Morocco
10 days - 9 nights
Fri, Mar 20 - Mon, Mar 30, 2026
Middle to long distance running (1700-2000m elevation)
£TBCpp (all included except flights)
Join us in the incredible Ifrane national park located in the Mid Atlas Mountains. It is home to rolling hills, green landscapes, cedar forests, and is the main base for Moroccan athletes to undergo altitude training.
The trip will begin an end in Fez, approximately 60km north of Ifrane, allowing us to visit the Medina which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
‘ To call the trip just a running one does it an injustice; from Youssef talking us through star constellations to the fashion parade, from the incredible (and large portioned) meals to meeting Rachid El Morabity, an ultra-running legend. We were all sad to see the end of the week.
The hospitality of the Moroccan people whom we met was incredible. It was a great privilege to go on the trip, and I hope to return soon!’
Saul Wells - Ifrane Trip attendee (Apr 2025)
ITINERARY
Highlights include:
Train at altiude alongside some of Morocco’s most promoising athletic talent
Run on the national track, on trails in the worlds largest Cedar forest, and on 4x4 tracks and ski routes of the Mountains.
Enjoying authentic mountain lodging, Moroccan cuisine and the relaxed lifestyle of the Mid Atlas Mountains
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The trip starts in the mid afternoon with our first dinner as a group. We will be heading into the city for our meal, and being a Friday, it will be very lively to say the least!
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In the morning, we will visit the old medina where, exploring the rich Islamic history and local industries including the tanneries where leather is made, then the bus will come to collect us to take us to our guesthouse in Ifran National park in the late morning so that we arrive in Ifrane for a late lunch.
It is approximately a 90-minute drive. The rest of the day will be relatively relaxed; we will tour the area and get introduced to the various activities, as well as an introductory visit to a famous running location and an optional shake out run as people adapt to the altitude.
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These days will look similar, with us waking up at 8:30 for breakfast and setting off for our run by 9:30. Our run, including the warm up and cool down, will mean we return to the guesthouse at 12:30, giving us half an hour to shower and get ready for lunch at 13:00.
Including lunch we will have our free time till 15:00, in which this time you will be able to select the cultural exchange activity from the whiteboard for the day. Having chosen the option, you will undergo such activity from 15:00 to 19:00.
Dinner will be served at 19:30, giving us half an hour to an hour (depending on the day) to undergo a group workout and/ or stretching routine. After our evening meal, there will be free time to play card games and stargaze before hitting the hay.
There will also be the option to visit the famous waterfall of Michlifen. To do it in one day, we will leave early, reach the waterfall for lunchtime and return to the guest house for sunset/ dinner. It is a longer run and there will be the option to hike for those who prefer.
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Today will be the day we make our way to the famous waterfall of Michlifen. To do it in one day, we will leave early, reach the waterfall for lunchtime and return to the guest house for sunset/ dinner. It is a longer run and there will be the option to hike for those who prefer.
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Transport to and from Fez
Running guides and pacers
Access to the track, pool and gym
Accommodation
All meals and water
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Flights
Personal travel insurance
Personal expenses e.g souvenirs
Tips
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All cuisine will be Moroccan dishes prepared by local cooks and included in the price
All food is locally sourced and it is not an issue to accommodate for allergies and dietary requirements
Bottled water provided but note the fresh water springs in the mountains are safe to drink
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The first and last night will be in a 3 star hotel in Fez.
One night will be in a guesthouse
Two nights will be spent in a mountain refuge
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Ifrane is infamous for its snow and skiing opportunities during the winter. This is a result of its altitude (1700-2000m) which means it is cooler than the rest of Morocco.
Autumn or Spring is a great time to be running. Expect dry weather with clear skies.
Temperatures will be around 20 to 24 degrees during the day with 8 to 10 degrees at night.
KEY INFORMATION
With its relaxed mountain lifestyle, Ifrane, is one of the world’s leading altitude training destinations. It is situated at 1700m and has a rich history as the top training hub for Morocco’s Olympic medalists (E.g Hitcham El Guerrouj, Soufiane El Bakkali).
Whilst still being relatively unknown in the running community, it is a short flight from Europe and boasts elite training facilities; like the 400m track, 2km plateau loop, 7.5km lake loop, endless mountain trails and quiet roads perfect for long runs.
MEET THE RUNNING GUIDES
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Youssef Boulite
Ex-competitive runner and former mountain guide with the British army, Youssef is now an award-winning tour guide. In his village of Aroumd, he plays a leading role in the community by helping establish the new primary school and supporting local youth through sport.
Youssef will serve as the head guide from day one, sharing his extensive knowledge on the region and faciliting integration into the local community.
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Nourdin Bachqi
Internationally competitive trail runner (50-80km) who is a UTMB qualifier. Nordine began his running career late at the age of 20 in order to beat his older brother in a bet. He is now competing on the international stage at the age of 24 and holds the record for fastest known time ascending and descending Toubkal (the highest peak in North Africa) from his village of Imlil (3h 32m).
Nordine often undergoes his road running at Ifrane and will be joining as a pacer and running guide.
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Oscar Stapleton
Fluent in the language and a top level athlete. Oscar is the co-founder of Haraka Baraka and has extensive knowledge on the region through his time living in the MIddle East and his academic career in Islamic studies. He runs a 15.48 5k and has experience coaching youth athletic clubs in Jordan.
Oscar has often undergone winter training in Ifrane and will be acting as a coach, pacer and assistant guide.
‘Haraka Baraka’ is an Arabic expression meaning ‘Movement is a Blessing' — a phrase that reflects our belief in sports ability to bring us together.
We specialise in curated running trips across the Middle East and North Africa, drawing on years of experience and a extensive regional network to offer people the ability to enjoy a new location and culture through a shared love of sports.
All our trips are led by local athletes and provide participants with an authentic, immersive experience beyond that of typical tourism.