Dar Zayane: A middle Atlas Retreat in Morocco

Dar Zayane is a cozy, family-owned guesthouse located in Morocco's Middle Atlas Mountains, right in the village of Arouggou near Khenifra. You'll find it just about 7 kilometers from Khenifra town, surrounded by lush Arougou valley and cedar forests all around.

Dar Zayane is in an eco-friendly spot that's perfect for getting into Khénifra National Park, and it's close to cool natural sites like the Oum-er-Rabia springs, Aguelmam Azegza lake, and the Ajdir plateau.

With only eight private rooms, this guesthouse is a quiet place where you can enjoy a real Berber vibe without the crowds. You can stay in comfy rooms or bungalows that have patios looking out over the mountains and gardens. They've got fun perks like a seasonal outdoor pool with great views, free bikes to borrow, a traditional hammam for chilling out, and a shared lounge.

The restaurant serves tasty Moroccan food, including classic ftour meals and big breakfasts made with fresh local stuff. You'll also get free WiFi everywhere, private parking, a front desk open all day and night, and kid-friendly spots like an indoor play area, playground outside, and a baby gate.

If you need a ride from Beni Mellal Airport (about 73 miles away), they can arrange a shuttle for a small fee.

When you're staying here, you can dive into outdoor fun in the Middle Atlas, like guided hikes through the national park to see animals such as Barbary macaques and birds in the cedar trees. Grab a free bike to explore the valleys and plateaus nearby, or try cultural stuff like the Amazigh program, where you visit local Berber villages and old sites.

The team can set up sports activities, nature walks, or even stargazing at night under the clear skies. In colder weather, you might cozy up by the outdoor fireplace after your adventures.

Dar Zayane got an 8.6 out of 10 on Booking.com from over 300 reviews, with people posting about the friendly staff, stunning views, and yummy breakfasts, though some say certain bungalows don't have the best views and it might feel a bit pricey. To avoid this issue, simply contact the team before booking about your preferences.

Check-in is from 2 PM to 8 PM, and you check out by noon, with no smoking allowed inside. For the best trip, come in spring or fall when the weather's nice for hiking, and book ahead since there aren't many rooms. You can reserve on Booking.com or contact us for possible deals.