Meknès unfolds with a quiet authority, its imposing gates and sun-baked walls marking the entrance to a city shaped by centuries of history. Begin your exploration at Bab Mansour, the grandest of its ancient gates, where intricate mosaics make time’s passage visible in stone. Nearby, the Royal Stables welcome curious footsteps into vaulted chambers once housing thousands of cavalry, the air still holding whispers of past glory. Wander through the Place El Hedim—a lively square that bridges past and present—and step inside the Bou Inania Madrasa for a glimpse of Moroccan craftsmanship carved with deliberate precision.

Once history’s call has been answered, the Middle Atlas Mountains lie to the south with a different promise—one of green forests and rugged trails that dare hikers to test their resolve. About 30 kilometers from Meknès, the mountains rise sharply, their slopes clad in cedars that sway with a slow, knowing rhythm. The recommended hike to Lac Afennourir offers a route of 10 kilometers round-trip with a moderate 350-meter elevation gain. The trail winds through shaded paths where the scent of pine needles greets you, and small streams challenge your footing with their persistent rush.

Throughout the hike, the Middle Atlas shows a character fiercely itself—no gentle backdrop, but an active participant pushing you on with shifting terrain and unexpected views. Keep your gear light but purposeful: sturdy boots with good grip, hydration packs ready to fend off midday heat, and layered clothing for the variable mountain climate. Start early to avoid the afternoon sun, and watch as the light slides through the forest canopy, spotlighting patches of wild thyme and clusters of bright berries.

By late afternoon, as you return to Meknès, the city’s stone walls glow warmly under the setting sun, bridging your two worlds of history and wilderness. This journey rewards more than just the sights—it leaves a practical sense of engagement with a landscape that honors both the past’s stories and the present’s challenges.