Take an amazing biking tour through exotic southern Morocco
Southern Morocco is a romantic and ancient land full of historic wonders, towering fortresses that rise from the desert, and green oases that give life. See all of this and more on the Atlas to Desert Mountain Bike Tour, an immersive 9-day journey by mountain bike through Southern Morocco's best sights and hidden gems.
You'll ride to a long list of incredible sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, the red-bricked walls of Ouarzazate, the Dades Gorges and remote Berber villages tucked away in deep valleys. At the vast sand dunes of Erg Chigaga, you can take a camel ride from the desert campsite where you'll sleep under a billion stars. This biking holiday immerses you in the rich culture, architecture, and natural beauty of Morocco's wild south.
Highlights of the Atlas to Desert Mountain Bike Tour
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Atlas to Desert Mountain Bike Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Marrakech
The adventure begins when you arrive in Marrakech, where a driver meets you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel in the city. After checking in you've got the rest of the day free to relax and explore the historic sites, like the old Medina, the colourful souqs, classic North African architecture, and regal palaces.
Have a good rest to be ready for biking tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Marrakech
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Ride to Ait Benhaddou
After breakfast you leave Marrakech and travel by 4-wheel drive up to the Tizi N'Tichka mountain pass at 2260m, followed by a stop at the imposing Palace of the Glaoui Kasbah in Telouet. From here you start biking through the small Berber villages at the base of the Atlas Mountains and towards the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a red-bricked architectural wonder of southern Morocco.
You’ll spend the night at a guesthouse in Ait Benhaddou and wake up feeling like you've stepped back in time.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Ait Benhaddou
Distance: 48km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs
For today's journey, first make a short transfer to Skoura, a gorgeous oasis in the Dades Valley known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Your bike route then takes you through the lush green palm grove that stands tall in stark contrast to the dry and rough terrain that surrounds you.
Tonight you stay at a guesthouse in Skoura and get the chance to explore the traditional lifestyle of the remote Berber villages and sample the local cuisine.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Skoura
Distance: 35km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Roses Valley to Dades Gorge
Leaving the oasis of Skoura, ride through the beautiful Roses Valley and visit an ancient troglodyte settlement where you can see nomadic Berbers living in caves that have been handed down through generations of families. From this fascinating area, continue to the Dades Gorge on a zig-zagging route through towering red walls. You’ll finish your ride at the oasis village in the gorge surrounded by surreal scenery.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Dades Gorge
Distance: 36km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Saghro Mountains Ride to N’kob
From the Dades Gorge, head out through the Dades Valley and into the high Saghro Mountains, crossing the Tizi n'Tzazert Pass at 2200m with jaw-dropping panoramic views of an endless landscape below.
You'll reach the Berber oasis town of N'kob, nestled at the foot of the towering Saghro Mountains, and enjoy the evening at a charming guesthouse.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in N'kob
Distance: 64km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Draa Valley to Erg Chegaga
Today's route takes you through the green palm oasis of the Draa Valley, passing by traditional clay villages in very remote areas. From the valley, go deep into the desert and approach the striking sand dunes of Erg Chegaga near M'hamid.
You’ll reach your accommodation for the night, the Dunes Sahara Desert Camp, where you also have the chance to ride camels across the sand. Tonight you're sure to marvel at the billions of stars above you in an endlessly vast sky.
Overnight Location: Campsite in Erg Chegaga
Distance: 60km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Draa Valley Exploration
After your night in the desert, you get to explore the Draa Valley some more to see its incredible geological wonders and striking rock formations. You ride towards the palm oasis of the Agdz Valley and finally arrive at the scenic city of Ouarzazate, often called Morocco's own “Little Hollywood” since many blockbuster movies have been filmed here.
Spend the night in Ouarzazate and quickly see why movie producers flock here to make use of the city's traditional architecture and gorgeous scenery.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ouarzazate
Distance: 35km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Tichka Pass to Marrakech
The riding segment of your trip officially ends today as the group loads up the bikes onto the minivan and makes the journey back to Marrakech. On the way back you drive over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, enjoying amazing views below.
Check into your hotel in Marrakech and enjoy time to wander the busy streets, try bargaining in the souqs, eat at the fabulous restaurants, or just rest your weary legs.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Marrakech
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9 Departure from Marrakech
After breakfast, it's time to get ready to head back home. After checking out the driver will take you back to Marrakech Menara Airport for your journey home. We hope to see you again in Morocco!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Atlas to Desert Mountain Bike Tour Price and Dates
This guided mountain biking tour in Morocco is run as a private tour for your group and the price depends on the number of participants.
The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided groups of 2-3: $1,475 USD per person
- Guided groups of 4-5: $1,295 USD per person
- Guided groups of 6: $1,195 USD per person
- Guided groups of 7+: on request
Accommodation on the Atlas to Desert Mountain Bike Tour
This tour provides accommodations for 3 nights in hotels, 4 nights in guesthouses, and 1 night at a campsite in the desert. The hotels on this tour are 2 and 3-star and offer modern conveniences to make your stay comfortable. The guesthouse rooms are either double occupancy or dormitory-style and offer shared facilities. At the desert campsite, all equipment will be provided for you.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are typically double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible (please enquire for the pricing).
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Marrakech
Enjoy a night in Morocco's capital city and head out to explore its vibrant souqs, historic palaces, and impressive mosques.
Guesthouse in Ait Benhaddou
See the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a red-bricked architectural wonder of southern Morocco.
Guesthouse in Skoura
Explore the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs in the beautiful oasis of Skoura and see what life is like in the local villages.
Guesthouse in Dades Gorge
Admire the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Gorge's iconic multi-coloured walls and winding rock formations.
Guesthouse in N'kob
This Berber village built around an oasis is surrounded by gorgeous views of the Jebel Saghro Mountains.
Guesthouse in Erg Chegaga
Ride camels across the never-ending sand dunes of Erg Chigaga and sleep in a nomadic campsite under the open skies.
Hotel in Ouarzazate
Marvel at the exceptionally preserved traditional architecture that has attracted plenty of film studios.
Hotel in Marrakech
Enjoy a night in Morocco's capital city and head out to explore its vibrant souqs, historic palaces, and impressive mosques.
What’s Included in the Atlas to Desert Mountain Bike Tour?
Meals
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 8 nights are included. Additional nights before or after the tour can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is provided throughout the tour, including airport transfers in Marrakech. An assistance car will follow the group during the tour to transfer you, your luggage, and the bikes to the trailheads and the guesthouses each day.
Also Included
- French/English/Spanish-speaking guide
- Guided biking services for 7 days
- Assistance car
- Cook to prepare your meals during the trip
- Camel ride in Erg Chigaga
- Camping equipment at Erg Chigaga
Not included
- Flights to and from Marrakech
- Bike rental and helmets
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Bike rental
Frequently Asked Questions about Atlas to Desert Mountain Bike Tour
Mountain Bike Morocco Company is based in the Atlas Mountains near Marrakech. This incredible adventure tour operator is founded and run by a passionate group of cyclists and avid mountaineers who have been hitting the trails of Morocco for over 30 years. Mountain Bike Morocco offers unique and high-quality mountain biking tours & road cycling holidays in Morocco, with the option to also tailor made itineraries with the guidance of their expert team.
While Mountain Bike Morocco is a small company, their passion and expertise are unmatched. Guests can reap the benefits of travelling with a team of people who absolutely love what they do and are eager to share the best adventures in Morocco with the world. Each and every guide knows the area they work in intimately and are also trained in both bike maintenance and first aid.
The tours offered by Mountain Bike Morocco are unparalleled, combining the very best trails with incredibly unique cultural experiences. Cyclists of all levels are welcome, from entry-level to the pros!
Amazing food and superb accommodations ensure guests stay energized and well rested on their trip and responsible tourism is also at the forefront of operations. Group sizes are small and led by only local staff and expert local guides who aim to protect the cultural integrity of the places they visit.
At the heart of Mountain Bike Morocco Company is the idea that cycling can and should be enjoyed by all! Young or old, rich or poor, everyone should reap the benefits of exploring Morocco in this unique way.
Experience:
Mountain Bike Morocco brings over 30 years of experience to their guests. Their passionate team is constantly evolving to develop new mountain bike tours and unique culture experiences.
Professional guides:
Mountain Bike Morocco guides are highly professional, humble and sociable. Their area of guiding expertise includes day tours, multi-day tours, bike rental, workshops, and even coaching. High quality service and integrity are at the forefront of all operations as well as an emphasis on responsible eco-tourism.
Tours :
Mountains Bike Morocco features tour packages that are suitable for all age groups. Guests can choose from a selection of existing guided road cycling our mountain bike tours and can also customize these to suit individual needs and requests. Competitive pricing and top-rated guides with a world of experience ensure each and every tour is of great value to guests.
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Map of Atlas to Desert Mountain Bike Tour
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Local Guide
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Q&A
Q: What is the best part of guiding tourists in Morocco?
A: I love showing guests the High Atlas Mountains as this area is remarkably beautiful and our guests are constantly left in absolute awe.
Q: What is your favourite trip to do and why?
A: My favourite trip to guide is the Mountain Bike Tour of the Atlas Mountains and Berber Villages. I love introducing guests to the unique local culture, traditions, lifestyle, and of course, the mouth-watering food!
Q: What are guests most surprised about in visiting your country?
A: I think guests are most often surprised by the diversity in our culture, the richness of our history and traditions. They always expect the food will be good, but I think their expectations are often far exceeded in this area!
Q: What is one experience anybody visiting your country should do?
A: I would recommend that guests choose to explore Morocco in a variety of ways to see the best our country has to offer. This can include travelling by bike, by camel or on foot. The activities guests can enjoy here are endless, from cultural sightseeing to incredible trekking, and evening surfing!
Q: What is one local dish or drink that tourists must try on a visit to your country and why?
A: I love our local food, well the first dish fritada with tortillas that is fried pork with potato patties then empanadas.
Q: What is one local dish or drink that tourists must try on a visit to your country and why?
A: Hands down, this is Tagine! Guests may have tried Tagine elsewhere around the world,
but one must try Tagine in its birthplace for the true experience! To top this off, a traditional Min Tea is the perfect follow-up.
Q: Where would you want to go on holiday?
A: My ideal holiday destination is the beach. I really like Essaouira and Agadir.
Q: What is the most challenging adventure you’ve ever done?
A: The most challenging adventure I’ve ever done is exploring might Mount Toubkal by bike.
Q: What do your guests say is best about the trips you lead?
A: Our guests often tell us that their experience was excellent and that the trip they’ve completed with us is one they’ll never forget.