DURATION
7 nights
LOCATION
Morocco
ANNUAL LEAVE
5 days
SEASON
March-May / Sept-Nov
GROUP SIZE
Up to 12 people
MEETING POINT
Marrakech Menara Airport
ACCOMMODATION
Classic
Traditional riad · Guesthouse · Glamping · Riad
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
You won’t need to be super fit, but you should have experience riding back-to-back days with moderate elevation gain
Cycle through the Valley of the Roses, pausing at the ancient UNESCO ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
Take on the infamous Tizi n’Tazazert Pass (2220m) for panoramic views of the lunar-esque Jbel Saghro mountains
Bed down in a traditional Berber camp nestled among the dunes underneath a Saharan sky
Day 1
Welcome to Marrakech
Arrive at the colourful city of Marrakech and head to your traditional riad in the historic medina. Spend the day exploring the souk and Jemaa el-Fnaa, the unforgettable main square – a place that’s been beguiling and entertaining travellers for centuries. Finish the day meeting your crew over dinner to hear all about the adventure ahead.
Day 2
Time to hit the road
Driving
3hrs
Cycling
47km · 410m up · 920m down
Up bright and early for a 4-wheel drive to the east of the country. You'll cruise over the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass (2260m) all the way to Telouet where you'll get set up on your bikes. Today's ride undulates and passes through small Berber villages and the red rock Ounila Valley. You'll arrive at the famous UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou in time for mint tea and sunset on the terrace.
Day 3
Get your Throne Game on
Driving
1.5hrs
Cycling
37km · 210m up · 460m down
Ait Ben Haddou is a ksar, or fortified city, at the foot of the High Atlas, mostly famous for being a UNESCO site and one of Morocco's oldest settlements, but more recently known as the backdrop in a Game of Thrones and The Gladiator. You'll have a bit of time to explore and hear more about the ksar's fascinating history before heading to Ghassate where you'll start your ride. Watch the scenery change as you cycle through the palm groves and oases of Skoura.
Day 4
Gorge Hunting
Driving
1hr
Cycling
50km · 635m up · 540m down
Leaving the palm oases of Skoura via the beautiful Taslmante Valley, you'll cycle to an ancient troglodyte settlement - many nomadic Berbers still live in the caves handed down through generations of families. It's likely you'll stop to chat to a family and of course, enjoy some more mint tea. You'll cycle through the Valley of the Roses, home to a huge rose-growing community and the main source of rose water. You'll overnight in the striking Dades Gorge, a haven for rock climbers who come to scale the 500m+ walls.
Day 5
To the moon
Driving
1.5hrs
Cycling
60km · 1190m up · 1715m down
Time for the big push. The Dades Valley lies between the High Atlas Mountains and the Jbel Saghro Mountains. You'll weave your way through both mountain ranges on a slow and steady ascent of the Tizi n’Tazazert pass (2200m). Cruise the switchbacks all the way to the top for panoramic views of the lunar-like landscape before rolling downhill to spend the night at the lush Berber oasis town of N’kob.
Day 6
The Sahara
Driving
1hr
Cycling
40km · 400m up · 470m down
You'll ride on gravel tracks today as you follow the river, past watermelon fields and honey farms, with some peaceful shaded spots to pause for lunch. Pushing on you'll get to the small provincial capital of Zagora for a coffee stop in the main square. Zagora used to be the starting point for 'camel caravans', an essential means of trade as the camels crossed the Sahara to Timbuktu in 52 days. You'll finish riding on the sand tracks of the Sahara and hop into a jeep for a short bumpy ride to your desert camp. Dinner is served in one of the open tents, the vastness and silence of the desert providing a dramatic backdrop.
Day 7
Back to the city
Cycling
30km · 120m up · 80m down
Driving
5hrs
Back to Marrakech today, this time via Ouarzazate, an ancient city famed for featuring in the 1962 film 'Lawrence of Arabia'. You'll ride from oasis to oasis through the Draa Valley. In spring, vegetables are grown in the fertile Wadi Draa and will feature in your last picnic lunch. After lunch, a transfer takes you back to Marrakech for a final group dinner and a celebration of your week crossing Morocco by bike.
Day 8
Time to go home
Relax over your last Moroccan breakfast, explore the town some more if you have time, then transfer to the airport to catch your flight home.
Included
Guides
Local, professional, English-speaking guides and bike mechanics
Accommodation
4 nights in local guesthouses, 2 night in a riad, 1 in a Berber desert camp
Meals
All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
Transfers
Transfers from the airport and throughout the trip
Equipment
Scott Genius 750 bikes and all your desert camping equipment
Luggage Transfer
A truck to carry all your overnight kit
Support Vehicle
To hop into if your legs need a rest
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for your guides
Visas where required
Day 1
Traditional riad · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 5
Guesthouse · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Glamping · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Riad · Triple share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Departure day
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Moroccan food is a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Local specialities include tajines (a stew cooked in an earthenware pot), couscous and pastilles (flaky pastries stuffed with meat and dusted with cinnamon and sugar). Food is often spiced with cumin, turmeric and ginger. Breakfast will usually feature bread, jam, eggs, fruit, juice, coffee and milk. Lunchtime picnics consist of fresh salad, lentils, pasta, rice, fish, bread and fresh fruit. Dinner will usually include soup, a classic Moroccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts and fruit.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request it on your passenger information form.
What is the accommodation like?
Marrakech
You'll stay in a beautiful riad - a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden or courtyard. The exact riad will be confirmed nearer the time based on availability and group size, however, all are chosen for their excellent reputation, location, beautiful decor and welcoming service. You will likely stay in Riad Africa or Riad Viewpoint or one of a similar standard. Rooms are twin-share by default.
On the road
While riding you'll stay in a selection of locally owned and run guesthouses. Each are clean, simple, traditional and chosen for their outstanding destinations. Most have a terrace to enjoy the views of your remote overnight spots. Rooms are twin-share by default.
Sahara Berber Camp
You'll spend one night in a Berber camp in the dunes of the Sahara. This is definitely more glamping than camping; each tent has raised beds and an en-suite as standard. There's plenty of space to enjoy the peace of the desert and to have a chat around the fire at night. Tents are twin-share by default.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. This is available for all nights apart from the Berber camp night. Please request this at the time of booking as this is subject to availability.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Marrakech Airport (RAK)
Arrive any time on Day 1
Ends
Marrakech Airport (RAK) or Marrakech Centre
Depart any time on Day 8
Transfers
Private transfers between the airport and your riad are included for any time (and day) you choose to arrive or depart.
Travel options
There are daily flights to Marrakech from major airports across the UK and Europe.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
CYCLE KIT
Helmet (required)
Pedals and saddle if you would rather use your own (these will be fitted to the bike for you)
CLOTHES
Padded cycling shorts
Sports top or cycling jersey (shoulders covered)
Fleece jacket or similar jacket for the evenings
Rain and windproof lightweight jacket
Trousers/leggings for the evenings
Mountain bike gloves for off road cycling
Buff or neck scarf
T-shirts
Underwear & socks
Sunglasses and sunhat
Something to sleep in
Cycling shoes/trainers (bring your own pedals if using cleats)
Sandals
For Nov and Mar trips only
A thin lightdown jacket
Hat
Gloves
OTHER
Swimwear (for guesthouses)
Bumbag or small handlebar bag for riding
Quick-dry travel towel
Universal travel adapter
Power bank or solar charger
Passports (and visas)
Travel Insurance documents
Earplugs
Suncream
Personal first-aid kit (including blister treatment)
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Alcohol hand-gel
Reusable water bottle
Energy bars and snacks
Double or Twin Room in Marrakech
Payable Before Departure
Double or Twin Room in Marrakech
…
Single Room in Marrakech
Payable Before Departure
Single Room in Marrakech
…
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
A truly amazing experience in the Atlas mountains, fantastic landscapes, lovely guides, great and healthy food, many snacks, loads of fun!
Great itinerary and positive group dynamic. Very good trip all round.
Fantastic introduction to Morocco! Stunning scenery, brilliant guides and the mix of on- and off-road cycling had something for everyone.
I would highly recommend this morocco cycling trip. It was our first MBA trip and it definitely didn't disappoint. Our cycling guide Mohammed and his team were great. They were friendly, helpful and very accommodating, answering all of our questions and taking us to additional sightseeing places in the evenings. They were really knowledgeable about the surrounding area. Mohammed was really keen to make sure we were all enjoying the way the days were set out, which we were! The amount of driving varied each day, but none of it felt too much, we had plenty of cycling time each day. There is a mix of on and off road and plenty of stops for water refills and snacks of dates and nuts. As a mountianbiker, there was nothing technical on the off road days, but they were really enjoyable and you could take in all the views. The cars are never far away, with one always close enough behind for anything you need. We didn't feel rushed or pressured on any of the days, and always had a good description of the day the night before. The additional excursion and stops throughout the day were all really well planned, and while its clear Mohammed wanted to give you a real experience of what life is like in morocco, you didn't feel like you were intruding on the locals. The group we had were absolutely great. A variety of backgrounds and nationalities and really friendly. We were a small group, all with different cycling experiences and strengths but all rode together throughout the days with no issues, and enjoyed our evenings eating together. The accommodation chosen was a real bonus. You wont stay in many touristy hotels, and you will stay in some very small family run guest houses that are amazing! The food is also great, both in the guesthouses and hotels, but especially the picnic lunches on you days eating out in the desert My tips would be: If you're thinking about taking your own seat and pedals - definitely do it! The seats looked ok but for 6 days in the saddle I was pleased to have my own! I didn't take my pedals as I ride flats so didn't think I'd need them, but the pedals on the bikes are basic, and quite small in surface area, this sometimes gave me pins and needles! A reminder for those from the UK - Your brakes will be on the opposite sides to what you're used to! You will need cash as soon as you arrive in Marrakech for tips. Change some money at the airport but don't get the travel card some of our group got, as its not needed. Make sure you change enough money for the full 6 days when you're cycling as there isn't any opportunity to do so once you've left Marrakech. You really wont spend much on this holiday, but its nice to leave tips or the locals you visit. You don't need much in the way of clothing other than your cycling gear and comfy clothing for evenings. Take lots of sun lotion and apply it every time you stop!
Excellent holiday and I'm so glad I signed up. Our guide, Mohammed and his team were so friendly and always wanted to make sure you had a good time. The picnic lunches were excellent and just what I needed after cycling over the pass! You will eat so much on this holiday and love it!
There is some driving each day to get to the start of the rides but, as mentioned in previous reviews, it meant that each day the riding was varied and interesting and we got to skip the long straight, busy roads. It was a good mix of road and off road terrain and but it wasn't too difficult and Mohammed always made it clear you could go at your own pace and not feel rushed. The scenery is also so beautiful that you will want to take lots of pictures! There is a fair amount of climbing but the support vehicle is always there if you need more water or want a lift up. It does also mean there are some great downhills.
Mohammed had clearly planned each day carefully and included additional excursions (I won't ruin the surprises) which added an extra dimension to the holiday and I really enjoyed it. Our group was great, all with different cycling strengths and very supportive.
If you are reading this and considering booking then my advice would be to go for it and fall in love with Morocco. It's also great for budgeting spend as so much is already included so my daily spend was normally about £5-£10 on drinks and tips.
My tips would be:
- Build your fitness before the holiday. The heat, terrain and climbing means you will benefit from being physically fit
- When you change money at the airport don't get the travel card. Outside of Marrakesh most hotels and shops only accepted cash. Even 200 dirham notes can be hard to change
- At the airport most people are waiting outside the doors. There are a few in the arrivals hall but don't worry if you don't see the MBA sign - go outside.
Finally, have an amazing time!
I would really recommend this trip! Overall the cycling was great, a nice mix of road and off-road, it was a great way to see Morocco! The scenery is breathtaking, the food (incl picnic lunches) is great and you stay in some lovely authentic places and the locals are very friendly. And the mint tea is great! Definitely bring cycle gloves to prevent blisters, bring layers (long sleeve tops) as the weather can get very warm during the day and the sun is very strong. There were some additional cultural activities thrown in including Kasbah visits which were nice additions to the cycling. You drive most days to get to the best locations for cycling but this just means the cycling routes are well thought out. Overall I think this was a great way to see Morocco, and we had a great group to enjoy it with!
We had a wonderful time in Morocco, from start to finish the trip was great - from the booking experience (one of the best websites out there) to the guide/driver and our group, the whole experience was brilliant. We had never cycled in that way before and just had the best time, the group dynamic was fun and it was so nice to meet a really great group of lovely people. The trip rating was spot on, we loved feeling a little challenged and even on the hardest day we had a choice of the easy or harder route. We were the only ones out there and that really added to the wildness of the experience yet the guide and staff and support car were with us all the time so we always felt supported. Health and safety was also good. The food was plentiful and tasty, great shady picnic spots and the pace of the cycling was also good and gauged well for the group. The equipment was good and well maintained, accommodation was basic and in good condition and the hosts of all the places we stayed were so friendly, all in all a very good value for money trip and a real highlight was ending the tour at the sand dunes - pretty magical.
What a wonderful week spent in Morocco! There truly is no better way to see a country than by bike and Morocco is mind blowing in it's immense landscapes and welcoming people. The weather was pleasant (mid October). I was happily surprised with the lack of traffic on the roads and the conscientious drivers, allowing us to roll along enjoying the views. The full suspension bikes came into their own on the off road sections and although there are some long climbs in parts, take it as a challenge, you are never far from an incredible vista, a snack break of dates, fresh oranges and of course mint tea! The itinerary is spot on: you've come to ride your bike, but added in were visits to a kasbah, a morning siteseeing walk and a hint of culture mixed in for good measure. We were never bored and yet we never felt rushed. It was the perfect active holiday and I didn't think about work for even a second! If you've been thinking of Morocco as a holiday, this trip is a great one.
A stunning journey through Morocco which mixes together the most breathtaking scenery and a great opportunity to explore some of the region’s history. A great variety of locations were explored and whilst it was definitely challenging at times it was a great experience I would recommend in a heartbeat and I’m proud to have done
A really enjoyable trip - a fair amount of driving involved but worth it because all the cycling was well thought out with a nice mix of routes, terrain, road surface (the bikes were absolutely fine for the rough stuff), stunning landscapes to marvel at and with some moderately challenging climbs. All of which is, if anything, undersold a bit by the itinerary! Mohammad and team ensured all the logistics (and lovely picnic lunches) were all taken care of
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 488kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
The terrain might be undulating and astonishing, but this trip is designed for cyclists of average fitness able to cover around 45km (average) per day on back-to-back days. There are sections of smooth tarmac on deserted roads that are a joy to ride but also some prime gravel tracks that carve through the majestic desert. It would be useful to have some experience riding on tracks/away from tarmac but it's not really needed - this is not a mountain biking trip so no single track is included.
No technical skill is required, just some strong legs and a sense of adventure! Crossing the Tizi n’Tazazert Pass on Day 5 can be tough with over 1000m of climbing, however, there is no rush at all and the incline is steady. It is a fantastic challenge for those that want it and for those not interested you can always jump into the overnight truck for a lift to the top.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
It's no secret that we love cycling and many of us at HQ think it's the best way to see a country, however, we realise that organising your own trip can be a total faff. On our cycling trips, we've found a local guide who has put together a perfect route and will navigate for you all the way. We even send a van that transports your overnight luggage and provide high-quality bikes and delicious snacks to keep you going. Faff eliminated! All you have to do is turn up, pedal and take in the landscape with your fellow tourers. You don't need to be a lycra-clad 'roadie' although they're welcome too!
You'll be riding Scott Genius 750 full suspension bikes. These are perfect for riding on-road and for the gravel tracks over the desert: added bounce = more comfort. They all come with standard flat pedals and male/standard saddles. If you would rather pack your own saddle and pedals (including SPD's), please do and these will be fitted for you.
The cycling terrain is approximately 60% on gravel/dirt tracks and about 40% on roads. There is also a mixture of gradients, including undulating rides, flats, downhill and uphill sections.
The transfer vehicle will have a large vat of water that you are able to top your water bottles up with. Most hotels will also provide safe drinking water so single-use water bottles should not be needed.
Morocco has a sub-tropical climate with temperatures between 18C and 28C, although they can soar to 35C in the summer and fall to as low as 5C in the winter. However, the weather varies from region to region due to the country's geographical setting. The eastern and southern parts are very dry and hot all year round as they are surrounded by the scorching Sahara Desert, while the Atlas Mountains, which snake from south to north and divide the country in half, make the climate in the centre more extreme with unforgiving heat in the summer and freezing temperatures in the winter. The best times to visit are from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is generally dry and warm - you can expect daytime temperatures of mid 20°C and nighttime can drop to as low as 5°C in the desert.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
You can leave any excess luggage in Marrakech if needed - your host will happily look after this for you.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
On some days, yes, on other days there will be a transfer (usually under an hour, driving durations are stated in the itinerary above if over this amount) to get you between the cycling routes - this is to keep you away from busy roads and onto the best cycle routes. The backroads take a bit of piecing together to ensure the riding will be fun and hopefully stress-free, and the bus will provide some time to kick back and take it all in.
Ramadan will take place from 10th March to 8th April 2024. The national holiday of Eid ul-Fitr will follow for 2-3 days. Ramadan is an Islamic festival where the religious do not eat or drink during daylight hours. While this is a really interesting time to travel, especially to witness celebrations where the fast is broken in the evenings, you can expect some business hours will be shortened, alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and some restaurants will be closed during this festival period. Activities for local people tend to be limited during the day and the nights are very active in cities with lots of different foods being sold and consumed. Ramadan will not affect the inclusions on your trip although you should be aware that dinners will be served after locals break their fast in the evenings.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
Pay In Installments
You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.
Full Financial Protection
Your money is safe. Every booking is fully financially protected.
