
Cycle the Backroads of Morocco
- Morocco
- 7 nights
Pedal from the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains to the vast dunes of the Sahara Desert on this epic cycling journey through Morocco
What's Included?
- Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides and bike mechanics
- All accommodation4 nights in local guesthouses, 2 nights in a riad, 1 night in a Berber desert camp
- MealsAll breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
- Transfers & Support VehicleAirport transfers and everything in between, including a support vehicle to carry your kit or hop into if your legs need a rest
- EquipmentScott Genius 750 bikes and all your desert camping equipment
- Small Like-minded GroupsSolo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From…excluding flights
Highlights
Cycle through the stunning Valley of the Roses, pause at the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, and ride past a multitude of ancient settlements
Take on the challenge of the infamous Tizi n’Tazazert Pass (2220m), with panoramic views of the moon-like Jbel Saghro mountains as your reward
Bed down in a traditional Berber camp, nestled among rolling sand dunes underneath a star-filled sky in the Sahara Desert
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Marrakech
RiadTwin shareShow Day 1 detailHide detail
Arrive in energetic Marrakech and head straight to your traditional riad, within the historic medina. Spend the day immersing yourself in the vibrant souks and the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa square, soaking up the sights, sounds, and smells. As the sun sets, gather with the guide and rest of the group for a welcoming dinner and a briefing on the epic adventure ahead.
Day 2
Time to hit the road
Driving3hrsCycling47km · 410m up · 920m downGuesthouseTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 2 detailHide detail
Rise early for an exciting 4x4 adventure across Morocco’s stunning terrain. In the vehicle, you'll wind your way to the east of the country over the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass, traversing the High Atlas Mountains, until you reach Telouet. Here, you’ll hop on your bikes for your first unforgettable ride through the heart of Morocco. Winding through the red-rock Ounila Valley, the route follows a mix of compact gravel and rocky trails, expect some short climbs and twisting descents between Berber hamlets carved into the ochre cliffs. The scenery gradually shifts as you approach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. Arrive just in time for a cup of mint tea and watch the sunset from the terrace, soaking in the views of this ancient ksar.
Day 3
Get your Throne game on
Driving1.5hrsCycling37km · 210m up · 460m downGuesthouseTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 3 detailHide detail
Ait Ben Haddou is famous not just for its UNESCO status, but also as a backdrop for epic film and TV productions such as Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Take some time to explore the centuries-old fortified city and uncover its fascinating history. Afterwards, you'll be driven to Ghassate about an hour and a half away, where today’s ride starts. The route begins on gentle desert pistes before dropping into a rugged rocky valley. Ride on dirt roads across dry riverbeds and through the palm groves and lush oases of the Skoura Valley.
Day 4
Gorge Hunting
Driving1hrCycling50km · 635m up · 540m downGuesthouseTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 4 detailHide detail
Today your cycling adventure takes you through the beautiful Taslmante Valley, where the scenery shifts dramatically. As you pass ancient Berber settlements carved into the cliffs, you’ll pass nomadic families living in caves that have been passed down through generations. Stop for a chat over a cup of mint tea before continuing through the stunning Valley of the Roses, home to vast fields of – you guessed it – roses, and the source of the region's famed rosewater. The ride culminates in the striking Dades Gorge, a natural wonder with towering cliffs that attract rock climbers from all over the world.
Day 5
To the moon...?
Driving1.5hrsCycling60km · 1190m up · 1715m downGuesthouseTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 5 detailHide detail
Time for the big push. Today marks a true challenge as you cycle through the Dades Valley, lying between the High Atlas and Jbel Saghro mountains. The morning starts with a slow and steady ascent up the Tizi n’Tazazert pass (2200m), where you'll navigate switchbacks for jaw-dropping panoramic views of the desolate, lunar-like landscape. The effort is well worth it as you reach the top, before cruising downhill to the lush oasis town of N’kob, where you’ll spend the night. Today's climb is a long one – but everyone can ride at their own pace, take breaks as needed, and there's always the option to hop in the support vehicle if you need to rest your legs.
Day 6
The Sahara Desert
Driving1hrCycling40km · 400m up · 470m downGlampingTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 6 detailHide detail
You’ll cycle along gravel tracks today, winding past watermelon fields and honey farms with plenty of shady spots to rest along the way. As you approach the small town of Zagora, stop for a coffee in its bustling main square – a historic place that was once the start of the legendary camel caravans bound for Timbuktu. From Zagora, you’ll pedal along sand tracks into the heart of the Sahara Desert. Once the cycling’s done, hop into a jeep for a short bumpy ride to your desert camp, where you'll enjoy a traditional Berber dinner under the vast desert sky. A night spent amongst the silence and immensity of the Sahara offers an experience unlike any other.
Day 7
Back to the city
Cycling30km · 120m up · 80m downDriving5hrsRiadTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 7 detailHide detail
It’s time to head back to Marrakech today, but not without one final ride first. You’ll cycle from oasis to oasis through the verdant Draa Valley, where spring vegetables flourish in the fertile soil of the Wadi Draa. Stop for a picnic lunch surrounded by this lush, fertile landscape before transferring back to Marrakech. In the evening, join your group for a final dinner, celebrating the journey you’ve just completed – from the mountains to the desert.
Day 8
Time to go home
Breakfast includedShow Day 8 detailHide detail
Relax over your last Moroccan breakfast, and if time allows, take one last wander through Marrakech’s souks. Transfer to the airport to catch your flight home.
Getting There
- Nearest airport
- Menara Airport (RAK)
- Pick up
- Marrakech Airport (RAK)
Arrive any time on Day 1 - Drop off
- Marrakech Airport (RAK) or Marrakech Centre
Depart any time on Day 8
What is and isn't Included?
What's included
- Guided ride through Berber villages and the Ounila Valley
- Visit to the fortified city of Ait Ben Haddou
- Guided ride from Ghassate through the palm groves and oases of Skoura
- Guided ride to the Valley of the Roses to Dades Gorge
- Guided ride over Tizi n’Tazazert pass (2200m) to the lush Berber oasis town of N’kob
- Guided ride into the Sahara Desert
- Guided ride through the Draa Valley
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides and bike mechanics
- 4 nights in local guesthouses
- 2 night in a beautiful riad
- 1 night in a Sahara Desert camp
- All (7) continental breakfasts, to fuel you up each day
- All (6) picnic lunches
- 5 Moroccan dinners
- Snacks while cycling
- Arrival transfer from Marrakech Airport at any time
- Departure transfer to Marrakech Airport or central Marrakech at any time
- All transfers during the trip
- To hop into if your legs need a rest
- A truck to carry all your overnight kit
- Scott Genius 750 bikes
- Desert camping equipment
What's not included
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
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 know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (opens in new tab) (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield (opens in new tab), both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Where You'll Stay
Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.
What You'll Eat
Moroccan food is a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Local specialities include tagine (stew cooked in an earthenware pot), couscous and bastillas (flaky pastries stuffed with meat and dusted with cinnamon and sugar). Food is often spiced w…
Optional Extras
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation
- Double or Twin Room in Marrakech
- …
- Single Room in Marrakech
- …
Upgrades
- Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
- …
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 Sahara camp night. Please request this at the time of booking as this is subject to availability.
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
This Trip is Graded Level 4
Ratings & Reviews
- 1 star (0)
Category rating
- Food
- 5.0
- Guides & crew
- 5.0
- Accommodation
- 4.0
- Itinerary
- 5.0
Latest Reviews
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Departure dates
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Got a Group of 6 or More?
What to Pack

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
How does a Much Better cycling adventure work?
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!
Have a read of our article on cycling difficulty levels for further information on selecting the right level of bike adventure for you.
What type of bikes are provided?
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. The bikes are equipped with one water bottle cage. They all come with standard flat pedals and male/standard saddles. If you would rather pack your own saddle and pedals (including SPDs), please do and these will be fitted for you.
Can I bring my own bike? Bringing your own bike is discouraged. This is due to a lack of storage for bike boxes/bags, and also, the support trailers are tailored to fit the bikes the host provides, which means safe carriage of your personal bike cannot be guaranteed. In addition, your own bike may require special parts for maintenance which may not be locally available, nor possible for the support vehicle mechanics to repair, so the use of the bikes provided by your host is recommended.
Will we cycle point to point?
On some days, you'll cycle point to point; on other days, there will be a transfer to get you between the cycling routes – this is to keep you away from busy roads and on to the best cycle routes. Driving durations are stated in the itinerary above. The backroads take a bit of piecing together to ensure the riding will be fun and stress-free, and the bus will provide some time to kick back and take it all in.
Can I upgrade to an e-bike on this trip?
E-bike upgrades are not available for this trip; you’ll be riding mountain bikes as listed in the trip inclusions. Keeping everyone on the same bike type helps maintain a comfortable group pace, simplifies logistics and ensures a more inclusive experience. We do, however, have a growing collection of e-bike adventures which you can explore.
What do I do about drinking water?
The support vehicle will have large containers of water that you are able to top your water bottles up with. Most hotels will also provide safe drinking water so bring a refillable bottle, it will be used well.
Can I leave my excess luggage somewhere?
You can leave any excess luggage in Marrakech if needed - your host will happily look after this for you.
How will Ramadan affect my trip to Morocco?
Ramadan is an Islamic festival during which the religious do not eat or drink during daylight hours. This can be a fascinating time to travel, particularly to witness the evening celebrations when the fast is broken. However, you can expect some business hours to be shortened, alcohol not to be served during daylight hours, and some restaurants to be closed during this period. Daytime activities for local people are often limited, while the nights are very lively in cities, with a wide variety of foods being sold and enjoyed. 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.
As Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, the dates change from year to year. We recommend checking whether your chosen trip dates fall during this period.
Do I need to bring my own cycle helmet?
Yes, you need to bring your own cycle helmet on this adventure. It should meet recognised safety standards, display a relevant certification mark, and be in good condition. It is mandatory for all riders to wear a helmet whenever cycling.
Please make sure your helmet is:
-
A purpose-built cycling helmet that meets a recognised safety standard and displays a relevant certification mark, including (but not limited to):
- CE/EN 1078 (UK & Europe)
- CPSC or Snell B90/B95 (USA)
- AS/NZS 2063 (Australia & New Zealand)
-
In good condition:
- ideally no more than five years old
- not involved in a crash
- no visible cracks/dents, compressed foam, or damaged straps
-
A good fit:
- sits level (not tipped back)
- snug, secure and stable when fastened (doesn't rock or slide)
- retention system and straps work properly
If your helmet isn’t suitable on arrival:
- you may need to rent or buy a suitable helmet locally (availability varies by destination)
- if a suitable helmet can't be sourced, you may be unable to join some or all cycling activities on safety grounds, in line with your booking conditions
Need help choosing or fitting a helmet?
For advice see British Cycling’s guidance.
Cycle Safety Please see our cycling safety guidance for further information.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
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.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
Who else will be on my trip?
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
What's the weather like?
Morocco has a sub-tropical climate with temperatures between 18°C and 28°C, although it can soar to 35°C in the summer and fall to as low as 5°C 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.
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
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 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 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 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. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
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.
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