Adventure Awaits: Join Our 1-Day Cycling Expedition Across Morocco! - Mountain Biking & Cycling

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Description


Cycling from Marrakech to Fes is a magnificent journey across the northern highlands of  Morocco which features huge mountains, beautiful valleys and old towns. This route is ideal for active travellers who want to discover the country’s terrain and culture on two wheels. Here’s a scenic cycling route you  can’t miss:

Route Overview

Distance: About 530km or 330 miles

Duration: 10 days 

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging  (due to elevation changes and terrain)

Best Time to Cycle: Spring time is March to May and Fall is September to November, the weather is not too hot or cold.

Photo Gallery

Detailed Day Wise Itinerary

  • Day 1 Marrakech to Ouirgane (60 km)

    Begin your tour in Marrakech and head south towards the High Atlas Mountains. You will pass through traditional Berber villages, and the terrain offers a beautiful view of the mountains. Ouirgane is a quiet valley town encircled by olives and hills, and it is a good place to stay for the night.

  • Day 2 Ouirgane to Tizi n’Test Pass (50 km)

    Cycling through the High Atlas Mountains, the first big climb is to the Tizi n’Test Pass (2,100 meters). The pass provides beautiful views of the mountain ranges and valleys around it. The cycling continues down to the small village of Tin Mal to see the Tin Mal Mosque.

  • Day 3 Tizi n’Test to Taroudant (90 km)

    From the mountains, you leave for the Souss Valley and have a stretch of cycling that includes fertile land and argan tree plantations. Taroudant is a charming walled city also referred to as ‘Little Marrakech’ due to its calm atmosphere and lively souks.

  • Day 4 Taroudant to Taliouine (80 km)

    Cycle via the Anti-Atlas Mountains, famous for their scenic beauty and saffron plantations. Taliouine is the saffron capital of Morocco and you can find out how it is harvested here.

  • Day 5 Taliouine to Ouarzazate (100 km)

    Keep on pedalling through the Anti-Atlas Mountains and stop at remote villages and scenic areas. Ouarzazate or “The Gateway to the Sahara” is a lively town with film studios and the fascinating Taourirt Kasbah.

  • Day 6 Ouarzazate to Skoura (40 km)

    Take a short cycling day to enjoy the Skoura Oasis and its palm trees and kasbahs. Visit Kasbah Amridil is a beautiful example of Moroccan architecture in its most traditional form.

  • Day 7 Skoura to Dades Gorge (70 km)

    Cycle through the Valley of the Roses, famous for its roses and products made from roses. End the day in the beautiful Dades Gorge with its towering red rock cliffs and twisting roads.

  • Day 8 Dades Gorge to Todra Gorge (60 km)

    Cycle via the Dades Valley and its villages and oases en route. The narrow canyon is Todra Gorge, and its walls tower 300 meters over the river.

  • Day 9 Todra Gorge to Midelt (120 km)

    Pedal through the Ziz Valley a green oasis in the middle of the desert. Climb up to the Middle Atlas Mountains and arrive in Midelt, a town famous for its apples and cool climate.

  • Day 10 Midelt to Fes (150 km)

    The last stage takes you through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, where you may be lucky enough to see Barbary macaques. Then, pedal down to Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest cities, and wander through its ancient medina and lively culture.

Trip Essential Info

Accommodation:

        • 9 nights of lodging in a mix of hotels, guesthouses, and a luxury desert camp.
        • Accommodations are carefully selected for comfort and authenticity, including traditional riads and desert camps.

        Meals:

        • Daily breakfast to fuel your day.
        • Most dinners feature traditional Moroccan cuisine (e.g., tagines, couscous, and local specialities).
        • Some lunches, depending on the itinerary (often picnic-style during cycling days).

          Cycling Equipment:

            • High-quality mountain or road bikes are suitable for varied terrain.
            • Helmets and basic repair kits.
              • Support vehicle for transporting luggage and providing assistance if needed.

                  Guides and Support:

                    • Experienced local cycling guide(s) who know the routes and terrain.
                    • team, including a driver for the backup vehicle
                    • Cultural insights and historical information shared by guides.

                      Transportation:

                        • Transfers by private vehicle for non-cycling sections (e.g., from Dades Valley to Merzouga and back to Marrakech).

                        Activities and Experiences:

                        • Guided tour of Skoura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
                        • Visit Ouarzazate and the Atlas Film Studios.
                        • Guided to visit Oaziz in the gorges todra and dades.

                          Logistics:

                            • Route planning and maps for each cycling day.
                            • Luggage transport between destinations (you only need to carry essentials while cycling).
                            • Bottled water and snacks during cycling days.

                            What’s Not Included:


                            Flights:

                            International or domestic flights to and from Marrakech.

                              Travel Insurance:

                              Personal travel insurance (highly recommended for cycling tours).

                              1. Visa Fees: Visa costs for entering Morocco (if applicable).

                              1. Personal Expenses:

                                • Souvenirs, additional snacks, or drinks not included in meals.

                                • Tips for guides, drivers, and camp staff.

                              2. Optional Activities:

                                • Any extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., spa treatments, additional tours).

                              3. Bike Upgrades:

                                • If you prefer a higher-end bike, there may be an additional fee.

                              4. Alcoholic Beverages:

                                • Alcohol is not typically included in meals due to cultural norms, but it may be available for purchase at some accommodations.


                              Additional Notes:

                              • The tour is designed for cyclists of moderate fitness levels, but it can often be customized for beginners or advanced riders.

                              Trip Accommodation


                              Accommodation Options Along the Route

                              The route from Marrakech to Fes offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to more comfortable hotels. Here’s what to expect:


                              1. Guesthouses and Riads


                              • What to Expect: Traditional Moroccan guesthouses (riads) offer a cosy and authentic experience. Many are family-run and provide home-cooked meals.

                              • Where to Find Them: In smaller towns like Ouirgane, Taliouine, and Skoura.


                              2. Hotels


                              • What to Expect: Larger towns like Ouarzazate and Midelt have hotels with more amenities, such as private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and restaurants.


                              3. Camping


                              • What to Expect: Camping is a great option for those who love the outdoors. Some areas, like Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge, have designated campsites with basic facilities.

                              • 5

                              5. Luxury Accommodation


                              • What to Expect: In cities like Marrakech and Fes, you can find luxury riads and hotels with pools, spas, and gourmet restaurants.


                              Trip Equipments

                              Essential Equipment for the Tour

                              1. Bicycle

                              • Type: A sturdy touring bike, gravel bike, or mountain bike is ideal for this route, as it includes both paved roads and rough terrain.
                              • Tires: Opt for wider tyres (35mm or more) with good tread for better grip on gravel and uneven surfaces.
                              • Maintenance: Ensure your bike is in excellent condition before starting. Carry spare parts like inner tubes, a patch kit, a multi-tool, a pump, and a chain repair kit.

                              2. Cycling Gear

                              • Helmet: A must for safety.
                              • Cycling Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking jerseys and padded shorts for comfort. Bring arm and leg warmers for cooler mountain mornings.
                              • Gloves: Padded gloves to reduce hand fatigue.
                              • Shoes: Sturdy cycling shoes with good grip for walking on uneven terrain.
                              • Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from sun, dust, and wind.

                              3. Navigation Tools

                              • GPS Device or Smartphone: Loaded with offline maps (e.g., Google Maps, Komoot, or Ride with GPS).

                              4. Clothing and Personal Items

                              • Layers: Pack lightweight, breathable layers for varying temperatures.
                              • Rain Gear: A lightweight rain jacket and waterproof covers for your bags.
                              • Footwear: Comfortable shoes for off-bike exploration.
                              • Toiletries: Travel-sized items, including sunscreen and lip balm.

                              5. Food and Hydration

                              • Water Bottles or Hydration Bladder: Carry at least 1 litre of water.
                              • Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, and other high-energy snacks.

                              6. Safety and Repair Kit

                              • First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
                              • Lights: Front and rear bike lights for visibility.
                              • Reflective Gear: For added safety on the road.
                              • Emergency Whistle: In case of emergencies.

                              7. Miscellaneous

                              • Power Bank: To keep your devices charged.
                              • Camera: To capture the stunning scenery.
                              • Notebook and Pen: For journaling your journey.

                              Trip Includes & Excludes

                              Group Discount Prices

                              No. of Persons Price per Person
                              3 --- --- $ 1100



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