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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Activities and Experiences:
Flights:
International or domestic flights to and from Marrakech.
Personal travel insurance (highly recommended for cycling tours).
Visa Fees: Visa costs for entering Morocco (if applicable).
Personal Expenses:
Souvenirs, additional snacks, or drinks not included in meals.
Tips for guides, drivers, and camp staff.
Optional Activities:
Any extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., spa treatments, additional tours).
Bike Upgrades:
If you prefer a higher-end bike, there may be an additional fee.
Alcoholic Beverages:
Alcohol is not typically included in meals due to cultural norms, but it may be available for purchase at some accommodations.
The tour is designed for cyclists of moderate fitness levels, but it can often be customized for beginners or advanced riders.
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:
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.
What to Expect: Larger towns like Ouarzazate and Midelt have hotels with more amenities, such as private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and restaurants.
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. Luxury Accommodation
What to Expect: In cities like Marrakech and Fes, you can find luxury riads and hotels with pools, spas, and gourmet restaurants.
Essential
Equipment for the Tour
1.
Bicycle
2. Cycling Gear
3. Navigation Tools
4. Clothing and Personal Items
5. Food and Hydration
6. Safety and Repair Kit
7. Miscellaneous
No. of Persons | Price per Person | ||
---|---|---|---|
3 | --- | --- | $ 1100 |
No Payments required at this point
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