* Summary
A breathtaking bike trip across the High Atlas, taking in four huge valleys, numerous high passes and reaching a maximum height of just under 3000 meters! We travel through the fascinating, remote Berber villages of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains on mile upon mile of exciting off road trails, exploring the beautifully wild and rugged scenery of central Morocco. Culturally interesting, physically exhilirating and completely unforgettable!
Highlights:
- Challenging climbs leading to rewarding vistas and hour long descents!
- Dramatic scenery, interesting villages and souks (local markets)
- The legendary hospitality of the Berber people
- Cycling for over 200km off road
- A true feeling of adventure through a remote and wild part of Morocco
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Morocco. We pick you up and take you to your accommodation in the center of Marrakesh. We’ll get the equipment ready for the journey, have a pre-trip briefing and explore the city. Overnight in our hotel in Marrakesh
Day 2: Vehicle transfer to Ait Blal, arriving about lunch time. The trails are fantastic and scenery amazing as we head to Abachkou. There is the option of a side trip to a plateau to study some ancient Berber carvings if you have the energy, then a fantastic downhill to Abachkou.
Overnight stay: Gite in Abachkou.
Day 3: We follow canyon-like valleys to another high pass into the Happy Valley – Ait Bougamez - with great views of Mt. Mgoun (North Africa’s second highest peak). In the afternoon we can visit a watchtower perched high on top of pyramid-shaped hills near the village of Agouti, discover dinosaur footprints and explore the verdant ‘Happy Valley’.
Overnight stay: Gite in Ait Bougamez
Day 4: Today sees some of the most demanding climbs (some more than 13km long) but inevitably the most rewarding downhills too – imagine freewheeling for almost an hour! We can visit a Berber café high in the hills and pass amazing rock formations on the way to picturesque Zaouiat Ahansal. There are optional side trips to extend the day and explore the mountain villages and souks.
Overnight stay: Gite near Zaouiat Ahansal
Day 5: We start the day with a tough climb up through some amazing pine forests in the Tamga Nature Reserve. This is followed by a superb descent to rival that of yesterday, into the shadow of the Cathedrale de Rochers, an amazing rock formation and mecca for climbers and BASE jumpers! After a swim in the river you can explore the area on foot or take an out-and-back ride along a fabulous canyon.
Overnight stay: Gite at La Catedrale
Day 6: We meet with our transportation and get a lift back to Marrakech.
But the scenery isn’t over yet, as we climb in our vehicle over one last high pass for stunning views of Lake Bin el Ouidane. We also break up the journey back with a great lunch and a visit to the 300 feet high Cascades d’Ouzoud waterfalls.
Overnight in a hotel in Marrakech
Day 7: A day to relax after an epic week of cycling and what better way than to take in the sights, smells and sounds of Marrakech! It is a cultural masterpiece, with its bustling streets, intriguing medina and seemingly never ending activity. Explore the souks and Jamna el Fna before your final night in this amazing place and your flight home tomorrow.
Overnight in our Hotel in Marrakech
Day 8: We will transport you back to the airport for your flight back home.
Notes:
- Available on request: Bike and equipment hire.
- Average Daily Distance: 31 miles or 50km
- This trip is suitable for: People with a good level of fitness. The distances covered are not huge but due to the altitude and terrain a good level of fitness is required. You should have some off road experience and also be able to cycle for up to 6 hours over the course of the day.
- Challenging alternatives: For people with a more serious level of fitness and stamina we also run a more challenging trip that covers the route described here in days. We then continue east for another 2 days traveling through rocky gorges, over another high mountain pass (2500m) and on to Imilchil.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Airport transfers
- 4 days' exciting biking
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Marrakesh
- 5 nights gite accommodation
- Baggage transfers
- Guiding – local Berber guide (Languages spoken English, French, Berber and Arabic)
- Vehicle back up
- Mechanic and cook
- All meals whilst cycling
Price Excludes:
- All meals, other than breakfasts, in Marrakesh (before and after the cycling trip)
- Flights
- Drinks on the trip
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Morocco
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Cultural Journey
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