Overview
This 8-day mountain bicycle tour will follow jeep tracks and some thrilling single tracks through Berber villages littering the fertile valley floors of the arid and towering High Atlas Mountains. You will gain an insight into the traditional way of life, whilst breathing in the fresh mountain air, and feeling the wind on your face on some fantastic long downhill descents.
Highlights
- Eight day guided tour, six of which you will be on the seat of a bike
- Cycle around 300km through some of the most stunning scenery of Morocco
- Relax your tired muscles in the exotic city of Marrakech
- Enjoy well-deserved local meals in traditional Berber villages
- Feel the adrenaline!
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Marrakech
We will pick you up in Marrakech, and drive you to your comfortable, traditional riad in the stunning ancient medina. You will have a bike fitting, and we will then have a short bike tour of Marrakech to get you accustomed to your new ride. After, you will have time for exploring the souks, bargain with locals, browse through the handmade crafts, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the famous Jma el Fna square, before resting your body in the riad before the upcoming cycling adventure!
Day 2 :
Marrakech - Demnate - Imin Ouaqqua
After breakfast, we will transport you by minibus to one of the oldest cities in southern Morocco; Demnate. Located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, here we will begin our MTB tour. We will cycle for about 3hours to the remote village of Imin Ouaqqua, passing ancient bridges and groves of walnut trees. Already, you will realise you will see more sheep than people for the next day. Camp under the stars, and enjoy a delicious meal cooked by your guides. Approximately 42km of riding, 200m uphill and downhill.
Day 3 :
Imin Ouaqqua (1900 m) – Tizi n’Tirghist (2390 m) - Abachkou - (1750 m) – Iskattafen (1800m)
After breakfast, we will begin by an uphill to the Tizi n’Tirghirst Mountain pass, followed by a satisfying downhill down to the next lush valley. You will sleep in a homestay with friendly local Berber people. Approximately 43kms/ 500m uphill/ 600m downhill
Day 4 :
Iskattafen - Ait Bouguemmaz - Tirghist (2640 m)- Assemsouq - Zaouiat Ahansal
Today will push your endurance levels, with a large uphill to the stunning mountain pass, awarding you with vistas stretching further than you can imagine. However, it is not a constant uphill struggle, and on the way we will stop by the ancient Kasbah of Ait Bouguemmaz for lunch before the final stage of the uphill. Crossing the mountain pass, we will head down into a verdant valley, passing the Berber village of Assemsoug on the way, before we reach our final destination of Zaouiat Ahansal, where you will stay in a wonderful local homestay. Approximately 56km/ 1300m uphill, 1100m downhill.
Day 5 :
Amezrai (1600 m) - Anergui (1800m)
Today will be a longer but easier ride, snaking through the trails lining the valley floor. A remote valley, you will not see much here except raw nature of the High Atlas peaks towering over you as you enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. Tonight we will camp under the stars. 75kms/ 550m uphill/ 500m downhill.
Day 6 :
Anergui - Col Roud N' Iroul (2480 m) – Tasrafte
Another big climb today, as we excite the remote valley and pass a mountain col down to the next Atlas Mountain valley, where more villages line the snaking river at the valley floor. You will be rewarded with the big uphill with a comfortable bed in a traditional homestay in the Berber village of Tasrafte after a satisfying downhill. 50kms/ 1000m uphill 600m downhill.
Day 7 :
Return to Marrakech
Today is the final day! We will cycle around 30km to a pickup point, and you’ll have a 400km car ride back to Marrakech to rest your tired muscles. Riad in Marrakech.
Day 8 :
End of the trip
After, breakfast, we will transfer to airport or next destination within Marrakech.
Others Information
HOW LONG?
Duration 8 DAYS/ 6 days of bicycle touring
About 300 km
Accommodation
In Marrakech: hotel in double room with breakfast/ single room with supplement.
In trek: full pension/nights under tents for 2 people with soft bed and night in inhabitant / Mules and muleteers for taking your stuff/ transport from to Marrakech with a van to transport bikes, mountain guide certified With our experience, we suggest you bring your bike, we are more comfortable with it. IF no we can rent you a standard bike by 10 €/DAY.
