This 9-day mountain bike tour travels from Marrakech into the High Atlas Mountains, winding down the Draa Valley to the edge of the Sahara Desert. Along the way, ride through traditional Berber villages, visit historic kasbahs, and enjoy plenty of mint tea stops that introduce you to Morocco’s famous hospitality. The route offers a varied mix of challenging terrain and cultural experiences for intermediate riders ready for a memorable adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport, you will be transferred to your riad or hotel situated in the heart of the medina. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the lively streets, setting the tone for your adventure.
Day 2: Marrakech – Kasbah Telouet – Ait Benhaddou
Depart Marrakech early in a 4x4 and cross the Tizi N’Tichka Pass (2260m), stopping at the historic Glaoui Kasbah in Telouet. From there, begin cycling through traditional Berber villages and along the Ounila Valley to reach the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou. Overnight in this iconic fortified town.
Day 3: Ait Benhaddou – Skoura Oasis
After exploring Ait Benhaddou and learning about its film history, transfer to Ghassate village where your cycling resumes. Follow desert dirt roads through rocky landscapes to the palm oasis of Skoura. Visit the famous Kasbah Amridil and soak up the lush surroundings of the palm groves.
Day 4: Skoura – Dades Gorge
Cycle through the Taslmante Valley and Boutgherar, stopping at an ancient troglodyte settlement where Berber families still live in caves. Experience Berber hospitality with a traditional mint tea break before continuing to the dramatic Dades Gorge. Overnight in Ait Youl near the gorge.
Day 5: Dades Gorge – Jbel Saghro – N’kob
Today’s ride crosses the Dades Valley, climbing into the Jbel Saghro Mountains. You’ll ascend the Tizi n’Tzazert Pass (2200m), rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and desert. Descend into the Berber oasis town of N’kob and overnight there.
Day 6: N’kob – Draa Valley – Zagora
Leave N’kob cycling along gravel roads with contrasting landscapes—lush agricultural fields alongside dry, barren desert. Arrive in Zagora, a former caravan hub, and enjoy a coffee break. In the afternoon, experience a short camel ride leading to a desert camp amid the sand dunes, where you’ll spend the night under the stars.
Day 7: Draa Valley – Agdz – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Cycle through the palm-lined oases of the Draa Valley, passing village to village and enjoying the fertile riverbanks. After lunch, transfer via Ouarzazate back to Marrakech, crossing the Tizi N’Tichka Pass once more. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening.
Day 8: Marrakech Exploration
This is a rest day without biking. Take a guided tour of Marrakech’s highlights, including the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the bustling Djemaa el-Fna square. Wander the vibrant souks filled with spices, textiles, ceramics, and crafts.
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast at your riad, enjoy any remaining time in Marrakech before transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
This journey unfolds in southern Morocco, beginning in Marrakech, a vibrant city renowned for its rich history, markets, and vibrant street life. The High Atlas Mountains lie just south of the city, offering hundreds of miles of varied mountain biking terrain that ranges from rocky tracks to desert paths. Experienced local guides with in-depth knowledge of the region will lead you through hidden trails and cultural landmarks, ensuring an authentic experience.
The tour continues through the arid landscapes of the Sahara’s fringes, passing traditional Berber villages, palm groves, and historic kasbahs. The vastness of the desert contrasts with the lush green oases of the Draa Valley, providing constantly changing scenery and riding conditions. At night, the clear desert skies reveal one of the most impressive star displays you can find anywhere.
Accommodation combines traditional riads and hotels in Marrakech with rural guesthouses and desert camps throughout the ride. In Marrakech, you’ll stay in charming riads located within the old medina, featuring traditional Moroccan architecture, comfortable rooms, and rooftop terraces. These provide a restful base before and after your bike stages.
Out on the trail, lodging varies from mountain guesthouses to desert camps. The desert camp offers a unique night under the stars in the Sahara, with simple but comfortable tents and communal dining. The rural guesthouses offer authentic experiences with warm hospitality, local cuisine, and an insight into Berber culture. Accommodation can be customised to suit your preferences if required.
Participants should have an intermediate level of mountain biking ability, comfortable with daily rides that include a variety of terrain such as rocky paths, gravel roads, and desert tracks. Fitness levels need to be good, as daily cycling distances can be long and involve significant elevation changes.
Riders must be prepared for consecutive days of cycling with some technical sections and changing weather conditions. Experience riding off-road in warm climates is beneficial. Full support is provided, but the ability to handle remote terrain and variable surfaces independently will help ensure an enjoyable and safe experience.
The team behind this tour consists of passionate local mountain bikers with decades of experience exploring Morocco’s mountains and deserts. Their expertise means the routes are carefully crafted to combine challenging rides with cultural immersion and authentic experiences, all led by guides who understand the terrain intimately.
With a commitment to responsible tourism, the operation keeps groups small, uses local staff, and supports community businesses. This results in a personalised trip that respects the environment and culture while delivering a top-quality mountain biking adventure. Every aspect, from the trails to the accommodation, reflects a deep knowledge of Morocco’s landscapes and heritage.
About the centre
Marrakech
My partner and I did a 3 day MTB tour around the Atlas mountains in late March. Our guide, Lahcen was incredibly accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable of the area. We covered a good distance over the 3 days and found some of the inclines tough. Lahcen was great in coaching…
Ok. My husband enjoyed it. The trails were fun. The first day was very hard - at least black. Second day was good. Third day was brilliant. The guide barely spoke to us. He was often out of sight in areas where there was no obvious route. He didn’t wait…
We had an amazing time. Abdul was fantastic and made sure we were comfortable throughout the day.
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