Discounted
E-bike option

Cycle Morocco - Atlas to the Sahara

Morocco - Trip code CSO Cycling
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
385Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Journey through the heart of Morocco by bike on this fast-paced cycling tour. Pedal through the remote Hamada Desert of the Sahara and take on the exhilarating High Atlas descent through Berber heartland. Pass through cool oases and traditional villages, exploring the Medinas and kasbahs within, before uncovering the hidden gems of Marrakech.

Why we love this trip
  • Cycle the Atlas Mountains - Take on the thrilling descent from the scenic High Atlas Mountain pass of Tizi N'Fedrhate.
  • Camp in the Sahara - Ride into the dunes of the Sahara on camelback before spending a night under the stars.
  • Explore the Red City - Get lost in the maze-like souks of majestic Marrakech.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Dinner: 1

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Assistant Cycle Guide

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bicycle

    Minibus

  • i

    Accommodation

    1 nights comfortable camping

    6 nights comfortable hotel

  • i

    Cycling grade:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Trip starts in Marrakech

Our tour of Morocco starts in the Red City. With its dusty rooftops, maze-like streets and bustling souks, Marrakech encompasses the essence of Morocco. Head to the Medina and people watch while you sip a mint tea in Jemaa el-Fna (the main square) or visit the Jardin Majorelle, just a short walk from our hotel. Alternatively, you might like to relax in the hotel's rooftop swimming pool before our adventure begins.

There are no activities planned for today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), which is around a 20-minutes drive from our hotel. Our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and then an optional dinner. If you arrive later, they'll catch you up as soon as possible.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Drive into the High Atlas and cycle to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou

This morning, we'll drive into the heart of the Atlas Mountains. Our 3 hours journey takes us over the High Atlas pass of Tizi n'Tichka at an altitude of 2260 metres/7415 feet. We'll make a stop at the Kasbah Telouet, located on the former caravan route from the Sahara to Marrakech. Not far from here, we'll swap our bus for bikes and take a moment to get acquainted with them before pedalling off.

Our first stretch of cycling is to the fortified city of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered one of Morocco's most picturesque sites, the city is famous for its earthen clay crenelated towers and kasbah, which you might recognise from scenes in Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Tonight, we'll stay a short walk away from Ait Ben Haddou, giving us a chance to check in to our hotel and freshen up before discovering the site once the crowds have departed.

Our total cycling distance for today is 38 kilometres/23.6 miles with a total ascent of 370 metres/1214 feet and descent of 340 metres/1116 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Cycling in the Draa Valley and drive to Nkob

Today, we'll depart Ait Ben Haddou by bus and drive over the dramatic Tizi n'Tinififft mountain pass, rising to an altitude of 1800 meters/5906 feet amid the lunar landscape of the Anti-Atlas. We'll continue down into one of Morocco's stunning natural wonders - the Draa Valley.

Dotted with kasbahs and ksours (fortified villages), the Draa Valley is breathtaking to cycle through. We'll get on our bikes and push off toward the small town of Nkob, where we'll head south, descending through lush oases before returning to our bus. We'll stop for the night in Nkob, a one hour drive away.

Our total cycling distance for today is 42 kilometres/26.1 miles with a total ascent of 460 metres/1509 feet and descent of 340 metres/1116 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Cycle the foothills of the Jebel Sahro and camel trek to camp in the Sahara

This morning, we'll depart along the southern foothills of the Jebel Sahro Mountain range towards the Hammada Desert, a remote part of Morocco. We'll stop in Rissani, where we'll take some time to explore the Tuesday markets and the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the great-grandson of the founder of the Alaouite Dynasty.

On the outskirts of Rissani, we'll hop on our bikes and cycle along the desert road towards the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Once we reach the golden plains, we'll swap out bikes for camels and trek out into the deserted landscape.

Erg Chebbi is home to the largest expanse of sand in Morocco, with dunes reaching as high as 150 metres/492 feet tall. Landscapes like this one only cover around one-fifth of the Sahara's surface - the rest is made up of rock and gravel plains.

Our camelback caravan will lead us to our camp for tonight, right here on the Erg Chebbi sands. We'll experience the tranquillity of the desert at a Berber camp. Our camp is basic but comfortable - the twin share tents are fully equipped with full size single beds with mattresses, blankets, and pillows and there are charging points for phones and cameras. The camp site is right on the edge of the magnificent sand dunes, after a refreshing glass of mint tea you may wish to take a stroll amongst the dunes to witness the sun setting over the Sahara desert, the light at this time in the late evening casts shadows over the dunes making them a photographers dream. Dinner is served under the stars after which we retire to a campfire. Note that the camp has shared bathroom facilities, showers are simple and hot water and good water pressure aren't guaranteed.

Our total cycling distance for today is 37 kilometres/23 miles with a total ascent of 80 metres/262 feet and descent of 80 metres/262 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Camping

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 - Sunrise on the sand dunes before cycle to Erfoud

Waking early, we'll watch the desert sunrise cast shadows across the rolling dunes before breakfast. Then, we'll return to Merzouga on camelback where we'll stock up on supplies for the day. Here, we'll get back in the saddle and cycle on to Erfoud.

Today's ride is in the Rissani region - the homeland of the Alaouite dynasty, which reigned in the area for 300 years. Cycling through the expansive landscape, we'll spot locals going about daily life, herding goats and camels.

Our total cycling distance for today is 54 kilometres/33.6 miles with a total ascent of 450 metres/1476 feet and descent of 20 metres/66 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Cycle through local villages en route to El Kelaa Mgouna

Today, we'll set off by bus towards the Dades Valley in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. We'll stop to see the ancient 'foggara' subterranean irrigation system and learn how the ancient system provided water for the surrounding villages. After 2 hours driving, we'll mount our bikes for a refreshing ride through a lush oasis of date palms, olive groves and fruit orchards to the Dades Valley.

On arriving in Tinerhir, we'll climb to the viewpoint before freewheeling down to the Todra Gorge, one of the most spectacular canyons in the region. We'll have time to explore the narrow mountain chasms on foot before meeting our bus to continue to the entrance of the Dades valley.

We'll stay in a hotel that offers panoramic views of the lush Dades valley.

Our total cycling distance for today is 43 kilometres/26.7 miles with a total ascent of 880 metres/2887 feet and descent of 20 metres/66 feet.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Ride down through the Atlas Mountains and return to Marrakech

After an early breakfast, we'll drive into the High Atlas to the Tizi n'Fedrhate Pass, around two hours away, along the former caravan route to El Kelaa des M\ Gouna. Known as the 'town of the roses\ , El Kelaa des M\ Gouna is blanketed by scented blossoms each spring. These are harvested each May in the Festival of the Roses, before being processed into rosewater which is then sold throughout the Islamic world. From the high pass, we'll start our cycle down into the northern foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Amid the silence of the mountain valleys, we'll pass by local Berber communities at work on their farms, producing olives, figs and wheat. We'll eventually catch up to our bus, where we'll board to travel back to Marrakech, around two hours away.

Our total cycling distance for today is 34 kilometres/21.1 miles with a total ascent of 170 metres/558 feet and descent of 1570 metres/5151 feet.

Note: This cycling route may have to be altered during periods of adverse weather.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Trip ends in Marrakech

Our tour of Morocco ends at our hotel in Marrakech.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you need to depart from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK).

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Morocco

Climate

The climate is both Mediterranean and Atlantic. The dry, hot season is from May to October when summer temperatures can reach 38°C and above (if sight seeing is included we will do our best to avoid the heat of the day during this period). Temperatures may drop significantly at times during the night as the day's heat rapidly diminishes. From December to January snow can be expected on mountain passes and it can be wet. In winter, day temperatures will probably be around 18-25°C, dropping to perhaps 0-5°C.

Time difference to GMT

0

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Islam

Language

Arabic, Berber, French.

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Marrakech - Hammam GBP 20

Clothing

We recommend you bring padded cycle shorts and quick drying cycle shirts for the daily cycling. Soaked cotton clothes tend not to dry while cycling. Cycling gloves are strongly recommended as they will protect you from sunburn and may also help protect your hands if you fall.

Evenings and nights can become quite cold between October and March. It is advisable to take warm clothing (e.g. track suit or thermal underwear) to sleep in, as some of the Moroccan hotel rooms do not have heating. Keep in mind that at altitude and in the desert, temperatures can drop rapidly, so a warm sweater or fleece, plus waterproof/windproof shell garment, hat and gloves are essential. Don't forget your swimming costume in the warmer months.

Morocco is a Muslim country and it is important to dress with respect for local customs. People may be offended by shorts or revealing dresses, which can attract unwelcome attention. We advise that in general both men and women should cover shoulders, upper arms and knees. Transparent, 'plunging' necklines and tightfitting clothes should be avoided. Women should also cover their heads when
entering a sanctuary, though in general, mosques are forbidden to non-Muslims. For those clients on a cycling holiday please bear this information in mind for times that you are not on the bikes. While cycling it is no problem for both men and women to wear your regular cycling gear, tight fitting or not.

Footwear

If you are not bringing cycle shoes then try to bring stiff-soled shoes as these are better for cycling - transmitting your energy into the pedals more efficiently. This becomes more relevant and recommended the more demanding the grade and distances to cover.
Comfortable shoes, trainers, sandals or flip flops are useful when not on the bike.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

We recommend you bring a daypack and one main piece of luggage (total allowance: 44lb/20kg) which will be transported between hotels while you cycle. Check the bike details section to see if a pannier or handlebar bag is provided on the bike. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.

Equipment

It is compulsory to wear a cycling helmet on all Explore cycling holidays. As we cannot guarantee the quality or structural integrity of locally hired cycling helmets, it is a requirement that you bring your own helmet with you. Most insurance providers require helmets to be worn whilst cycling, so in the event of an accident, it is likely that any insurance claim will be invalidated if you are not wearing a helmet.

Cycle glasses to protect against dust, pollen and the sun, padded cycle gloves and a water bottle or water delivery system (e.g. camelback or platypus) are also useful. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. A pannier is not provided so you may like to bring a small rucksack to wear while cycling. Other items to consider bringing are a sunhat and sun cream, torch, earplugs and insect repellent. Please carry some or all of your cycling equipment e.g. helmet as part of your hand luggage.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £20 to £25 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly, you should allow £40.00 per person for group tipping.


Morocco

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8.00 - 12.00
Dinner price
£12.00 - 20.00
Beer price
£3.50
Water price
£1.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
Recommended Currency For Exchange
US Dollars, Sterling and Euros are readily exchangeable at banks and currency exchanges found in all towns and cities. We recommend you take a mixture of cash and credit cards. Scottish and Northern Ireland issued bank notes are sometimes not accepted.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available in all the main towns and cities, although some only accept cards issued in Morocco
Credit Card Acceptance
Not all places.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bicycle, Minibus

Accommodation notes

Few destinations give you as warm a welcome as Morocco and our accommodation has been chosen to reflect that. We choose our accommodation based on location, quality, and traditional style to give you a real taste of life in the country.
It's worth bearing in mind that Morocco is a developing country and standards might not always be equivalent to those at home. Some properties might be simply furnished, access to hot water may be sparse in certain stays and the level of service might vary from place to place. Older buildings can get cold in the winter months and don't have heating facilities, so you might want to pack an extra jumper - hotels will provide extra blankets.

During this trip, we'll spend one night camping in the desert. The tents are very spacious, with amble space to walk around, each tent has full size twin share beds, blankets, towels, and pillows are all provided. There is a USB port to charge mobile phones and a light. The camp has a communal bathroom set behind the camp with WC's. Dinner and breakfast are prepared by the camp crew and survived outside (there is an indoor area if the weather is poor). There is a tent where mint tea is served with a backdrop of the dunes behind. During the winter months, it can get cold in the desert so warm clothing is a must.

Morocco

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Morocco: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

UK passport holders are requested to have at least 3 months validity from the date of entry into Morocco. All other nationalities please check with your nearest embassy for requirements of passport validity.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Morocco

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Award Winning Explore Leaders
Find out more
Price Guarantee Promise
Find out more
Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

Table of contents

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Got it!