Atlas to Desert Mountain Bike Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Marrakech

The adventure begins when you arrive in Marrakech, where a driver meets you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel in the city. After checking in you’ve got the rest of the day free to relax and explore the historic sites, like the old Medina, the colourful souqs, classic North African architecture, and regal palaces.

Have a good rest to be ready for biking tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Marrakech
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Ride to Ait Benhaddou

After breakfast you leave Marrakech and travel by 4-wheel drive up to the Tizi N’Tichka mountain pass at 2260m, followed by a stop at the imposing Palace of the Glaoui Kasbah in Telouet. From here you start biking through the small Berber villages at the base of the Atlas Mountains and towards the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a red-bricked architectural wonder of southern Morocco.

You’ll spend the night at a guesthouse in Ait Benhaddou and wake up feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Ait Benhaddou
Distance: 48km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs

For today’s journey, first make a short transfer to Skoura, a gorgeous oasis in the Dades Valley known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Your bike route then takes you through the lush green palm grove that stands tall in stark contrast to the dry and rough terrain that surrounds you.

Tonight you stay at a guesthouse in Skoura and get the chance to explore the traditional lifestyle of the remote Berber villages and sample the local cuisine.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Skoura
Distance: 35km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Roses Valley to Dades Gorge

Leaving the oasis of Skoura, ride through the beautiful Roses Valley and visit an ancient troglodyte settlement where you can see nomadic Berbers living in caves that have been handed down through generations of families. From this fascinating area, continue to the Dades Gorge on a zig-zagging route through towering red walls. You’ll finish your ride at the oasis village in the gorge surrounded by surreal scenery.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Dades Gorge
Distance: 36km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Saghro Mountains Ride to N’kob

From the Dades Gorge, head out through the Dades Valley and into the high Saghro Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tzazert Pass at 2200m with jaw-dropping panoramic views of an endless landscape below.

You’ll reach the Berber oasis town of N’kob, nestled at the foot of the towering Saghro Mountains, and enjoy the evening at a charming guesthouse.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in N’kob
Distance: 64km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 Draa Valley to Erg Chegaga

Today’s route takes you through the green palm oasis of the Draa Valley, passing by traditional clay villages in very remote areas. From the valley, go deep into the desert and approach the striking sand dunes of Erg Chegaga near M’hamid.

You’ll reach your accommodation for the night, the Dunes Sahara Desert Camp, where you also have the chance to ride camels across the sand. Tonight you’re sure to marvel at the billions of stars above you in an endlessly vast sky.
Overnight Location: Campsite in Erg Chegaga
Distance: 60km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 Draa Valley Exploration

After your night in the desert, you get to explore the Draa Valley some more to see its incredible geological wonders and striking rock formations. You ride towards the palm oasis of the Agdz Valley and finally arrive at the scenic city of Ouarzazate, often called Morocco’s own “Little Hollywood” since many blockbuster movies have been filmed here.

Spend the night in Ouarzazate and quickly see why movie producers flock here to make use of the city’s traditional architecture and gorgeous scenery.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ouarzazate
Distance: 35km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 Tichka Pass to Marrakech

The riding segment of your trip officially ends today as the group loads up the bikes onto the minivan and makes the journey back to Marrakech. On the way back you drive over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying amazing views below.

Check into your hotel in Marrakech and enjoy time to wander the busy streets, try bargaining in the souqs, eat at the fabulous restaurants, or just rest your weary legs.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Marrakech
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9 Departure from Marrakech

After breakfast, it’s time to get ready to head back home. After checking out the driver will take you back to Marrakech Menara Airport for your journey home. We hope to see you again in Morocco!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast