Welcome to Marrakesh, the 'Pearl of Southern Morocco'! The best way to experience this spirited city is to get lost in the labyrinthine alleys of the medina — the UNESCO World Heritage-listed heart of the city, brimming with life. Wander through spice markets, leather workshops, and endless rows of red-clay shophouses where you'll find just about everything under the Moroccan sun. Don't miss Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city's bustling main square, or explore the elegant Moroccan architecture of the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Saadian Tombs. We meet at our tour hotel in the late afternoon for a trip briefing and welcome dinner. Please let us know if you require assistance with airport transfers and pre-tour hotel bookings.
Riad Luzia
DinnerWe depart from Marrakesh and drive about 3.5 hours over the High Atlas Mountains, a rugged range of craggy, weathered peaks that cuts across central Morocco. It’s a scenic drive along a winding road, offering a first taste of the terrain we’ll soon be biking through. By noon, we reach the highland village of Telouet, where we have lunch and saddle up. Our inaugural ride trends downhill overall, with enough upward bursts to give our legs a good workout! The first 10 km take us on a paved road through a rocky hillscape featuring a short detour off-road to visit an old salt mine. We then enter the Ounila Valley, cycling on a paved road with occasional rough patches, rising and falling with the contours of the landscape. We glide past lush olive and date groves growing along the river framed by red-hued bluffs and mudbrick Berber villages. After 48 km, we reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou, a centuries-old Silk Route citadel which we’ll explore the next morning after a restful night at a cosy Moroccan retreat.
Riad MaktoubBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 48km
+570m
-1091mThis morning we walk through the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its striking mud-brick architecture. Traditional kasbahs (fortresses) and narrow alleyways cling to a steep hillside above a seasonal river, forming a dramatic backdrop seen in major productions like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After our visit, we drive for about an hour to today’s cycling start point in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. We ride along a gravel road that cuts across barren, stone-littered terrain, with majestic mountain peaks rising in the distance. After approximately 30 km, the landscape shifts as we enter the Palmeraie of Skoura — a green oasis of date palms, crumbling kasbahs, and patchwork farmland nestled within the arid plateau. We weave through this fertile agrarian hinterland, witnessing the cultivation that sustains this region, before arriving at our accommodation located on the fringe of the Skoura oasis.
Kasbah Ait BenhaddaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 40km+128m-370mWe begin with a one-hour transfer to the Roses Valley, renowned for its Damascus rose cultivation. Our morning route follows a bumpy, undulating paved road elevated above the M’Goun River — the lifeblood of the valley’s rose farms. If you’re joining in April or May, you may see the valley blanketed in pink as the roses bloom. Regardless of the season, this is a beautiful ride through Berber communities and rolling hills carpeted in loose rocks flaked from the craggy escarpments that ripple through the backdrop. We cycle about 25 km to lunch, with plenty of mild climbs to build an appetite. In the afternoon, we dive into off-road trails through a barren, rocky desert surrounded by red cliffs. The area is home to semi-nomadic Berber families who raise goats and live in caves or rock shelters. Should the occasion present itself, we may be invited in for fresh mint tea and an insight into their millennia-old lifestyle. By the 40 km point, we spill into the Dades Gorge and follow the main road up to our hotel, overlooking the picturesque valley.
Dar EssyahaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 45km+734m-541mToday marks a major geological shift in our journey as we transition from the southern fringes of the High Atlas Mountains to the windswept massifs of the Anti-Atlas range. After a 45-minute transfer out of the Dades Valley, we begin cycling on a dirt road through a sparsely populated region of rocky outcrops and phosphorus mines — one of Morocco’s key exports. After around 14 km, we prepare for a tough climb over Jbel Saghro, an ancient range with jagged peaks. The ascent begins on a steep and twisty dirt trail for about 2 km before joining a paved road, where gentler gradients lead us to the top of the Tizi n’Tazazert Pass, our tour’s highest point at 2,300 metres. After a breather at the top, we enjoy a sweeping 15 km descent, watching the landscape shift from rugged mountains to pre-Saharan semi-desert plateaus. We stop for lunch, then continue 25 km along quiet paved roads through stark, eroded terrain, with the silhouettes of the High Atlas still visible in the distance. Our day ends in N’Kob, where we stay two nights amidst the town’s facade of rammed earth kasbahs.
Kasbah Baha BahaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 60km+823m-1483mAfter several action-packed days traversing Morocco’s diverse landscapes, today we slow things down with a scenic loop ride starting and ending at our hotel in N'Kob. We begin with a short stretch on farm roads, winding through palm groves and agricultural fields, before tackling a challenging 4 km climb along a gravel track that carries us into rugged, mountainous terrain with rocky ridges. From there, we follow around 30 km of fantastic off-road trails, weaving through dry riverbeds and past fields of watermelon, barley, wheat, and henna — an impressive display of agricultural ingenuity in such a harsh environment. Along the way, we may cross paths with herds of goats, sheep, or the occasional pack of mules. After riding through the village of Tanoumrite, a 5 km climb with some steep pinches brings us back over the mountains and down to the plains surrounding N'Kob, where we join the main road for the final 10 km to the hotel. The afternoon is free to relax and unwind.
Kasbah Baha BahaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 56km+548m-549mWe leave N’Kob early this morning with the aim of arriving in Marrakesh in time for a late lunch. The total driving time is around 5-6 hours, with a few rest stops to stretch our legs. The drive takes us back over the High Atlas Mountains, with particularly stunning views along the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters above sea level), one of the highest motorable roads in North Africa. Once we arrive in Marrakesh, you have free time to get lunch (not included) and spend the afternoon ticking off any remaining sights or bargaining your way through the medina for some last-minute souvenirs! We reconvene in the evening for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Riad Luzia Breakfast, DinnerOur tour has come to an end, but feel free to extend your stay in Morocco and explore even more of what this captivating country has to offer. Consider heading to the Atlantic Coast to discover the charming seaside cities of Essaouira or Casablanca, or immerse yourself further in the historic allure of Fes to the north. For those seeking something more adventurous, a trek up Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s tallest mountain, offers a rewarding challenge just outside Marrakesh. Please let us know if you need assistance with post-tour hotel bookings or airport transfers.
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
DestinationsMorocco
Tour MeetsMarrakech, Morocco
Fly in toMarrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
Group Size2-14 riders
SpiceRoads jerseyWater bottleSupport vehicleGuide(s)Meals (as indicated)Airport pick upAirport drop offAccommodationSnacks and drinksEntrance fees
International flightsDomestic flightsVisa feesAlcoholTips
On this mountain biking adventure, we will cycle 230 km in 5 days of riding. This is a moderate trip, and riders with reasonable levels of physical fitness should enjoy the entire trip. The riding takes place on approximately 70% unpaved/off-road and 30% tarmac roads.
The trip is fully supported, and your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way.
Suitability: Given that the riding is primarily on unpaved roads, we recommend that cyclists be reasonably fit and confident riding on rough terrain. While there is climbing involved on most days, particularly in the Atlas Mountains, for the most part these are gradual and not too steep. Ascents are complemented by swift and long downhill sections. This trip is fully supported so weary cyclists can always take breaks in the support vehicle if desired.
Biking Conditions: The off-road portions of this trip are very fun for mountain bikers, though remember that some parts of the route consist of loose gravel and sandy patches that could prove hazardous to riders. Additionally, some of the descents can be rocky, which requires extra caution and some off-road biking skills. The tarmac roads are in varying conditions - some very good, others more shabby – and some traffic is to be expected. On some of the days we will be transferring to cycling start/end points via the support vehicle in order to avoid heavily trafficked sections and not make the riding days too long.
Welcome to Marrakesh, the 'Pearl of Southern Morocco'! The best way to experience this spirited city is to get lost in the labyrinthine alleys of the medina — the UNESCO World Heritage-listed heart of the city, brimming with life. Wander through spice markets, leather workshops, and endless rows of red-clay shophouses where you'll find just about everything under the Moroccan sun. Don't miss Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city's bustling main square, or explore the elegant Moroccan architecture of the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Saadian Tombs. We meet at our tour hotel in the late afternoon for a trip briefing and welcome dinner. Please let us know if you require assistance with airport transfers and pre-tour hotel bookings.
Riad LuziaDinnerWe depart from Marrakesh and drive about 3.5 hours over the High Atlas Mountains, a rugged range of craggy, weathered peaks that cuts across central Morocco. It’s a scenic drive along a winding road, offering a first taste of the terrain we’ll soon be biking through. By noon, we reach the highland village of Telouet, where we have lunch and saddle up. Our inaugural ride trends downhill overall, with enough upward bursts to give our legs a good workout! The first 10 km take us on a paved road through a rocky hillscape featuring a short detour off-road to visit an old salt mine. We then enter the Ounila Valley, cycling on a paved road with occasional rough patches, rising and falling with the contours of the landscape. We glide past lush olive and date groves growing along the river framed by red-hued bluffs and mudbrick Berber villages. After 48 km, we reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou, a centuries-old Silk Route citadel which we’ll explore the next morning after a restful night at a cosy Moroccan retreat.
Riad MaktoubBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 48km+570m-1091mThis morning we walk through the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its striking mud-brick architecture. Traditional kasbahs (fortresses) and narrow alleyways cling to a steep hillside above a seasonal river, forming a dramatic backdrop seen in major productions like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After our visit, we drive for about an hour to today’s cycling start point in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. We ride along a gravel road that cuts across barren, stone-littered terrain, with majestic mountain peaks rising in the distance. After approximately 30 km, the landscape shifts as we enter the Palmeraie of Skoura — a green oasis of date palms, crumbling kasbahs, and patchwork farmland nestled within the arid plateau. We weave through this fertile agrarian hinterland, witnessing the cultivation that sustains this region, before arriving at our accommodation located on the fringe of the Skoura oasis.
Kasbah Ait BenhaddaBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 40km+128m-370mWe begin with a one-hour transfer to the Roses Valley, renowned for its Damascus rose cultivation. Our morning route follows a bumpy, undulating paved road elevated above the M’Goun River — the lifeblood of the valley’s rose farms. If you’re joining in April or May, you may see the valley blanketed in pink as the roses bloom. Regardless of the season, this is a beautiful ride through Berber communities and rolling hills carpeted in loose rocks flaked from the craggy escarpments that ripple through the backdrop. We cycle about 25 km to lunch, with plenty of mild climbs to build an appetite. In the afternoon, we dive into off-road trails through a barren, rocky desert surrounded by red cliffs. The area is home to semi-nomadic Berber families who raise goats and live in caves or rock shelters. Should the occasion present itself, we may be invited in for fresh mint tea and an insight into their millennia-old lifestyle. By the 40 km point, we spill into the Dades Gorge and follow the main road up to our hotel, overlooking the picturesque valley.
Dar EssyahaBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 45km+734m-541mToday marks a major geological shift in our journey as we transition from the southern fringes of the High Atlas Mountains to the windswept massifs of the Anti-Atlas range. After a 45-minute transfer out of the Dades Valley, we begin cycling on a dirt road through a sparsely populated region of rocky outcrops and phosphorus mines — one of Morocco’s key exports. After around 14 km, we prepare for a tough climb over Jbel Saghro, an ancient range with jagged peaks. The ascent begins on a steep and twisty dirt trail for about 2 km before joining a paved road, where gentler gradients lead us to the top of the Tizi n’Tazazert Pass, our tour’s highest point at 2,300 metres. After a breather at the top, we enjoy a sweeping 15 km descent, watching the landscape shift from rugged mountains to pre-Saharan semi-desert plateaus. We stop for lunch, then continue 25 km along quiet paved roads through stark, eroded terrain, with the silhouettes of the High Atlas still visible in the distance. Our day ends in N’Kob, where we stay two nights amidst the town’s facade of rammed earth kasbahs.
Kasbah Baha BahaBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 60km+823m-1483mAfter several action-packed days traversing Morocco’s diverse landscapes, today we slow things down with a scenic loop ride starting and ending at our hotel in N'Kob. We begin with a short stretch on farm roads, winding through palm groves and agricultural fields, before tackling a challenging 4 km climb along a gravel track that carries us into rugged, mountainous terrain with rocky ridges. From there, we follow around 30 km of fantastic off-road trails, weaving through dry riverbeds and past fields of watermelon, barley, wheat, and henna — an impressive display of agricultural ingenuity in such a harsh environment. Along the way, we may cross paths with herds of goats, sheep, or the occasional pack of mules. After riding through the village of Tanoumrite, a 5 km climb with some steep pinches brings us back over the mountains and down to the plains surrounding N'Kob, where we join the main road for the final 10 km to the hotel. The afternoon is free to relax and unwind.
Kasbah Baha BahaBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerRide 56km+548m-549mWe leave N’Kob early this morning with the aim of arriving in Marrakesh in time for a late lunch. The total driving time is around 5-6 hours, with a few rest stops to stretch our legs. The drive takes us back over the High Atlas Mountains, with particularly stunning views along the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters above sea level), one of the highest motorable roads in North Africa. Once we arrive in Marrakesh, you have free time to get lunch (not included) and spend the afternoon ticking off any remaining sights or bargaining your way through the medina for some last-minute souvenirs! We reconvene in the evening for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Riad Luzia Breakfast, DinnerOur tour has come to an end, but feel free to extend your stay in Morocco and explore even more of what this captivating country has to offer. Consider heading to the Atlantic Coast to discover the charming seaside cities of Essaouira or Casablanca, or immerse yourself further in the historic allure of Fes to the north. For those seeking something more adventurous, a trek up Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s tallest mountain, offers a rewarding challenge just outside Marrakesh. Please let us know if you need assistance with post-tour hotel bookings or airport transfers.
BreakfastDisclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.
Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a mountain bike, preferably with front suspension, in good mechanical order.
We also have E-Bikes available for hire, but they are limited in number & size - please send an email to us to check on availability.
Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.
Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.
You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.
There are no compulsory vaccinations although it is strongly recommended that you are vaccinated against: Typhoid; Hepatitis A and B. Tetanus and polio vaccinations should also be up to date at the time of travel. See here for more recommendations to help you prepare. Please speak to your doctor/physician for the most recent information.
Morocco is a large country with diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and coasts, resulting in highly variable weather patterns across the region. Our Morocco cycling tours are primarily based around Marrakesh and the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, where the weather is typically mild in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and cooler nights between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F). As we get closer to the summer months (generally starting from June), temperatures begin to rise, with daytime highs often exceeding 35°C (95°F) in lower elevations, while nights remain relatively warm. As we approach the winter months (usually from December onwards), temperatures gradually drop, particularly at higher altitudes, where conditions can become quite cold, with the potential for snow in the mountains. We do not offer tours during the hottest summer months and the coldest winter months, opting for the sweet spot conditions in the spring and fall. If you are cycling in the early spring or late fall, be prepared for layering up in the mountains and layering down at low elevations – sometimes all within one day! Having a combination of light clothes to stay comfortable in the heat and warm clothes to bundle up when it's colder is key. Rainfall is generally low, especially in the southern regions, but occasional showers can occur in the spring and autumn, particularly in the foothills and higher altitudes, so it’s good to be prepared for a brief downpour here and there.
Meals are included in the itinerary as B = breakfast, L = lunch, and D = dinner. Moroccan cuisine is halal, which means all food and drink adhere to Islamic dietary laws, ensuring that they are permissible and prepared according to religious guidelines. This includes the prohibition of pork and alcohol. Each day begins with a classic Moroccan breakfast which consists of crusty bread, crepes (baghrir), and flatbread (msemen), paired with butter, processed cheese, a selection of jams and honey. Fresh coffee and tea are almost always on hand, alongside freshly squeezed orange juice. Most lunches on tour are served picnic-style along the cycling route. The core elements typically include cooked plain pasta or rice, bread, canned fish, and a large plate of lettuce, tomatoes, olives, peppers, onions, and cucumbers. Sauces, salt, pepper, and olive oil are also provided, allowing everyone to customise their plates to taste. Outside of Marrakesh all dinners are enjoyed at the hotels. The most common dish served is tagine, a slow-cooked stew made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices, traditionally cooked in a special clay pot with a conical lid. The tour provides a variety of snacks, including dates, almonds, peanuts, and a mix of walnuts, raisins, roasted chickpeas, and other similar items, to keep you energized during the ride. Where possible, we also include some local sweets for variety. Oranges and bananas are usually available as well. If you’re accustomed to energy bars, granola, or electrolyte gels during rides, please come prepared, as these are not readily available in Morocco and are not included in our snack provisions. Most allergies or special dietary requirements can be catered for. Please let us know as soon as possible, if you have not already noted in your booking information.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Water and tea are included while riding and during all meals. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer and alcohol are NOT included in the price, and won't always be available unless you bring your own. Morocco is a Muslim country and most locals do not consume alcohol - if you like to have a beer after a ride or a glass of wine in the evening, please consider bringing your own provisions from Marrakesh, as they will be hard to come by in more traditional and remote areas.
SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
Keep some cash on hand for souvenirs, incidentals, and tips. Included entrance fees are those for the listed sites that are part of the itinerary. Any other site fees are not included.
Morocco's currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While some larger hotels and restaurants might accept EUR/USD, it's always best to use the local currency. You'll find ATMs and currency exchange shops readily available in Marrakesh but not elsewhere on the tour. We suggest exchanging/withdrawing enough cash on the first day in Marrakesh to last until returning again at the end of the tour. Credit cards are accepted at higher-end hotels and restaurants and some retailers but, for the most, part, you will need to have cash on hand for purchases along the way.
If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place:
Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.
You are advised to read our Booking Conditions in full before you make your payment and should you require further clarifications of any of the conditions below, please email us or call our office.
There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office.
From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).
If you are having any problems please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.
Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.
We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.
The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.
In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.
In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.
The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.
If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).
If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).
Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.
If you need to cancel after you have made full payment, please see our cancellation policy.
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