Sahara Desert 8-Day Group Tour

Q: 1. Who is this tour suitable for?

This tour is designed for experienced cyclists comfortable with moderate to challenging rides of 50–65 km per day on mixed terrain. Riders should have some previous MTB or road cycling experience.

Q: 4. How physically demanding is the tour?

The tour is moderate to challenging, with daily distances of 50–65 km and climbs through mountain passes such as Tizi n’Tichka and Tiazazarte. E-bikes help make climbs more manageable.

Q: 7. When is the best time to do this tour?

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer the best temperatures and clear skies. Winter rides are possible but bring warm layers for high-altitude passes. Avoid summer months due to extreme heat in the desert.

Q: 8. Will I interact with local communities?

Yes, the route passes Berber villages, kasbahs, and oasis towns, offering opportunities to meet locals, enjoy mint tea, visit markets, and experience Moroccan culture.

Q: 9. How is support provided during rides?

A support vehicle follows the group, carrying luggage, snacks, water, and providing assistance for mechanical issues. This ensures a smooth and safe ride throughout the tour.

Sahara desert Adventure

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Transportation
Private 4x4 or Minivan
Accomodation
None (Day Trip)
Maximum Altitude
600 metres
Departure From
Marrakech
Best Season
All Year Round
Tour type
E-Bike / MTB / Cultural
Meals
Traditional Moroccan Dinner & Mint Tea
Language
English, French, Arabic
Fitness Level
Easy to Moderate
Group Size
1-15
Minimum Age
12
Maximum Age
73

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

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Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

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FAQs

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Overview

Ride your way through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains on an 8-day mountain bike adventure from MTB Morocco. Trailside Berber villages, snow-capped mountains, lush oak and pine forests and majestic sand dunes characterize the High Atlas Mountain range and this tour will take you along volcanic formations to plateaux filled with animal prints. This is more than just a bike tour, it is an epic journey of colossal pedal strokes through Morocco’s dramatic terrain and culture.

Cycle through twisting mountain passes, verdant valleys, lush oases and lost Berber villages. Discover ancient kasbahs, palm-filled desert valleys and silent back-roads travellers rarely visit. A mixture of challenging riding and cultural experiences each day will help you to get under the skin of Moroccoʼs natural beauty and traditions.

Leave the rest to us Everything is taken care of; you just concentrate on riding while perfectly appointed vehicles and professional guides ensure everything goes off without a hitch from logistics to lodging to tastes of delicious local cuisine. Whether descending high mountain passes, cruising across the desert plains or watching the sun set over the dunes at Erg Chebbi – this trip mixes riding with adventure, stamina and discovery.

Perfect for the more experienced cyclist; distance, diverse terrain and real Moroccan culture on a trip you’ll never forget! Whether through the heady boulevards of Marrakech or across the stillness of the Sahara, it’s a trip where getting there really is half the fun.

Highlights

Ride across the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Explore Berber villages, kasbahs, and desert oases
Experience the Sahara Desert and Erg Chebbi dunes at sunrise or sunset
Fully supported with professional guides, vehicles, and equipment
Immerse yourself in Moroccan culture, cuisine, and hospitality

Day 1 :

Arrival in Marrakech

Overview: Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport and transfer to your hotel or riad. Meet your guides for a welcome briefing.

Bike Prep: Assemble your bike, check e-bike or MTB settings, and review safety procedures.

Optional Activity: Short ride or walk in the city to get acclimated. Explore the medina or Jemaa el-Fnaa square if time allows.

Accommodation: Hotel or riad in Marrakech.

Guest Tips: Arrive hydrated and ready for altitude changes. Pack light for bike assembly.

Day 02 :

Atlas Crossing – Marrakech to Telouet via Ounila Valley

Overview: Transfer from Marrakech into the High Atlas Mountains (~2.5 hours). Begin cycling through the Ounila Valley, passing traditional Berber villages and terraced hillsides. Stop at Telouet Kasbah, once a powerful Glaoui residence. Continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and finish in Ouarzazate.
Riding Details:
- Distance: ~55–65 km
- Terrain: Paved mountain roads, moderate climbs, scenic descents, occasional gravel sections
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging; e-bikes assist on climbs
Cultural Highlights: Ounila Valley villages, kasbahs, traditional mud-brick architecture, panoramic viewpoints.

Guest Tips: Layered clothing recommended; mornings can be chilly in the mountains. Bring a camera for iconic kasbahs.

Day 03 :

Rose Valley – Ouarzazate to Kelaa Mgouna and Talouite Valleys

Overview: Ride through the fertile Rose Valley, famous for its rose fields and fragrant products. Follow the valley roads to Talouite, with stops at village markets and artisan workshops. Experience traditional Berber life and scenic river valleys.
Riding Details:
- Distance: ~50–60 km
- Terrain: Rolling hills, paved and gravel roads, occasional short climbs
- Difficulty: Moderate; suitable for riders with some experience
Cultural Highlights: Rose harvesting areas, Talouite Valley villages, river crossings, local craft demonstrations.

Guest Tips: Wear sun protection; roses bloom mainly in spring but the valley is scenic year-round.

Day 04 :

Dades to Saghro – Through the Gorge to Rugged Mountains

Overview: Cycle the dramatic Dades Gorge, a canyon of striking rock formations. Follow the Mgoun River into the Saghro Mountains, exploring desert-like landscapes and remote villages. The terrain becomes more rugged, offering a true adventure feel.
Riding Details:
- Distance: ~55–65 km
- Terrain: Mixed paved roads, gravel tracks, river valleys, moderate to steep climbs
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Cultural Highlights: Remote Berber villages, Saghro desert landscapes, canyon viewpoints, traditional mud houses.

Guest Tips: Bring layers; mornings can be chilly and the sun strong in the afternoon. Keep hydrated—water stops are provided by support vehicle.

Day 05 :

The High Pass – Tiazazarte Pass to Bab n’Ali

Overview: Conquer the Tiazazarte Pass at 2,500 meters, one of the tour’s most iconic climbs. Enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains before descending toward the rock formations at Bab n’Ali.
Riding Details:
- Distance: ~50 km
- Terrain: Steep climbs, winding mountain roads, technical descents
- Difficulty: Challenging; e-bikes recommended for easier climbing
Cultural Highlights: High mountain villages, dramatic rock formations, Berber community interactions.

Guest Tips: Check brakes before descents. Layers essential for high-altitude temperatures.

Day 06 :

Berber Heartland – Bab n’Ali to Nkob

Overview: Ride through the heart of Berber country, passing Iki Village and Azib Amguis. Descend into the lush palm groves of Nkob, surrounded by fertile oases in the arid landscape.
Riding Details:
- Distance: ~60 km
- Terrain: Rolling desert tracks, small paved roads, gentle valley climbs
- Difficulty: Moderate
Cultural Highlights: Palm groves, Berber villages, oasis towns, traditional markets.

Guest Tips: Take breaks in villages for mint tea; use sunscreen—desert sun can be strong.

Day 07 :

Return to the Red City – Nkob to Marrakech

Overview: Spend the morning cycling through southern Morocco’s scenic desert corridors before transferring back over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. End the tour with a celebratory dinner.
Riding Details:
- Distance: ~30–40 km of cycling; remaining distance by support vehicle
- Terrain: Rolling plains and foothills
- Difficulty: Moderate; leisurely pace for final day
Cultural Highlights: Last interactions with Berber villages, panoramic Atlas views.

Guest Tips: Pack light; enjoy the final mountain views and take photos of the journey.

Day 08 :

Departure

Overview: Final transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure. Reflect on an unforgettable journey from mountains to the Sahara Desert.
Guest Tips: Check luggage, ensure bike souvenirs or local crafts are packed safely.

FAQs

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1. Who is this tour suitable for?

This tour is designed for experienced cyclists comfortable with moderate to challenging rides of 50–65 km per day on mixed terrain. Riders should have some previous MTB or road cycling experience.

2. Are e-bikes available?

Yes, high-quality e-bikes are available for riders who want assistance on climbs or prefer a more relaxed pace.

3. What type of terrain will we ride on?

Riding includes a mix of paved mountain roads, gravel tracks, desert trails, rolling foothills, and occasional dirt paths. Expect climbs, descents, and long scenic stretches.

4. How physically demanding is the tour?

The tour is moderate to challenging, with daily distances of 50–65 km and climbs through mountain passes such as Tizi n’Tichka and Tiazazarte. E-bikes help make climbs more manageable.

5. What is included in the tour price?

Professional MTB Morocco guides
Fully supported vehicle for luggage, bike maintenance, and refreshments
Accommodation in riads, lodges, and desert camps
Breakfasts, most lunches, and dinners in desert camps
E-bike rental (if requested)

6. What should I pack?

Cycling clothing with layers for varying temperatures
Gloves, sunglasses, and helmet (provided)
Sunscreen and sun protection
Comfortable shoes for riding and walking
Camera or smartphone for photos

7. When is the best time to do this tour?

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer the best temperatures and clear skies.

Winter rides are possible but bring warm layers for high-altitude passes. Avoid summer months due to extreme heat in the desert.

8. Will I interact with local communities?

Yes, the route passes Berber villages, kasbahs, and oasis towns, offering opportunities to meet locals, enjoy mint tea, visit markets, and experience Moroccan culture.

9. How is support provided during rides?

A support vehicle follows the group, carrying luggage, snacks, water, and providing assistance for mechanical issues. This ensures a smooth and safe ride throughout the tour.

10. Are there optional activities along the way?

Yes, options include:

Photography stops at kasbahs and mountain passes
Short hikes in valleys or gorges
Cultural experiences in Berber villages
Camel rides or quad tours near desert areas

11. Can solo travelers join this tour?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome. MTB Morocco can match riders for shared rooms or provide single accommodations upon request.

12. Is this tour suitable for road bikes or only mountain bikes?

The tour can be done on road bikes, gravel bikes, or mountain bikes. MTB or gravel is preferred for rougher gravel tracks and desert trails.

13. How challenging are the mountain passes?

Passes like Tizi n’Tichka (2,260 m) and Tiazazarte (2,500 m) involve moderate to steep climbs. Riders with e-bikes will find them more manageable. Stunning views reward the effort.

14. What’s the accommodation like in the desert?

Overnight stays in the Sahara Desert are in traditional Berber tents or eco-lodges, offering comfort, warmth, and the experience of sleeping under the stars.

15. How do I prepare physically for this tour?

Regular cycling practice on mixed terrain is recommended.
Train with climbs and descents if possible.
Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated before and during the tour.

Sahara desert Adventure

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

More Info

FAQs

Map

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

More Info – Why This Tour is Unforgettable

FAQs

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