Morocco Bike Tour
Eight nights; seven days of cycling from the souks at Marrakech to the coast at Essouira, with a day of hiking
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Lively Marrakech start point
- Quiet mountain roads through Berber villages
- Excellent cycling climate
- Ride downhill to the coast at Essouira
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The riding surface is almost entirely paved and traffic-shared, with very few short gravel sections.
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Arrival & Introductions
- DAY 2: ~60 km, or ~85 km
- DAY 3: Up to ~87 km
- DAY 4: Up to ~98 km
- DAY 5: ~20 km loop + ~15 km hike
- DAY 6: Up to ~96 km
- DAY 7: Variable
- DAY 8: Variable
- DAY 9: Transfer & Farewells
Elevation Profile
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Marrakech, ~17:00, day one.
Finish: Marrakech, noon, day nine.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Arrival & Introductions
Arrive Marrakech. We recommend the following riad (small house hotel with central courtyard), but can meet wherever you choose on the following morning. A visit to Djemma el Fna Square this evening is the ultimate introduction to our week’s cycling – with snake charmers, story tellers, smoky food stalls and souks – the best place to warm up to the exciting atmosphere of Marrakech.
Hotel Riad dar Anika, Marrakesh
Marrakech to Ouirgane. 60 or 85km.
Fuel up with a traditional Moroccan breakfast, then transfer to rural roads to begin cycling in the Atlas foothills from Tadmamt. You can choose to climb, or transfer if you prefer to start with a climb. You will then descend into the N’Fiss Valley and Lalla Takerkoust for lunch, before a rolling ride to your sumptuous lodge near Ouirgane. BLD (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include most breakfasts)
Domaine de la Roserai, or Ksar Shama, Ouirgane
Ouirgane to Oukled Berhil. 87km
Ride through the N’fiss Valley on a winding mountain road, first to the dramatic Tizi n’Test Pass at 2100m, where views over the Sousse Valley and the AntiAtlas Mountains are amazing, then on a long gradual descent through orange, lemon, and grapefruit groves to the small town of Ouled Berhil. BLD
Riad Hida, Ouled Berhil
Ouled Berhil to Tafraoute, 98km, flexible.
Transfer to Irherm in the Lesser Atlas – a desert mountain range you will find very different from the fertile Sousse Valley you just left. The orange rock and granite outcrops create an other-worldly backdrop for a wonderfully undulating ride to the oasis town of Tafraoute. BLD
Hotel El Malara, or Hotel les Amandiers, Tafraoute
Tafraoute loop ride 19km, or hike 15km to Painted Rocks and Surf Rock.
A relatively relaxing day to explore the mountains around Tafraoute, and to see the bizarre art of blue-painted rocks. B
Same lodging
To Agadir 96km.
Short transfer to Tanalt – a Berber village in the almond region of the Sousse Plain. Ride to Ait Baha, passing pink houses – yes, pink! End of day transfer to the beach at Agadir. BLD
Riad Villa Blanche, Agadir
To Imouzzer
A spectacular ride through Paradise Valley – a gorge lined with palm trees, taking you to a high plateau and superb views in the little town of Imouzzer – the end point of one of the most dramatic rides on this route. Originally the home of the Ida Outanane Berber tribe, Imouzzer retains a strong cultural identity. BLD
Auberge des Cascades, Imouzzer
To Essouira
Descend to the coast at Imesouane. Have a swim while we load up the bikes for the short drive to the 15th century Portuguese fishing town of Essaouira, now an authentic Moroccan town whose narrow, traffic-free streets make great exploring. BLD
Riad al Medina, Essaouira
Farewells
Transfer back to Marrakech (2 ½ hours).
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
New dates are welcomed for guided, self-guided, or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 3745 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 9 days, 8 nights, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, luggage handling, full time guide and vehicle support, maps, route instructions, taxes
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 825
Bike Rentals:
Basic: 245
105 Carbon: 295
Dura-Ace Carbon: 435
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
GET TO THE START:
If you fly: The best option is to fly to Marrakesh Menara airport (RAK). It is a 15-minute taxi ride to downtown. By taxi turns to be a convenient mean of transport, since Marrakech Airport is located 5 kilometres from the city centre – That means a transfer time from 15 minutes up to 30 minutes according to traffic conditions. The fare to transfer to Marrakech city centre (to old town or Gueliz) is MAD 70.
Some drivers may be reticent to travel at the rate of MAD 70 so the cost may vary between MAD 150-800 according to your negotiation skills.
You’ll also get a different fare according if you choose to ride either a grand taxi (for 6 passengers) or a petite taxi (for 3 passengers).
It is recommended to ignore the taxis located immediately outside the arrivals of each terminal and walk across a car park where you’ll find several taxis.
