MTB or gravel trip through Morocco, crossing the Middle Atlas and Dades Gorges
MTB or gravel trip through Morocco, crossing the Middle Atlas and Dades Gorges
Experience in Morocco. Discover the Atlas Mountains on an adventure trip
bike type
MTB
Duration
8 days
Profile
Sport
Distance and slope
177 km / +5580 m
Trip Summary
A mountain bike or gravel ride through the Moroccan Middle Atlas, filled with stunning scenery and physical challenges.
You will travel along mountain trails, passing through small Berber villages. The terrain will be tough, but the views of canyons, plateaus and mountains will reward you.
Spend the night before and the night after your trip in Marrakech at a hotel, where you can experience authentic Moroccan hospitality. Recommended for relaxing before continuing your tour and exploring the city a bit.
You could visit Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the souks to experience the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, or relax in a hammam before starting your adventure.
You will have the opportunity to rent a bike, avoiding the hassle of carrying a suitcase.
Date and availability
Join the Bikefriendly Club and get an automatic 10% discount for this trip.
Location
Trip description
Cycling trip to Morocco: from the Atlas to the Dades Gorges
Experience an unforgettable adventure with our cycling tour in Morocco , a 4-stage route through the High Atlas Mountains from Zaouit Ahansal to the Dades Valley. A cycling trip designed for cyclists seeking adventure, nature, and culture all in one destination.
The terrain is mountainous and demanding, with long climbs and steep descents that will test your legs and endurance. Along the route, you'll cycle between arid plateaus, spectacular gorges, and verdant valleys , following secondary roads and quiet tracks. This cycling trip in Morocco will also take you to small Berber villages, where you'll discover the authenticity of their culture and the relaxed pace of local life.
Berber landscapes and culture
One of the great attractions of this bicycle trip through Morocco is Dades Gorges, a unique landscape with rock walls up to 300 meters high that makes the stage an unforgettable experience. You will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Berber culture, sharing mint tea with the locals, sleeping in traditional gîtes, or enjoying a night in a haima under the stars. A unique and authentic way to discover Morocco on two wheels.
Moroccan gastronomy
La gastronomy in Morocco will be an essential part of the experience. You will be accompanied by a support vehicle with a local chef who will prepare typical dishes every day: the comforting hariraThe traditional tajine slow cooked, fresh salads, artisan bread, local fruits and the essential mint teaA home-cooked and nutritious meal, designed to replenish your energy after each stage.
Accommodations with local essence
During this cycling trip through Morocco, you'll sleep in Berber gîtes and simple guesthouses, where you'll need to bring your sleeping bag and mat. You'll also enjoy a night in a traditional Berber tent (haima), a unique experience that connects you with the country's nomadic spirit. These accommodations offer authenticity, tranquility, and direct contact with the local culture.
What this cycling trip in Morocco includes
- 4 stages of mountain and road cycling in the High Atlas.
- Ascents and descents that cross canyons, valleys and plateaus.
- The spectacular Dades Gorges as a highlight.
- Immersion in Berber culture and hospitality.
- Traditional Moroccan cuisine prepared by a local chef.
- Authentic accommodation in gîtes and haimas.
This cycling trip through Morocco is perfect for adventurous cyclists looking for much more than just pedaling: a complete experience of sport, culture and nature in the heart of the Atlas Mountains.
Itinerary
Landing and contact with Moroccan culture
Landing and contact with Moroccan culture
Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel in the center of Marrakech.
On the first day of your trip, you can plan a relaxed schedule to settle into the environment, enjoy the city, and prepare for your bike ride. Take some time to rest and acclimatize. Perhaps a mint tea on a terrace would be the perfect start.
In the afternoon, you can stroll through the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square , the heart of Marrakech, bustling with life, musicians, storytellers, vendors, and street performers. If you're feeling adventurous, you can wander through the nearby souks , where you'll find local crafts, spices, fabrics, and all sorts of other products. It's the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and to begin immersing yourself in Moroccan culture.
If you haven't already, this might be a good time before dinner to check all your cycling gear and make sure your bike is in perfect working order. If you rented it, you could arrange for its pickup.
Transfer from Marrakech to Zaouit Ahansal
Transfer from Marrakech to Zaouit Ahansal
A 7-hour transfer day from Marrakech to Zaouit Ahansal will allow you to begin immersing yourself in Moroccan nature, transitioning from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech to the tranquility of the Middle Atlas Mountains. It will be the perfect prelude to your cycling adventure!
Ideally, you should leave early, as the journey by vehicle is long, so making an intermediate stop at the Ouzoud Waterfalls is a good plan to rest.
The Ouzoud Waterfalls are the tallest in Morocco, with a drop of 110 meters. Here you can take a short walk to enjoy the views and perhaps see the monkeys that inhabit the area.
Lunch will be served on the road at a local restaurant.
Arrival in Zaouit Ahansal , a small mountain village surrounded by imposing mountains. It's the gateway to many trekking and cycling routes. Your accommodation offers a simple, rustic, and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for connecting with nature before dinner.
A stroll through the town is recommended, discovering its houses, its people, and the garden area by the river.
First stage by bike: ZAOUIT AHANSAL – IMI N WARG LA CATHEDRALE
Distance
49 km
Elevation
+1240m
First stage by bike: ZAOUIT AHANSAL – IMI N WARG LA CATHEDRALE
The first stage by bike from Zaouit Ahansal to Imi n Warg is an incredible route, full of spectacular scenery and considerable physical challenges.
The first few kilometers will allow you to enjoy a relaxed start to the Assif Melloul valley . The landscape will consist of deep valleys and rugged mountains. As you continue, you will pass through small Berber towns and villages, where it is common to see local shepherds and farmers.
The Assif Melloul is a river that flows through the High Atlas Mountains, and the descent into its valley offers spectacular views. Here you can stop to take photos or simply enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. The weather can change abruptly, so it's advisable to be prepared for possible temperature changes. The climb to the mountain passes will be challenging, but the panoramic views of the mountains and valley will reward your effort. I suggest taking short breaks to recharge and enjoy the scenery.
Lunch en route, prepared by the Berber guides.
The terrain becomes somewhat more arid and rocky as you approach Imi n Warg , with its impressive rock formations that characterize the region. Accommodation is in a simple and welcoming hostel, situated in a very picturesque location near the Cathedral rock formations , famous for their size and shape, which resemble a cathedral.
The day will end with a well-deserved rest and dinner in a spectacular natural setting, preparing you for the next stage of your cycling adventure through the High Atlas.
Second stage by bike: IMI N WARG LA CATHEDRALE – ANERGI
Distance
36 km
Elevation
940 m
Second stage by bike: IMI N WARG LA CATHEDRALE – ANERGI
The second stage of your bike trip from Imi n Warg to Anergi will be another exciting ride, this time ascending through the stunning gorges of the Assif Melloul (White River).
The route follows the impressive Assif Melloul gorge , also known as the "White River." As you progress, you'll notice the landscape becoming lusher and greener, with abundant trees and vegetation lining the path.
After resting at the hostel, you'll begin the day crossing unique landscapes near the Cathedral rock formations. This is a geologically interesting area, with its imposing rock cliffs marking the beginning of your route. At the start, you'll face a small mountain pass, then the route continues up and down with gentle slopes.
Lunch en route, prepared by the Berber guides.
After the climb, a gentle descent will take you to the small village of Anergi , a peaceful spot nestled among mountains, with landscapes that open up and become less dense, but equally breathtaking. A relaxing dip in the cool waters of the Assif Melloul River is highly recommended.
The gîte will offer you a simple but delicious dinner, likely consisting of fresh local ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, and bread.
Third stage by bike: ANERGI – DOUAR TAFRAUT
Distance
50 km
Elevation
+1900m
Third stage by bike: ANERGI – DOUAR TAFRAUT
The third stage , a bike ride from Anergi to Douar Tafraut, will be challenging but incredibly rewarding, with steep climbs and varied terrain. An amazing challenge and spectacular views await you!
The route begins on a track that is undergoing construction work to be paved, so you are likely to find stretches of mixed terrain, some with loose gravel and others already partially paved. As you advance, the landscape will give you views of rocky mountains and valleys, a contrast between intact nature and the transformation of the road.
At the start, you'll face a mountain pass with a gradient of up to 22%. Although this climb is challenging, once you've completed it, you'll find it incredibly satisfying and enjoy spectacular views from the summit. It's important to pace your energy and take breaks if necessary.
The route covers altitudes of almost 2000 m for almost the entire route, with continuous ups and downs, which, due to this altitude, makes it the toughest stage of the trip.
Be careful with low temperatures and cold air at certain times of the year.
Along the way, you pass through small douars (villages) where life follows an ancient rhythm. Adobe houses blend into the landscape, donkeys graze freely, and children's greetings accompany cyclists as a constant display of hospitality.
After the large mountain pass, you'll face some rough sections. The road will be filled with gravel and loose rocks. In this part of the route, you'll encounter a second, lower-altitude mountain pass, but the poor condition of the track can make it equally challenging.
Lunch en route, prepared by the Berber guides.
The route ends in the small mountain village of Douar Tafraut, where we will camp and spend the night in tents, sharing the evening in the heart of the Atlas Mountains with Berber guides—a truly immersive cultural experience.
Fourth stage by bike: DOUAR TAFRAUT – TILME
Distance
42 km
Elevation
+1500m
Fourth stage by bike: DOUAR TAFRAUT – TILME
The fourth stage by bike from DOUAR TAFRAUT to DADES
This stunning stage crosses the heart of Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, beginning in the village of Douar Tafraout , a Berber village nestled between terraced fields and rocky mountains. From the very first meters, the trail reveals the rugged terrain and the beauty of the landscape: reddish dirt tracks, narrow valleys, and terraces that make the most of every drop of water.
The route begins with a steady, steep climb that accumulates much of the elevation gain in the first 5 km, winding through hillsides dotted with juniper bushes and cultivated fields. It's common to encounter shepherds and laden mules, a symbol of an ancestral way of life that still survives.
As you gain altitude, the views expand, revealing spectacular panoramas of the Atlas Mountains. In some sections, the track narrows into a trail, requiring technical skill and bike control, especially on the subsequent descent.
After a tough 8 km climb, you reach the highest point of the trip (3010m), before beginning a long descent , initially fast and smooth, which becomes more technical and rocky towards the end. The surroundings change, becoming greener as you approach the Tilme oasis , where the landscape becomes gentler and more fertile.
Throughout the stage, you'll pass through several kasbahs and adobe villages , where the traditional architecture is perfectly adapted to the climate and terrain. Amazigh (Berber) culture is palpable everywhere: women collecting water from communal fountains, children waving joyfully, and men working in terraced gardens.
In the villages, the pace of life is slow and hospitable. If you have the opportunity, a break for mint tea in a local home or café will be an authentic and enriching experience.
We will have lunch near Tilme, prepared by the Berber guides.
After completing the demanding cycling stage to the remote village of Tilme , it's time to load the bikes onto the support vehicles, which will then transport all the equipment to the accommodation in Dades , 60km away.
During the journey, we will stop to visit the gorges , a natural wonder formed by the erosion of the Dades River , which has sculpted vertical rock walls that rise hundreds of meters high. In this part of the valley, the impossible curves of the mountain road contrast sharply with the gentle oasis that winds at the bottom of the canyon.
Return from Dades to Marrakech
Return from Dades to Marrakech
The last day of the trip includes a transfer by vehicle of approximately 7 hours, from Dades to the hotel in Marrakech, the final point of our trip.
Possibility of making a brief stop while passing through the city of Ouarzazate and visiting it.
A stop will be made for lunch along the way at a local restaurant.
Once you arrive in Marrakech , you'll have the rest of the day free to explore the city, relax, or do some shopping. This last day is an opportunity to connect with the essence of the city, perhaps enjoying a final, peaceful evening stroll through the medina, or unwinding on a terrace overlooking the illuminated city from the many terraces surrounding Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the heart of Marrakech.
A great end to your trip through the Moroccan Middle Atlas!
Homecoming
Homecoming
After breakfast, we will head back home with a short transfer to the airport to take the return flight.
Morocco captivates and you will return with your bike!!
Advantages of booking your event with BikeFriendly
Culture
Cycling through Morocco is much more than a sporting challenge: it's a true cultural immersion . Along the route, you'll pedal through small Berber villages , where life follows a peaceful and traditional rhythm, marked by agriculture, herding, and the hospitality of its people.
The Berber people, originally from the Atlas Mountains, keep their ancestral customs alive. Their culture is reflected in the adobe architecture , the colorful local markets , and the warmth with which they welcome travelers. Sharing mint tea in a Berber home or listening to stories about the mountains is one of the most authentic experiences you can have on this route.
Furthermore, as you travel through the valleys and gorges, you'll discover how Morocco combines tradition and modernity: roads that cross breathtaking landscapes, villages that seem frozen in time, and a way of life deeply connected to nature and the environment.
At each stage, you will not only conquer mountains and canyons, but you will also get to know the Berber culture up close , their simple way of life and their unique hospitality, which will make this bike trip an unforgettable experience.
Climate
The climate in the High Atlas and Dades Gorges area is marked by the mountains and altitude , which means you will find significant contrasts between day and night.
During the day, especially in spring and autumn, temperatures are usually mild and pleasant for cycling, ranging between 15 and 25°C , although it can get quite warm in the drier sections during the middle of the day. As evening falls and at night, the temperature drops rapidly, becoming cool or even cold in the higher areas.
In summer, the heat can be intense in the valleys, exceeding 30°C , while in winter the peaks of the Atlas Mountains can be covered in snow, offering spectacular scenery but tougher conditions for cycling.
Gastronomy
On this trip, you'll not only cycle through some of the most stunning scenery in the Middle Atlas, but you'll also enjoy an authentic and heartwarming culinary experience.
We will be accompanied by a support vehicle with a local cook, who will be in charge of preparing the meals daily both during the route and at night, either in our Traditional gites or during the night of camping in a haima.
Our chef will prepare typical Berber dishes , simple yet full of flavor, always using fresh, local ingredients. Among the specialties you can sample are:
Harira : a traditional Moroccan soup rich in legumes, spices and aromatic herbs, ideal for regaining energy.
Tagine (tajine) : prepared with seasonal vegetables, meat or chicken, cooked slowly with spices in the classic conical clay pot.
Vegetable omelet : a tasty and nutritious option, perfect for outdoor lunches.
Fresh salads , artisan breads , fruits of the day and, of course, the ever-present mint tea , a symbol of hospitality.
Whether at lunch or dinner, you'll enjoy a balanced, home-cooked meal tailored to the day's physical exertion.
Land
The cycling tour through Morocco will take you through varied and mountainous terrain , where each stage presents a different challenge. The routes traverse tracks and roads that wind between arid plateaus, deep canyons, and verdant valleys hidden in the Atlas Mountains.
The climbs are constant , with gradients that will test your endurance, followed by technical and spectacular descents that reward your effort. The surface can alternate between asphalt, packed dirt, and rocky sections, adding a touch of adventure to the journey.
Along the way you will pass through small Berber villages , where life unfolds in a quiet and traditional way, and along quiet secondary roads, making cycling an authentic and safe experience.
In short, the terrain in Morocco is tough, demanding and very varied , but also tremendously inspiring: every pedal stroke gives you unforgettable landscapes of canyons, gorges and mountains that seem to have no end.
Included services
Transfer
Transfer from Marrakech airport to the hotel and back on the last day of the program.
Accommodations
7 nights' accommodation with breakfast in shared rooms at gîtes and hostels.
Half board in gites and hostels
Half board in gites and hostels. Bed and breakfast at the Hotel in Marrakech.
Directed outputs
We will have a Spanish guide and a Moroccan guide throughout the trip.
Food and refreshments on the route
A Moroccan chef will prepare our meals en route and provide us with refreshments, including water.
Tourist visits
Tour guides for the indicated activities on days 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the program.
Support vehicle.
Support vehicle, possibility of changing clothes or getting into the vehicle during the route.
Direct Flights
Help with managing and purchasing flights to Marrakech from your place of origin.
Luggage transfer
Luggage transfer between accommodations.
Not included
Direct Flights
Round-trip flights to Marrakech airport.
Drinks for lunch and dinner
Except for water, drinks with meals and dinners during the route days.
Vaccines
Vaccinations and medications necessary during the trip
Lunch meals on days 1 and 8 of the program
Lunch on days 1 and 8 of the program.
Dinners on days 1 and 7 of the program
Dinners at the Marrakech Hotel on days 1 and 7 of the program.
Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag and mat for gîtes and hostels.
Visa and permits
Management and obtaining of visas and permits necessary to enter the country
Tips to the guides
It is customary to tip all Moroccan staff.
Custody of the bike box
At your hotel in Marrakech, they can store your bike box until your return on the last day for a small fee.
Lunch meals on days 1 and 8 of the program
Lunch on days 1 and 8 of the program.
Additional to hire
Assistance and cancellation insurance
It is mandatory to have assistance and cancellation insurance, which you can purchase with us or from another company.
Bike rental
We help you rent the bike from a local company.
20% discount on a training plan with Sergio Bike
If you book your trip 8 months before the start date, you will receive a 20% discount on the different training plans offered by Sergio Bike.
*See our cancellation policy.
Gallery
REVIEWS
The work being done by Bicycles Without Borders and Bikefriendly is commendable and makes me think there is still hope in the world.
I've seen firsthand that this project is real and not just a gimmick. The idea is truly brilliant, and it's helping many children and adolescents continue their education in a very meaningful way, as it's not a charity, but a means for the local population to develop.
The immersive experience in the country is complete, and traveling around the country by bike helps us feel fully integrated into the environment. In just one week, we've been able to understand and learn a lot about this country and its wonderful people, who are materially poor but spiritually rich.
I take my hat off to the work done by both the guide Sergio and the local team, which included Alpha, my lifelong friend and very professional, as well as Idi, Maurice, and Sidy.
I will definitely recommend this trip.
I recommend it, the routes exceeded my expectations! The hotels were good and the food was very good.
FAQ
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