8-Day Cycling Tour to the Sahara Desert

• A Breathtaking Adventure Across Morocco
  

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Explore Morocco from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert on Two Wheels!This 8-day cycling tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride through some of Morocco's most stunning landscapes, from the lush Atlas Mountains to the vast, tranquil Sahara Desert. You’ll cycle through ancient kasbahs, Berber villages, and picturesque valleys, with two unforgettable days spent biking across the Sahara’s iconic sand dunes. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or someone looking to experience Morocco’s beauty from the saddle, this tour promises adventure and culture at every turn.

Tour Details & Route OverviewDates Available:

• September to June (8-day tour)

This comprehensive 8-day biking tour is designed for medium-level cyclists, with a mix of road cycling and desert tracks. The total biking distance is approximately 300 km over the course of the week.
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

• Highlights: Arrival and Introduction to Marrakech
• Details: Welcome to Marrakech! Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. There will be time to assemble your bikes, with assistance from local staff. After a pre-trip briefing, feel free to explore Marrakech at your leisure. Enjoy a delicious dinner and take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.

Day 2: Marrakech to Ouarzazate

• Distance: 30 km (Cycling)
• Elevation Gain: Tichka Pass (2,260m)
• Details: Depart from Marrakech in a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser, driving through the stunning Tichka Pass. After stopping for lunch in Ait Ben Haddou, you'll cycle towards Ouarzazate. This is a shorter, warm-up cycling day, giving you a chance to settle into the rhythm of the tour.

Day 3: Ouarzazate to M’ezguita Oasis

• Distance: 46 km
• Details: After breakfast, a one-hour car ride will take you to Pass Tinifift, where your cycling adventure continues with a long descent to the Tizqui waterfall, a lush green oasis surrounded by volcanic mountains. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool at the Kasbah where you'll spend the night.

Day 4: M'ezguita Oasis to Erg Lihodi (Sahara Desert)

• Distance: 70 km
• Details: Cycle through the heart of southern Morocco, heading towards Zagora, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Ride through the scenic Draa Valley, home to the largest date palm oasis in North Africa. Your night will be spent in a Desert Camp, where you’ll sleep under the stars.

Day 5: Erg Lihodi to Chegaga Dunes

• Distance: 64 km
• Details: Start your day with a short drive before cycling towards the majestic Chegaga Dunes. The ride will take you through sacred oases and dry, fast tracks. Enjoy lunch at the Oum El Alg oasis before setting up camp in the desert for the night. Experience the peace of the desert and sleep beneath the stars.

Day 6: Chegaga Dunes to Foum Zguide and Taznakht

• Distance: 70 km
• Details: Begin the day by watching the sun rise over the dunes. Cycle through the iconic Paris-Dakar route, passing the dry Iriki Lake to reach Foum Zguide, where you’ll stop for lunch. Continue towards Taznakht, where you'll overnight at a hotel with a swimming pool to relax and recover.

Day 7: Taznakht to Marrakech

• Distance: N/A (Driving)
• Details: After breakfast, you'll drive back to Marrakech via the Tichka Pass, which offers panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains. Upon arrival in Marrakech, you'll check into your hotel or riad for a night’s rest. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's monuments, souks, or simply relaxing by the pool.

Day 8: Departure

• Details: Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight, marking the end of your Sahara Desert adventure.

Key Tour Highlights:

• Discover Ancient Marrakech: Explore the vibrant souks, historical palaces, and the rich culture of Morocco’s most famous city.
• Cycle Through the Atlas Mountains: Experience the rugged beauty of the Atlas, cycling from lush valleys to high mountain passes.
• Berber Villages & Kasbahs: Ride through ancient kasbahs and charming Berber villages, learning about the local way of life.
• Sahara Desert Adventure: Enjoy two incredible days cycling through the Sahara Desert, with overnight stays in desert camps under the stars.
• Draa Valley: Cycle along the longest valley in Morocco, home to North Africa's largest date palm oasis.
• Nomadic Lifestyle: Experience the hospitality and lifestyle of Morocco’s nomadic desert tribes.

Practical Information

• Period: September to June
• Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses, and nomadic desert camps
• Group Size: Minimum of 3 participants
• Difficulty Level: Medium (suitable for intermediate cyclists)
• Meals Included: All meals provided during the tour except for dinner and lunch in Marrakech
• Transportation: 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser for assistance during the biking tour
• Starting/Finishing Point: Marrakech
• Bike Rental: High-quality mountain bikes available for rent (full or front suspension). If you prefer to bring your own bike, we’ll provide you with packing guidelines.

Booking Your Tour:This is more than just a cycling tour – it's a chance to immerse yourself in Morocco’s culture and landscape, from the High Atlas to the Sahara. Experience the thrill of cycling across some of the most beautiful and diverse terrains in the world. Secure your spot on this unforgettable adventure today!

Whether you're an avid cyclist or simply seeking a new adventure, this 8-day cycling tour across Morocco will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper connection to this fascinating country.

​Service included:
Guide <Local guide with our Moroccan tour Leader>.
Cook < Professional cook in the whole tour>.
Food < Lunches - Diners - Breakfast>.
Transport < Two 4x4 cars Assistance>.
​Nights < 6 nights in the Guesthouses>.

Service not included:
Insurance.
Tip.
Tools.
​Bikes (you can hire it from our shop.).
​Helmet.

What you should bring:
Mountain bike skills course & guided ride equipment list
You will need the following to enjoy the course in comfort and in safety:

• A well maintained mountain bike.
• Mountain bike helmet (mandatory)
• Padded cycling gloves (mandatory)
• Elbow, knee and shin pads (optional)
• Eye protection (strongly recommended)
• Your usual cycling clothes
• Drinking bottle or Camelbak for water
• A snack or energy food
• An extra warm layer 4
• A waterproof top
• A small rucksack or Camelback
• A waterproof notebook and pencil
• Personal medication
• Suntan lotion
• A spare inner tube
• A spare pair of brake pads/blocks
• A spare mech hanger (usually only applies to aluminium & carbon bikes).​

You won't need to carry tools, a trail side repair kit or a first aid kit as your coach/guide will have all of this.
Equipment notes

• You must have bar end protectors fitted (plugs or locking caps)
• Your helmet should be undamaged and less than 5 years old
• You should carry water enough for at least 0.5 liters per hour
• Even in summer