Atlas, Saghro and Oases of the South.
An eight day mountain bike trip through the southern part of the Atlas, the Saghro Mountains, and the Oases. A challenging and adventurous mountain bike trip. During this trip you ride through the “Gardens of the Atlas”, the Valley of the Birds, the M’Gounvallei, the Valley of the Roses, the Valley of Dates (the fruit), and the massive volcanic Djbel Sarhro. With the exception of a few short sections we are on unpaved roads.
Almost every day you’ve the choice between a short and a long tour.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival and meeting at the airport in Marrakech, followed by transfer to a 3 star hotel (including dinner and breakfast).
Day 2: Transfer to Telouet and the start of our bike adventure
Early in the morning we depart in a minibus or Land rover heading south. At the breathtaking Tizi-n-Tichka pass we turn left towards Telouet. Here our mountain bike adventure starts. A rough track takes us south through an amazing landscape of colors, traditional villages and green oases. The track ends at the famous ksar Ait Benhaddou where we settle into a Berber guest house.
(long tour: 70 km, 43 miles and 970 mtr, 3000 feet pos.
short tour: 35 km, 22 miles and 770 mtr, 2500 feet pos.)
Day 3: From the Rose Valley to the Talouite Valley
We depart for an incomparable adventure! A transfer takes us to Kelaa Mgouna, known for it’s annual rose festival. Our route winds along fields bounded by rose bushes. A long climb brings us to the Talouite pass, from which we have a marvelous view over the Valley of the Birds. The landscape here is breathtaking because of the contrast between the red soil and the green of the oasis. Next we descend into the still untouched Talouite Valley, with its pristine landscape. Lunch is on the bank of the river.
After lunch we cross the river and follow the splendid valley of El Hotwith its traditional Kasbahs (Berber castle)
At the end of the valley the “long tour” takes a single track.
Lodging with local residents.
(short tour: 35 km, 22 miles and 600 metres, 2000 feet pos.
long tour: 65 km, 40 miles and 1300 metres, 4300 feet pos.)
Day 4: From the Dades Gorge to the Saghro mountains
We follow the splendid Dades Gorge until the city Boumalne Dades. The long tour will cross the MGoun River and will climb some passes. After the climb at Boumalne Dades, we have a nice view over the oases. We continue and cross over a large desert plateau. Perhaps we come across a group of nomads with their herds. We arrive in a small village at the feet of the Saghro Mountains. Lodging with a local resident.
(short tour: 40 km, 25 miles and 400 metres, 1300 feet pos.
long tour: 55 km, 35 miles and 1000 metres, 3300 feet)
Day 5: To the canyons of Afourar via Tazazarte
We ride into the volcanic Saghro Mountains, and climb to the Tazazarte Pass (2500 mtr /7490 feet). Lunch is in the pass, with a fantastic view. In the afternoon we have a long descent. We set up camp as we enter the canyons opposite the impressive rock formation Bab n’ Ali. Lodging in tents.
(40 km, 25 miles and 800 metres, 2600 feet pos
The long tour can add about 10 km / 6 miles to visit the cascades of Iminougoulize)
Day 6: To Nkob via Bab n'Ali
We leave the unpaved road and follow a mule path through a scenic landscape. Now the route becomes even more challenging. The support vehicle is not present during this part of the trip. We travel further to the impressive rock of Bab n’ Ali, and on to the arid Amguis Valley. Lunch in Nkob.
After lunch we can add about 40 km / 25 miles by climbing to passes. During this part we visit some rock drawings
Lodging with a local resident or a traditional hotel.
(short tour: 35 km, 22 miles and 150 metres, 500 feet pos
long tour: 85 km, 53 miles and 600 metres, 2000 feet pos)
Day 7: After N'Kob transfer to Marrakech
After breakfast we load the bikes on the vehicles and drive to the splendid Draa Valley. We unload the bikes here and we ride the last short stage on our mountain bikes through one of the most beautiful valleys of Morocco with a succession of traditional villages lying in green oases. (30 km / 18 miles)
After lunch we drive to Marrakech via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass where we check into a 3 star hotel.
Day 8: Transfer to the airport
Transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Book this trip
Price: March € 560
April € 590
November € 575
Included:
- All transportation during the trip (Please note; Transfers between the airport and Marrakech are available one time only for arrival and departure).
- 2 nights in a hotel in Marrakech including dinner and breakfast.
- Transfer to the starting point and from the ending point of the mountain bike trip.
- 4 nights lodging with local residents, other night in tents.
- All meals during the bike trip.
- Camping equipment + big community tent.
- Support vehicle during the mountain bike trip.
- Flight ticket.
- Mountain bike rental (We offer Gazelle Extreme (24 gears) or Gazelle W3 (27 gears), price: €80 per week.)
- Insurances.
- Lunches other than during the mountain bike trip.
- Tips, refreshments, mineral water.