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Map of Morocco: Hike & Bike including Morocco

Breathtaking adventure infused with cultural discovery in Morocco

Travel along ancient caravan routes across the Atlas Mountains towards the Sahara on this 9-day cycling and hiking adventure through Morocco. Explore by foot, bike and even camel to get a totally immersive feel for this country. Cycle across mountain passes and through Berber villages. Hike through lush oases and towering gorges. Spend nights off the beaten path in a traditional Berber gite and at a desert campsite under dark skies bursting with millions of stars. This journey strikes the perfect balance of breathtaking adventure and cultural discovery.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Marrakech, Morocco
Finish
Marrakech, Morocco
Destination
Morocco
Style
Original
Theme
Active Adventures
Code
XMXM
Physical rating
Ages
Min 14
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • See a different side of Morocco by bike on two guided cycling trips –get closer to authentic Morocco, get off the beaten tracks through Berber villages and among fruit and nut trees.

  • Spend the night in a traditional mud-brick gite in the Atlas Mountains and learn how to make Moroccan bread with your host family.

  • Descend out of the mountains along a former caravan route into the historic fortified oasis of Ait Benhaddou.

  • Ride a camel across shifting sand dunes in Erg Chebbi, take a night desert walk and camp in a tent under the stars.

  • Hike among the towering red gorges and lush green palmeraies of Todra.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Just as a heads up before you book: this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’. 

  • To enjoy this trip it is important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle. This trip features undulating terrain so a good level of fitness is required.

  • When travelling in Morocco, temperatures can get incredibly hot in summer and surprisingly cool in winter. Have a think about what time of year suits you best to travel.

  • In 2023, Ramadan will take place from 22 March to 20 April. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the daytime.

Morocco ait benhaddou kasbah
Berber Village Trekking
Marrakech Carpet Market

Itinerary
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Welcome to Marrakech! You, your group and your leader will gather tonight for a welcome meeting at the hotel at 6 pm. After getting acquainted, head out together for an optional dinner in Djemaa el-Fna, a market square in Marrakesh’s medina quarter. Tour the food stalls and choose from a range of grilled foods, seafood, ginger tea and more.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Dar Si Said Museum - Marrakech - MAD20
  • Marrakech - Saadian Tombs - MAD70
  • Marrakech - Marjorelle Gardens - MAD70
  • Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage - MAD750
  • Marrakech - Hot Air Balloon Ride - MAD2050
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. 

As this trip spends very little time in Marrakech, we recommend you spend arrive a few extra days before your trip if you want to experience all the city has to offer. If you wish to spend more time here, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). 

Fuel up on breakfast before heading about an hour outside of Marrakech for a day of cycling and hiking in the Atlas Mountains. After a quick safety briefing with your leader, pop on your helmet, hop on your bike and hit the road. The ride starts on a smooth road before veering off the beaten path on a challenging but adventurous ride through Berber villages. Tap into your adrenaline reserves as you climb steeper and rockier trails. At the end of the ride, pile back into your private transfer to Imlil, a peaceful Berber village perched in the mountains. Stretch your legs on a leisurely walk by the lake. This afternoon, hit the road for another hour to the village of Imlil where we’ll hike for approximately 50 minutes to the village of Aroumd, passing through walnut and apple groves and past houses and farms. Then onwards to tonight’s accommodation in a traditional gite – a Berber-style mud-brick building. Upon arriving, feast on a well-deserved locally made Berber dinner.
Accommodation
  • Gite (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guided Hike - Imlil to Aroumd
  • Guided Cycling - Atlas Mountains (Amzmiz – Ouirgane)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total cycling distance is approximately 34 km (23miles) with 970 m (3,200 ft) elevation gain. Today’s hiking distance is approximately 2km (1 mile)

You can’t have a meal in Morocco without a loaf of bread, so take matters into your own hands this morning and learn how to bake your own Berber bread for breakfast. Your host family will share their recipe and the secrets behind this beloved bread, incorporating flour, oil, warm water, elbow grease and a lot of laughter. Tuck in and enjoy your creation on the gite’s terrace overlooking the Atlas Mountains. After breakfast, lace up your hiking shoes and set out on another hiking adventure. Alongside an experienced mountain guide, explore captivating Berber villages and hike along twisting mule tracks over a mountain pass above sheer cliffs before descending back down Tizian Valley to the village of Aremd. This evening, back at the gite, you’ll have the option of joining a hammam experience in the village.
Accommodation
  • Gite (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Imlil - Bread making workshop
  • Guided Hike - Atlas Mountains
Optional Activities
  • Hammam Visit - Aroumd - MAD100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's hiking distance is approximately 8km (5 miles)

Start your day with a drive on a twisty road over the High Atlas Mountains across Tizi n`Tichka, the highest mountain pass in Morocco and down to a remaining piece of the 11th century, Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was a strategically important site along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh and one of the few routes across the Atlas Mountains. You may also recognize it from movies and shows like The Mummy, Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After settling into your hotel, head out on a walking tour in the sleepy fortified village of Ait Benhaddou. Stop for break with fresh herbal tea and Moroccan pastries in Tawesna, a cosy Berber tea house overlooking Ksar Ait Benhaddou. This non-profit provides opportunities for more than thirty local women to improve their livelihood.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk
  • Ait Benhaddou - Tea at Tawesna association
Optional Activities
  • Ait Benhaddou - Cooking Demonstration & Dinner - MAD100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning, head off to Agdez for another cycle tour. This little oasis town is nested along the edge of the Draa River. Agdez was once an important resting place along the caravan route between Marrakech and Timbuktu. This hidden gem of a town is tucked away among palm trees and crimson Kasbahs but is often skipped by tourists. Head off on a bike ride around town, between houses, past farmers' fields backed by Mt Kissane. You’ll have some free time to explore further this afternoon. Perhaps head off for a walk in nearby Ziz Valley and explore the ancient kasbahs close by.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guided Cycling - Agdez
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s cycling distance is approximately 50 km (31 miles) with 800 m (2,600 ft) elevation gain.

Today we continue our journey south as the rocky desert plateaus give way to a sea of sandy hills at Erg Chebbi. These golden dunes are constantly shifting under North African winds and can reach up to 180 metres tall, which makes for incredible views and lots of opportunity for adventure. Swap your bike for a camel today, and ride across the dunes to our campsite for the night where you’ll be greeted with hot mint tea. Tonight, embrace your extraordinary surroundings and enjoy a traditional feast. Head out on an evening desert walk with the group and watch the sun go down over the dunes. Keep your eyes turned upwards for a truly spectacular night sky. Back at camp, enjoy live Gnaoua music around an open fire before snuggling into your rustic tent accommodation for the night.
Accommodation
  • Desert camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Camp Fire, Merzouga
  • Merzouga - Camel safari
  • Sahara Desert Night Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Enjoy a camp breakfast before riding your camel back to Merzouga this morning and then onwards to Tinghir. You’ll check into your hotel for the night before heading off to connect with your local guide who will lead the group on a hike through a palmerie. These lush and fertile palm groves tap into natural waterways and serve as communal agricultural lands. You’ll walk among date palms, fruit and vegetable crops and past mud-brick houses and farms while learning about local agriculture. The late afternoon is free, opt to go Rock climbing in Todra Gorge
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tinghir Palmerie walk
Optional Activities
  • Rock Climbing - Todra Gorge - MAD400
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, hike with your leader through the deep-sided Todgha gorges or wadi, breathtaking red-hued limestone cliffs towering over the meandering Todra River. The canyon walls stretch up to 400 metres in some places, and narrow to as little as 10 metres wide, if you keep going. Then it’s time to head back to the vibrant city of Marrakech where you’ll have the option of joining a guided medina tasting tour in the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Todra Gorge hike
Optional Activities
  • A Taste of Marrakech - tour leader - MAD400
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's hiking distance is approximately 6km (4 miles)

Your adventure comes to an end today after breakfast. You may like to stay on for a few extra days to make the most of your visit here. We’ll be happy to assist in booking accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Bicycle, Private vehicle, Camel, On foot

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Gite (2 nights), Desert Camp (1 night)

Included activities

  • Guided Hike - Imlil to Aroumd
  • Guided Cycling - Atlas Mountains (Amzmiz – Ouirgane)
  • Imlil - Bread making workshop
  • Guided Hike - Atlas Mountains
  • Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk
  • Ait Benhaddou - Tea at Tawesna association
  • Guided Cycling - Agdez
  • Camp Fire, Merzouga
  • Merzouga - Camel safari
  • Sahara Desert Night Walk
  • Tinghir Palmerie walk
  • Todra Gorge hike

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Morocco: Hike & Bike trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room with the exception of Days 2, 3 and 5. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Equipment hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking that we can ensure a suitable sized bike is arranged.
3.An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
4. Morocco gets very warm in summer (June, July, August) so our leader may opt to shorten or reroute activities to ensure travelers' health and safety is not compromised.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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