Atlas To Sahara Mtb

Marrakech

Arrival at Marrakech airport where you will be welcomed by your guide and transfer to your 3* hotel in the medina of Marrakech, overnight on half BB basis.

Marrakech - Demnat - Skoura

4x4 transfer via the city of Demnat and the Tizi n’Fedghat Pass. We start our biking adventure beyond the village of Ghessat and ride south to reach the oases of Skoura, overnight in a nice Kasbah (B, L, D)

Driving distance: 210 km / Biking Distance: 38km  / Altitude Gain / Loss: +560m, -850m / Physical difficulty: ▲▲▲▲▲ / Technical skills:▲▲▲▲▲

Skoura - Draa Valley

An early departure to link the Atlas to the Draa Valley by the Djebel Saghro. We will ride the moon like landscapes of this amazing and unknown range. After lunch, we leave our bikes and head for a 3 hours trek (too technical to ride). We will join the Draa Valley and its legendary palm grove where we spend the night in a Kasbah in the heart of the oases. (B, L, D)
Mountain Bike Distance: 46km / Altitude Gain / Loss:  +660m, - 250m, 3 Hours trekking : 10 km / Altitude Gain / Loss:  +240m, - 850m 
 Physical difficulty:  ▲▲▲▲▲ / Technical skills: ▲▲▲▲▲

Draa Valley - Bouira

We leave the Draa Valley and bike a long trail leading up the Djebel Ourti and enjoy a last view of the Atlas Mountains. The stone desert scenery is punctuated by small isolated villages and cultivated terraces. We ride a succession of small passes before winding down a superb canyon. On a curve, we will discover our first camp set in a beautiful oasis. (B, L, D)
Mountain Bike Distance: 54km / Altitude Gain / Loss: +580m, -460m / Physical difficulty:▲▲▲▲▲ / Technical skills:▲▲▲▲▲

Bouira - Djebel Bani

In the Morning, we will discover the amazing palm grove of the Rtam Wadi before riding the vast arid plains that lead up to the foothills of the Djebel Bani. After a rewarding lunch pause under tamarisk trees, we climb a pass to enjoy the superb views on the anti-Atlas mountains. The afternoon ride is quite easy to our camp which is set in a natural amphitheater! (B, L, D)
Mountain Bike Distance: 62km / Altitude Gain / Loss: +340m, -660m) / Physical difficulty:▲▲▲▲▲ / Technical skills:▲▲▲▲▲

Djebel Bani - Sahara

Today, we continue our journey south, we will bike a single track that is more accustomed to camels than mountain bikes! We will discover amazing canyons where few nomad families still live. On the southern side of the Djebel Bani, a real natural barrier stopping the overwhelming sands, we will see the first dunes in the distance and we pedal straight down to our camp in the Sahara!. (B, L, D)
Biking Distance: 40km / Altitude Gain / Loss: +200m,  -580m / Physical difficulty:▲▲▲▲▲ / Technical skills:▲▲▲▲▲

Chigaga Dunes - Foum Zguid

Last day biking, we will leave the sand dunes behind and head west. We will cross the dried lake of Iriki, riding this lake endless surface is an amazing experience. Our ride ends near the superb Djebel Mdaouer Kebir. We will handle our bikes and drive to Foum Zguid. Overnight in a nice hotel with a swimming pool! Biking Distance: 56km /

Biking Distance: 56km / Altitude Gain / Loss: +150m,  -150m / Physical difficulty:▲▲▲▲▲ / Technical skills:▲▲▲▲▲/ Driving distance 26km

Foum Zguid - Marrakesh

After breakfast, we leave the desert for a long drive up north via Taznakht and the Tishka Pass. We reach Marrakesh at the end of the afternoon. The night is spent in a Riad, not far from Djemaa Lafna Square (Dinner is not included but your guide will suggest a good restaurant).

Driving distance: 370km

Marrakesh

A whole to explore the vibrant Marrakesh! There is a lot to see and visit from the souks to palaces and museums or enjoy a mint tea on a terrace overhanging the amazing Jamaa Lafna Square. Overnightin Riad in Marrakech,Bed & Breakfast basis.

Marrakesh Airoport

Depend on your flight schedule, an airport transfer from the Riad will be arranged for you.

Good to know

This tour is available for private as for shared groups, the tour can start with 4 participants. We can offer a personalized program for bigger groups or bikers who wish a more challanging ride or any specific requests.

The Area

This tour takes place in the southern side of the High Atlas, cross the Anti-Atlas, the Draa Valley, the pre-Sahara Mountains and Sahara Dunes. The altitude is between 680m and 1500m high.

Your Guide

A Moroccan english speaking mountain bike guide who will meet you at your arrival at the airport, he will be with you the whole biking trip. Before the mountain bike stages, he will give you a briefing about safety and the use of your bike. All along the day, he will give you explanations about the traversed area and the way of life of the local population. He can also assit you in case of injury or mechanic issues on your bike.

Your Bike

For this tour, we recommand a full suspension bike (100m travel) in perfect working condition! Wearing a helmet while riding is obligatory.

The food

You won't have to worry on food or drink, we take care of everything. Mineral water will be supplied all day with a mix of dry fruits to refuel. All meals are included either in lodges or camps.

Lodging

On this tour, you will be staying in a mix off accommodation: Hotel / Riad in Marrakech, Kasbah guest houses in south, and camps when we approch the desert.

Assistance

You will have a full back up during this mountain bike tour. A part from 1 day approching the desert, a 4X4 vehicle, with a bike rack, will be following behind at a reasonable distance in case of emergency or tiredness.

Non cyclists

Are you a family, your spouse, your husband doesn’t cycle? Non cyclists are welcome on this tour, they can stay with assistnce car and a guide who will organize short rambles, sightsee and meet with the group at the end of the day.

Group Size / Price

The trip price is based on 6 riders and more. The maximum group size of the  "Atlas To Sahara" is 10 particpants.