During this Trans Morocco MTB trip, you will get to see the enormous variety of the country. We will cross the High Atlas from North to South, the volcanic Saghro Mountains, the Oases of the Draa Valley and the sand dunes of Erg Chegaga.
At the end of the mountain bike trip, we will spend the night in nomadic tents in the desert!
If you are looking for a very varied MTB trip, then this tour is something for you !
Total distance: 565 KM / 351 Miles
Total Altitude gain: 7.800 Mtr / 25.590 feet
Please note: For this trip you have to be in shape!
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 the Ait Adel reservoir and start cycle tour.
After a transfer of about 80 km, the mountain bike tour starts. The starting point is the foot of the High Atlas mountains. On the first day, you will ride in a southerly direction to the centre of the High Atlas. The route goes through traditional and isolated Berber villages.
(65 km , 40 miles / 2.100 mtr pos., 6890 feet pos.)
Overnight in a traditional Berber guesthouse at the start of the Tessaout gorge.
Day 3: Via the Tessaout gorge and the Tizi n Oulaoun pass to Toundoute
Today, the tour starts with a stage straight through the beautiful and rugged Tessout gorge. Along the way, you will pass through traditional and very isolated Berber villages. Depending on the quality of the track, you could visit the town of Megdez (one of the prettiest in the High Atlas, 10 km extra). This section should not be underestimated because the route crosses the river several times. At the end of the gorge, there is an ascent of the 2800 m Tizi n Oulaoun. This is followed by a fantastic route with a fantastic drop down a road hewn from the rock. Overnight stay in a Berber guesthouse in Tandoute.
(85 km, 53 miles / 1800 mtr., 5905 feet pos.)
Day 4: from Toundoute to Boutharar
At Aguerd we head in the direction of Alemdoun and Boutharar. The route runs over a desolate mountain plateau with troglodytes. Overnight stay in the Tamaloute Berber guesthouse in Boutharar.
From the guesthouse, you have a beautiful view over the green valley that contrasts with the red mountains.
(70 km , 43 miles / 1200 mtr pos., 3937 feet pos.)
Day 5: Via the Talouit pass to the Saghro mountains
The morning starts with a steep climb up the Talouin pass (1900 m). From the pass, there is an excellent view of both the Mgoun mountain chain (4067 m) and the Saghro mountains. This is followed by a descent to Kelaa Mgouna. After that, you ride through the volcanic Saghro mountains to the isolated village of Tagmoute.
(70 km , 43 miles / 1200 mtr pos. , 3937 feet pos.)
Day 6: Through the volcanic Saghro mountains to the Draa valley
Today, we ride straight through the Sagro mountain range. A journey through a rugged and inhospitable landscape. Mountain passes alternate with rapid descents. Along the way, we will see fantastic rock formations. At the end of the stage, we arrive at the palm oasis in the Draa valley. Overnight stay in a small hotel in the palm oasis.
(75 km, 47 miles / 900 mtr pos. , 2952 feet pos)
Day 7 through the Palmoases of the Draa valley to Zagora
Today we will follow the green palm oasis of the Draa valley. On the way, you pass by traditional clay villages. You can enjoy the contrast between the green oasis and the red and yellow of the surrounding mountains. The traditional casbahs (Berber fortresses) complete the picture.
Overnight stay at a campsite
(60km, 37 miles / 200 mtr pos, 650 feet pos)
Day 8: Heading towards the desert and bivouac
Today you leave the green oasis behind you and drive into the eroded Jbel Bani mountains. After passing through traditional villages, you will cycle into the sandy desert of Erg Chegaga. This is where the very last part of the journey begins. We drive towards the impressive high sand dunes of Erg Chegaga. This is where "The Long Way Down" ends. We end with a beautiful bivouac in nomad tents in the sand dunes and under a beautiful starry sky.
The route is partly single track.
(90 km / 56 miles)
Day 9: Transfer by minibus to Marrakesh
Today we will get to see the beautiful Draa valley again, but this time from our comfortable minibus. Then we drive over the beautiful Tizi-n-Tichka pass and have again beautiful views. After your arrival in Marrakech, you can explore the vibrant souks of the old town.
Overnight stay in a hotel 3* in Marrakech based on half-board.
Day 10: Transfer to the airport of Marrakesh
