Highlights
- The legendary descent from the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Riding through the Todgha gorge, with walls 300 m high
- Camel ride at sunset and a luxury tent in Erg Chebbi
- Sandboarding, and quad biking for those who want it
What awaits you
This is a road trip with bikes on the roof. Each day you ride the most beautiful sections, like the descent from the Tizi n’Tichka, the palm groves of the Rose Valley or the Todgha gorge, and hop into the 4×4 whenever you like. Non-riders can stay in the car the whole way.Nights are at La Rose de Sable, Dar Siyaha, the Palais des Dunes desert camp and Dar Daif. Standard accommodation costs €910 per person; the luxury option is €1,080.
Itinerary
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Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
Over the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka (2,260 m) and a long bike descent from the pass, with the 4×4 close by. Afternoon at the kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, then on to Ouarzazate.
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Ouarzazate – Rose Valley – Dades gorges
The landscape turns green and winding: gentle ups and downs through palm groves and Berber villages, mixing bike and 4×4. Short walk or ride in the spectacular Dades gorges.
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Dades – Todgha gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga
A ride along the river and through the Tinghir palm grove into the Todgha gorge, then on via Erfoud. At the Erg Chebbi dunes you swap bikes for camels and reach your luxury camp at sunset.
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Merzouga – Draa valley – Ouarzazate
Sunrise over the dunes, sandboarding, and an optional quad ride. Then a different way back through the Draa valley, Morocco’s longest oasis, to Ouarzazate.
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Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Free morning (the Taourirt kasbah is worth a visit), then back over the Tichka, with one last descent if the group still has energy. Drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Timings are a guide. Your guide adapts the pace to the group and the weather.
Route
Starts at Marrakech
Historic sites along the way
Aït Ben Haddou
17th century · 1 km from the route
A fortified earthen village on the old caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, listed by UNESCO and seen in many films.
Bahia Palace
19th century · 1 km from the route
Painted cedar ceilings, zellige and quiet gardens in the medina of Marrakech.
Taourirt Kasbah
19th century · 1 km from the route
A maze of earthen towers and courtyards in the heart of Ouarzazate, once a Glaoui residence.
Koutoubia Mosque
12th century · 1 km from the route
Marrakech’s landmark minaret, 77 m tall, next to Jemaa el-Fna square.
Kasbah Telouet
19th century · 13 km from the route
The former palace of the Glaoui family, with richly decorated rooms hidden behind crumbling earthen walls.
Watch the ride
Photos from this tour
What’s included
- Airport transfers in Marrakech
- Local guide
- Support vehicle with driver all along the route
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- All meals during the tour
- Mint tea and mineral water
- Bike rental where needed
- Camel trek and one night in a Sahara camp
Not included
- Drinks and alcohol
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
What to bring
- Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- Warm jacket for desert nights
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Small backpack or hydration pack
Season
October to May
