Highlights
- Aït Ben Haddou, UNESCO World Heritage site
- Jebel Saghro on old nomad trails
- Sunset camel ride and a luxury tent in the dunes
- The Todgha gorge and the “monkey fingers” of the Dades
What awaits you
This route crosses three very different worlds: the High Atlas, the wild volcanic plateaus of Jebel Saghro and the Sahara. You ride the most rewarding sections, from the Telouet valley to the Todgha gorge and the “monkey fingers” of the Dades, and let the 4×4 handle the long transfers.Comfort matters on this trip: Dar Daif in Ouarzazate, a family guesthouse in the Saghro, the Kasbah Baha Baha eco-lodge in N’Kob, a luxury desert camp and Riad Gabci in the Todgha.
Itinerary
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Atlas descent and kasbah trail: Marrakech – Tichka – Telouet – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
Over the Tizi n’Tichka (2,260 m), then on the bike through the quiet Telouet valley, all palm trees and old Berber villages. A guided visit of the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou before the night in Ouarzazate.
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Rose Valley and Saghro wilderness: Kelaat M’Gouna – Tagmout
A 4×4 transfer to Kelaat M’Gouna in the Valley of Roses, then you ride up into the Saghro to the canyon village of Tagmout, from green valleys to wild rocky plateaus. Night in a family guesthouse.
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Saghro plateau and nomad trails: Tagmout – N’Kob
The big riding day, across the plateau on nomad paths through a moonscape of volcanic rock and hidden oases, with the Sahara in sight. Down to N’Kob and the Kasbah Baha Baha eco-lodge.
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Dragon’s descent and Sahara arrival: N’Kob – Aït Ouazik – Merzouga
A morning ride to the rock carvings of Aït Ouazik, then the 4×4 to Merzouga. Arrive at your luxury camp at sunset for a camel ride, sandboarding and dinner under the stars.
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Desert to canyons: Merzouga – Tinghir – Todgha gorge
After sunrise, a drive to Tinghir and a relaxed ride up the valley and into the Todgha gorge, with time for photos and a dip in the river. Night at Riad Gabci.
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Monkey fingers and Atlas finale: Dades – Boutaghrar – Marrakech
The last ride, through the Dades valley and its “monkey fingers” rocks to Boutaghrar, among green fields and red cliffs. Then the drive back to Marrakech over the Tichka.
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.
Kasbah Telouet
19th century · 1 km from the route
The former palace of the Glaoui family, with richly decorated rooms hidden behind crumbling earthen walls.
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.
Watch the ride
Photos from this tour
What’s included
- Airport transfers in Marrakech
- Local guide
- Cook and support team
- 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
- Cycling shoes or sturdy trainers
- Padded shorts and gloves
- Warm layer and rain jacket
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Small backpack or hydration pack
Season
October to May
