Cycle Morocco's Great South

Most Inspirational Moment

Though very sad, it was incredible to see how life has continued after the earthquake in 2023.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The tour leader, assistant leader and drivers were so friendly and extremely efficient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Recommended for keen cyclists who are prepared to put in the pain for the gain. Not recommended for amateurs or beginners.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Moha and Yousef were excellent.Very knowledgeable and helpful.They worked overtime fixing bikes and loading bikes on and off the roof of our ( inadequate) support vehicles

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip was let down with poor quality bikes and support vehicles.The bikes were old and worn and required constant maintenance ( by our great support team) to just keep them going.For a trip with quite challenging riding better bikes are required.The support vehicles were also not good enough.To cram 7 full size adults plus luggage into a Prado 4WD is not on.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many, but achieving the challenging climbs made us all feel good

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohamed was excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check that Exodus have sorted the bike and vehicle problem and go late or early in the season as it can be very hot

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to say but perhaps riding into the clouds in the Atlas Mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdo

Advice for Potential Travellers

The cycling is challenging. If you are going to be pedaling without any assist be sure you have trained for this trip. And bring good sunscreen.

Most Inspirational Moment

The 20k descents were thrilling & made the uphill worthwhile. Plus getting to see a properly off the beaten track side of Morocco. Amazing views every day. Wonderful out of the way locations & a great friendly bunch of people from all over the world in our group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fayssal our guide brilliant: had represented Morocco in off ride cycling so technically expert & very safety conscious, my cycling technique has improved no end. He & the drivers excellent bike mechanics too - swift tyre changes in case of punctures. Nothing too much trouble for them all & very friendly & insightful re local culture, terrain, history etc. They worked incredibly hard throughout the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The cycling is a challenge, especially the long ascents - be fitness prepared. But the sense of achievement from completing immense. There is always the minibus option if it gets too much. There were actually more e-cyclists on our trip - a lovely bunch of Canadian 60+ year olds - but it didn’t impact on the 4 of us cycling under our own steam. Everyone kept an eye out for each other.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many but cycling up the Tizi n’Test pass, reaching the snow line and enjoying a fantastic lunch, taking in the stunning scenery was a highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abderrahim and Hassan, were excellent leaders. Nothing was too much trouble and they were friendly and knowledgable and always with a smile. Also mustn’t forget our drivers who supported the group throughout the trip and again they were always there to help, whether it be a bike repair, water top ups, snacks or preparing amazing lunches.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We travelled in early March and were lucky with the weather (sunny all week), but it was cool up in the mountains, so earlier in the season be prepared and bring layers. Also, we found having a bike multitool useful for small adjustments to the bikes as they are re-assembled most days at start / end points during the trip. This is a fantastic but hilly cycling trip with ascents between 4-7% with some smaller sections between 8-10% so some cycling fitness /experience would help enjoyment of the trip. Those on the trip with e-bikes certainly appreciated the extra assistance and they were good solid bikes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Knowledgeable and very helpful

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose - but probably the scenery around Tafraoute

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abderrahim and Hassan Idmansour were great - really helpful, full of interesting information, always making sure we were well fed, watered and enjoying the whole experience (Our salad lunches were awesome)

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was getting hot already (March) so be aware the expected temp when you travel

Most Inspirational Moment

The descents were thrilling and sunset from our hotel in Imouzzer, in the lush Paradise Vally was beautiful. The market in Essouaria and the dinner that night with Berber musicians. Too many great moments to cover.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdu was wonderful. Could not have asked for a better leader. Charming, so well educated, informative, always available and extremely fit. Nothing seemed like an effort for him. Hassan his assistant was always supportive, sweeping up those of us at the rear of the group. Great sense of humour. Mustapha - wonderful driver - especially on the narrow, winding roads. We had some amusing Google translate conversations with him. Khalid along with Mustapha prepared wonderful snacks and lunches for us. We were lucky to have such a great support crew.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As a triathlete who has done her fair shore of Gran Fondos, I thought I would have no problem with the cycling. However six consecutive days on hybrid bikes over terrain that had demanding climbs - very few flats and if it was flat -there was a headwind!!! LOL. Be prepared.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I can’t speak highly enough about our head guide Abde and his team. All aspects of the trip were really well managed. They dealt with any issues that arose and were always happy to help. They gave good insight into the country we were passing through and were great company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather was dry and warm but it was chilly out of the sun and there was a cold wind at altitude so a wind stopper type top and extra layer are essential. If in doubt always bring something warmer than you think you need to Morocco. As its quiet dusty and there isn't huge amounts of shelter, if it rained I'd imagine waterproof bootees and a proper rain jacket would be essential.