- Cycle from the Atlas Mountains to Essaouira beach, experiencing the best of Morocco en route
- Ride along the foothill of Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa
- Conquer the dramatic Tizi n’Test Pass for dramatic views over the Sousse Valley
- Explore the seaside city of Essaouira, staying overnight in a traditional riad
- End the adventure in pulsating Marrakech
Cycle Morocco's Great South
9 Days
Excluding Flights From
9 Days
from
Cycling
Activity Level
Challenging
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
Pedal through remote villages and the rugged Atlas Mountains
Encompassing the best of Morocco, this trip will take us past the foothills of Mount Toubkal, golden kasbahs, impressive gorges and the long sandy beach of Essaouira. This spectacular route follows smooth paved roads and climbs over high mountain passes that reward you with spectacular vistas of the High Atlas Mountains. A real highlight is riding through Paradise Valley, close to Imouzzer, where a palm-filled valley leads to a high pass with views down to the ocean below.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (5 hotel, 2 riad), 1 Simple night (auberge)
- Six days cycling with full vehicle support
- Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Second leader added for groups above 7. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: Morocco
What's Included
- All breakfasts, six lunches, six dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Local bike hire
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
- E-bike hire (available for an additional cost)
6 Days of Cycling
Pace:
Challenging: 8mph-10mph (13kph-16kph)
Terrain:
Low altitude; 90 percent paved, 10 percent unsurfaced roads
Day 2
59 km / 36.7 miles
Day 3
87 km / 54.1 miles
Day 4
60 km / 37.3 miles
Day 5
70 km / 43.5 miles
Day 6
45 km / 28 miles
Day 7
60 km / 37.3 miles
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
07 Feb 2026 07 Feb 2026
Sunday Sunday
15 Feb 2026 15 Feb 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually 2 398 €Now 2 160 €Saving 238 € Usually 2 398 €Now Saving 238 €
Optional Single Supplement +276 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
28 Feb 2026 28 Feb 2026
Sunday Sunday
08 Mar 2026 08 Mar 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € 2 400 €
Optional Single Supplement +276 €
Ramadan Departure
Ramadan Departure
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
28 Mar 2026 28 Mar 2026
Sunday Sunday
05 Apr 2026 05 Apr 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 280 € Book with 570 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +276 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
11 Apr 2026 11 Apr 2026
Sunday Sunday
19 Apr 2026 19 Apr 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually 2 398 €Now 2 160 €Saving 238 € Usually 2 398 €Now Saving 238 € Book with 540 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +276 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
02 May 2026 02 May 2026
Sunday Sunday
10 May 2026 10 May 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 280 € Book with 570 € deposit Book with 300 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +276 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026
Sunday Sunday
20 Sep 2026 20 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 400 € 2 400 € Book with 600 € deposit Book with 600 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +276 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 2026
Sunday Sunday
18 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 630 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +276 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
31 Oct 2026 31 Oct 2026
Sunday Sunday
08 Nov 2026 08 Nov 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 630 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +276 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
07 Feb 2027 07 Feb 2027
Monday Monday
15 Feb 2027 15 Feb 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 630 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +294 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
28 Feb 2027 28 Feb 2027
Monday Monday
08 Mar 2027 08 Mar 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 630 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +294 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
28 Mar 2027 28 Mar 2027
Monday Monday
05 Apr 2027 05 Apr 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 630 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +294 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
11 Apr 2027 11 Apr 2027
Monday Monday
19 Apr 2027 19 Apr 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 630 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +294 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
02 May 2027 02 May 2027
Monday Monday
10 May 2027 10 May 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 630 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +294 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
12 Sep 2027 12 Sep 2027
Monday Monday
20 Sep 2027 20 Sep 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 630 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +294 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
10 Oct 2027 10 Oct 2027
Monday Monday
18 Oct 2027 18 Oct 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 630 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +294 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
24 Oct 2027 24 Oct 2027
Monday Monday
01 Nov 2027 01 Nov 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit Book with 630 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +294 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes
Itinerary
Marrakech Marrakech
Adventure starts in Marrakech
Buzzy Marrakech is a whirlwind of tradition and culture, an invigorating introduction to Morocco. If you arrive with time to explore we recommend walking around the old walled medina where winding alleyways are filled with souks selling everything from street food to herbs, spices and pottery.
Usually around 6pm, you’ll say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Moroccan welcome over an optional dinner together (which is included for all in 2026).
Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Hotel Meriem (or similar)
Transfer to Sid Fares; cycle in the foothills of Mount Toubkal to Ijoukak
We transfer out of Marrakech this morning to Sid Fares and begin our cycling journey into the foothills of Mount Toubkal. After a nice warm up on a wonderful, undulating road, we enjoy a long descent into the Asni Valley with beautiful views. We then follow the river and cross several bridges before arriving at our hotel.
Drive time: Two hours
Accommodation: Auberge Tigmmi n’Tamazirte (or similar)
Challenging climb followed by exhilarating descent from Tizi n'Test Pass to Oulad Berhil; overnight in traditional riad
The day begins with a challenging climb to the dramatic Tizi n’Test Pass (6,890ft/2,100m). We are rewarded with dramatic views to the south over the Sousse Valley towards the Anti Atlas Mountains. After lunch, we have a truly dramatic and, in places, quite steep descent as the road winds down to the valley. Once in the valley, our ride takes us past orange, lemon and grapefruit groves as we approach Oulad Berhil. Here we receive a warm welcome, delicious food and a relaxing evening at our beautiful riad. This converted palace is a wonderful addition to the end of our day with roaming peacocks and the chance to pick our own fruit straight off the trees.
Accommodation: Riad Hotel l’Arganier (or similar)
Cycle towards Tafraoute in Anti Atlas Mountains; optional transfer/ride to see the Blue Rocks
We have a morning transfer into the Anti Atlas Mountains and the real southern Morocco, much of which is semi-desert and a contrast to the fertile Sousse Valley. We travel through argan country trying to spot the much-loved tree-climbing goats. From Irherm, we are surrounded by almond trees and our road has some wonderful ups and downs as we pass through many farms and mud-walled Amazigh villages. The last section of the ride is another wonderful descent of about 7.5mi (12km) through dramatic scenery to Tafraoute.
Time permitting, we visit peculiar painted-blue giant rocks, otherwise we visit tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel les Amandiers (or similar)
Pass pink houses and kasbahs en route to Ait Baha Lake; transfer to Agadir
We transfer to Tizi M’Lil and begin another varied ride, undulating through spectacular hills, past traditional villages and hill-top kasbahs, with some superb balcony sections with excellent views. There are a few climbs, but the ride ends with an exhilarating descent to Ait Baha Lake and then we transfer to the coastal resort of Agadir.
Drive time: 1hr 30min
Accommodation: Oasis Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Spectacular ride through the Paradise Valley; climb to Imouzzer
Today we enjoy a truly spectacular ride through the Paradise Valley, a narrow gorge lined with palm trees. Towards the head of the valley, we have another challenging climb with excellent views, eventually reaching a high plateau and the little town of Imouzzer, the end point of one of the most dramatic rides on our route. Originally the home of the Ida Outanane Amazigh tribe, Imouzzer retains a strong cultural identity.
Accommodation: Hotel des Cascades Ecolodge (or similar)
Cycle through traditional villages and palmaris to Essaouira
We start cycling from the front door and begin with another excellent winding descent on a good road to a valley dotted with palm trees and traditional villages. There are a couple of moderate climbs over rocky hills and descents back into the fertile valleys before we reach the main coast road and the end of the ride. After a picnic lunch, we transfer (90 minutes) to our destination for the evening, Essaouira. This old Portuguese fishing port dates to the 15th century, but the present town was constructed around 1760 by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah, who needed a base from which to suppress a revolt from Agadir. Today, Essaouira is extremely relaxed and the whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan workshops, boatyards and fishermen provide a marked contrast to Marrakech. There’s plenty of interest in the narrow traffic-free streets of the old town and we stay overnight in a traditional riad.
Drive time: Two hours
Accommodation: Riad Benatar or Riad Al Medina (or similar)
Free morning in Essaouira; transfer to Marrakech; free time
After a free morning to explore lovely Essaouira, we transfer to the vibrant city of Marrakech. Simply enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice in one of the many rooftop cafes overlooking the Djemma El Fna square, or perhaps take a calèche (a horse-drawn carriage) ride to the peaceful Majorelle Gardens. These small but tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in indigo blue and house the small Museum of Islamic Art. A final treat would be to go for a hammam, a traditional Moroccan steam bath. A visit to Djemma el Fna this evening is the ultimate reward for our week’s cycling – with story tellers, smoky food stalls and souks, there is no other way to experience the exciting atmosphere of Marrakech.
Drive time: 3hr 30min
Accommodation: Hotel Meriem (or similar)
Adventure ends in Marrakech
Enjoy your final breakfast this morning and take the chance to reflect on your unforgettable Morocco adventure before you start your return journey. Alternatively, if you would like to extend your time in Morocco please speak to your sales representative who will be happy to advise.
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This tour is classified Road and Activity Level 5 (Challenging). For more information on our trips gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Terrain and route: 90 percent paved, 10 percent unsurfaced road with an average daily distance of 42mi (68km).
Fitness: A good level of fitness is required for this trip as there are some climbs, with 13mi (21km) as the longest.
Rides: Mostly undulating with several optional long climbs and fast descents. There is ongoing road development in Morocco and the quality of the surface improves every year. However, there may be some sections on rough or dirt tracks and for that reason we don’t currently recommend the use of drop bar road bikes on this trip.
Journeys: Morocco is stunning but large and the cities and country areas are spread out. This means there are sometimes long journeys when we are not cycling but this is the only way to see all the country offers. We are not confined to our vehicle though, as there are plenty of photo stops and opportunities to stretch your legs. The approximate drive times are noted on the daily itinerary.
Climate: The temperatures in Morocco are hot in the summer months but we try to make the most of the coolest parts of the day. It is usually milder in the south. Morocco can get cold in the winter months though usually daytime temperatures are mild. It is advisable to pack winter clothes for November through to March when nighttime temperatures especially in the desert and the mountains can drop considerably. During these months there can also be rain throughout the country and snow in the mountains. As Morocco is generally mild to hot it is not set up for colder temperatures and so there may not be heaters available. Please pack winter clothes and nightwear to ensure you are comfortable. Of course you can also ask for more blankets from the hotels. Please be prepared for the colder months.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: 154 Med El Beqal, Marrakesh 40000
Phone: +212 5244-37062
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today, but we recommend flights that land around midday to ensure you can pass through security and get into the city in good time before our welcome briefing at 6pm. Hotel check-in is from 2pm.
Airport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
We provide free departure transfers for all customers to Marrakech Airport (RAK) from the end hotel. If you’re not taking the transfer, allow three hours for check in, bag drop, immigration and security.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Marrakech airport
The amount of time it takes to get through Marrakech Airport can vary considerably. Therefore, we suggest you mitigate for delays and allow two hours to get through immigration, security and baggage reclaim on arrival. Take a pen with you to complete the arrivals form and have the details of your accommodation to hand for this purpose. Operators are not allowed to wait inside the terminal building for clients, so please find your Exodus representative outside the main doors.
Upon departure from Marrakech, we suggest allowing three hours to navigate the airport: check in, bag drop, immigration and security can take even longer on exit. The airport doesn’t accept mobile boarding passes, so we suggest having a printed boarding pass to avoid subjecting yourself to further delays.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Marrakech
Location end: Marrakech
Moroccan hotels, riads and auberge
We stay in hotels, an auberge and two riads during this trip. Apart from the auberge, these are three- and four-star properties (local ratings). Below are some of the places we typically stay.
Tafraoute: Hotel les Amandiers
Perched on a rocky hillock, Les Amandiers overlooks the valley and is surrounded by pink granite mountains. The property has a pool with mountain views and a lounge where you can relax.
Imouzzer: Hotel des Cascades Ecolodge
After one of our most spectacular rides of the trip, Hotel des Cascades is the perfect place to unwind and reminisce. There’s an outdoor pool for a post-cycle dip and sun loungers if you just want to kickback. Best of all, however, might be the views, which stretch over the surrounding Atlas peaks.
Essaouira: Riad Al Madina
Built in 1817, this traditional riad in Essaouira medina provides an authentic look into a bygone age. The hub of social interaction is the patio, but you can also enjoy Moroccan tea in one of the lounges. When you’re ready to explore, the beach is just 655ft (200m) away and you’re near all the attractions and souks.
Worth knowing
- A single supplement is available; however, this does not apply to the night spent at Auberge Tigmmi (Day 2).
About riads
Riads are traditional Moroccan homes, generally in the old part of the city or medina, where the wealthiest people would historically live. They’re typically built around a central corridor with windows facing an internal courtyard (external windows are rare). Most have a rooftop terrace where breakfast is served. A night in a riad is an authentic Moroccan experience; however, riads do not have hotel-style facilities. Additionally, the rooms are not standardised and come in different sizes and shapes.
Reviews
Add your own reviewWonderful backdrops and really fun descents!
I had such an amazing time in Morocco. Despite taking ill, as I must have eaten something funny on the first day, I managed to power through thanks to the support and guidance from the leaders and fellow group members. The views of the desert in front of you with the Atlas mountains covered in snow in the background is amazing!
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.
Great trip…could be better
The trip was fantastic and we saw a lot of Morocco.Our support team was great.Could have been even better and more enjoyable with better equipment.
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.
MMI Cycle Morocco’s great south
Really loved the cycling, it was challenging and very rewarding .Our guides Mohamed and Yusuf were excellent as were the drivers. And the food was wonderful. Apart from the hotel in Agadir which survived very ordinary buffet food. Sadly neither the bikes or the transfer vehicles were up to the job. The bikes were worn out and constantly needing attention and the vehicles did not have enough legroom for comfort, particularly the Prado, which was painful if you were unlucky enough to be in the back.
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
Challenging but great
Abdo and his team were wonderful guides to the Atlas and Anti Atlas Mountains as well as the coastal areas that we visited. They provided tasty and healthful snacks and lunches, were encouraging and supportive during some pretty challenging cycling and generally took good care of us.
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.
MMI: Cycle Morocco’s Great South
I was quite nervous about the trip as travelling on my own for the first time & unsure about my level of cycling fitness. I’m a fit 51 year old but more of an ‘about town’ cyclist with a few extra laps of Richmond Park & its hills put in the the month before departure. But with a determined attitude I managed all of the challenging ascents.
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.
A great cycling trip
An amazing trip cycling, taking in breathtaking and varied scenery.
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.
Cycling
Good trip
Thoughts on Group Leader
Knowledgeable and very helpful
Great trip
Really enjoyed cycling in Morocco – especially areas off the beaten track. Fantastic scenery, great guides and really friendly people
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
Morocco's Great South October 2022
Amazing trip. We covered so many varied areas and types of terrain, from rocky desert to lush valleys. The six days of cycling were packed with fantastic views, challenging cycling, great company and accommodation that ranged from a Berber guesthouse to former palaces. Our guides and support staff were wonderful. We learned a lot about Moroccan culture, history and geography. The snacks and lunches were great with a focus on the local produce (nuts, fruit – dried and fresh – breads – vegetables). Who knew Morocco produced so much food. Be ready to experience the culture and the country in this trip and be well looked after by the supporting staff..
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.
A fantastic cycle trip..
I was looking for a trip where the focus was definitely on the cycling and this 350km across the spectacular Moroccan terrain didn’t disappoint. There was plenty of uphill and plenty of downhill so it was always interesting. There were some rough patches of road where you needed to keep your wits about you but the vast majority of the time they were very quiet with good surfaces and one felt you were on a real adventure passing through remote villages off the beaten track. The trip notes probably undersell the nature of the cycling as there are two definite climbing days and the other days are pretty lumpy however you can take it as easy or as hard as you like. Day 6 of only 45kms has a 24km 1200m climb, and after 4 days of 70kms across undulating terrain it proved quite the challenge in temperatures well above 30 degrees. There was plenty of opportunity to rest and fuel up and there was always the option to jump in the minibus. Excellent lunches of salad, flat breads and accompaniments were prepared by the guides and a good selection of snacks and drinks were available at stops both morning and afternoon. We also had brand new or nearly new bikes. The accommodation was good especially in the smaller towns. Some really interesting places to stay with real charm, perhaps the hotel in Agadir the least satisfying. After spending the previous four days in small towns and villages, this conventional hotel despite being near the beach was a bit of a culture shock but, it did emphasise the feeling we were seeing lots of different sides of Morocco. It was only 8 days but I felt I was away for a lot longer and it was really immersive.
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.
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Cycle Morocco's Great South
9 Days
Excluding Flights From
9 Days
from