Atlas Descent

8 Days - from $1143

Exciting trails through Atlas Mountains, Berber villages and ancient kasbahs

The scenery is wild and varied; we cycle through tiny Berber villages, beautifully cultivated valleys, lush palm-filled oases, and explore numerous crumbling kasbahs. The riding itself is just as spectacular: endless descents on fast gravel pistes, singletrack and donkey tracks. This route is the product of over 10 years research and fine-tuning, offering an unrivalled off road experience through a striking landscape of jagged mountains and gorges. The combined use of four wheel drives and bikes allows us to see a substantial part of the region and gain a fascinating insight into the traditional Berber life. Great riding and good hotels ensures both adventure and comfort on this exhilarating ride through the challenging Anti Atlas Mountains.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Agadir. 2 Transfer to Tafraoute in the heart of the Anti Atlas. Introductory ride through a lunar landscape, passing the famous painted Blue Rocks. 3 Spectacular ride through impressive gorges and lush palmeries around Ait Mansour. A rough and rocky day with 35km descent and optional climb. 4 To old walled town of Tiznit. Optional visit to silver markets, or have a traditional hammam. 5 A healthy mix of ups and downs, mostly on gravel trails and dry river beds through wild scenery to Hemis Ait Moussa; transfer to Taroudant. 6 Drive into High Atlas where the landscape is very different; ride through pine forests and mountain villages of the Tiqqi Gorge to Immouzzer. 7 The ultimate off-road finale, through remote villages down to the Atlantic Ocean for a swim; drive to Agadir. 8 End Agadir.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 45km (28 miles)No. of days cycling: 6Vehicle support: 90%Terrain and route: 75% off-road. Approximately 6000m of exhilarating descents. Predominantly on dirt tracks and a few quiet roads. Rides become harder as the week progresses. Good fitness and off road experience highly recommended as some steep descents.
Group size: Min. 8, max. 16, plus leader and driver. Additional local guide for groups of 12 or more.
Accommodation: 7 nights hotels, most with swimming pools.
Food: All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $178.60
Trip Reference: MMA
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.