Jebel Sahro Ride & Marrakech

8 Days - from $1107

Spectacular oases of Draa Valley and lunar landscape of Saharan dunes, plus a day in vibrant Marrakech

As our least-demanding Moroccan off road trip, you don’t have to be an expert biker to enjoy the superb scenic contrast of Morocco's exotic south. We start the week riding through the date palms and lush oases of the Draa Valley before arriving at the imposing volcanic gateway of Bab'n'Ali. Our journey past isolated Berber settlements where nomads tend their herds of goats, and numerous villages with mud-brick houses and ancient kasbahs, allows us to witness the traditional way of life. Riding amid the stunning Atlas mountains to the impressive Saharan sand dunes is exciting, but not too long or technical, making this the ideal introduction to off road biking in Morocco. Our adventure is completed with a transfer over the incredible Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2260m) to the beautiful 'Pink City' of Marrakech. We have a full day to explore this exotic city, including the medina, the busy souks or the beautiful Majorelle Gardens. A night time visit to the colourful Djemaa el Fna is not to be missed!

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Ouarzazate. 2 Riding from Tizi-n-Tinnififft, we start with some descent. The day is spent riding past lush palmeries and isolated villages to Agdz. 3 A day riding in the Draa Valley passing fertile ground scattered with numerous kasbah, and finishing in the desert gateway town of Zagora. 4 Ride/transfer into the heart of the Jebel Sahro, a nomadic tribal land. Our day's ride finishes at a spectacular converted kasbah in the village of Tamsahelt. 5 A challenging day with some optional rewarding ascents as we cross the Jebel Sahro and visit the spectacular rock pillars at Bab'n'Ali. Ride/transfer to Boumalne Dades. 6 Another day of riding through superb mountain scenery on the edge of the Atlas Mountains, and finish with some great descents before transferring to Marrakech. 7 Free day in Marrakech to enjoy the bazaars off Djemaa el Fna Square or visit the beautiful Majorelle and Menara Gardens. 8 End Marrakech.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 45km (28 miles) No. of days cycling: 5 Vehicle support: 100% Terrain and route: 90% off-road. Great riding mostly on hard packed trails with the occasional rough, rocky section. Rides are mostly undulating with optional long climbs and fast descents. Off-road experience advisable but not essential.
Group size: Min. 8, max. 16, plus leader and local staff. Additional local guide for groups of 12 or more.
Accommodation: 7 nights 2 to 4 star hotels, including 1 night in a restored kasbah.
Food: All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $136.08
Trip Reference: MMS
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.