Atlas to Sahara Guided Motorbike Tour - from Marrakesh
9-Day Motorcycle Adventure in Morocco
This 9-day motorcycle adventure provides a comprehensive insight into all aspects of Morocco, featuring twisting mountain roads, passes and an unforgettable night in the dunes of the Sahara Desert. This trip will take us through the cedar forests of the Atlas, past the Rock of the Mummy, and through the stunning valleys of Dades and Thodra. We will visit the city of Ouarzazate and spend a night in a luxury desert camp among the dunes of the Sahara, along with a hike to the beautiful Ouzoud Waterfalls. Experience the thrill of riding on winding mountain passes, great dirt tracks, and the excitement of river crossings on your motorbike.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Marrakesh and transfer to your hotel, where you can settle in and relax by the pool to prepare for your journey the next morning. You will meet your tour guide, go through a welcome briefing, handle the necessary formalities, and receive your welcome pack.
Day 2: Marrakesh – Bin El Ouidane (approx. 170 km)
Receive your bikes early in the morning and start your journey toward Bin El Ouidane. We will head toward the High Atlas via normal roads to warm up and get accustomed to your bike and local driving habits before tackling the winding mountain roads that showcase the great riding Morocco has to offer. A visit to the scenic Ouzoud Waterfalls allows for a short walk. Tonight, we’ll stay in a nice hotel by the lake, where you can relax by the pool or enjoy a chat at the bar.
Day 3: Bin El Ouidane – Azrou (approx. 200 km)
After leaving the hotel in the morning, we will climb into the mountains, offering magnificent views of the lake and pine forests. We will navigate plenty of twists and turns before making a slow descent toward Khenifra, our lunch stop for the day. Then, we'll turn east and climb through Azizga National Park, where the narrow road eventually becomes gravel tracks zig-zagging through Ifrane National Park, leading us to our hotel on the edge of Africa’s largest cedar forest, where occasional sightings of Barbary apes are likely.
Day 4: Azrou – Errachidia (approx. 260 km)
Start the day with light off-road riding through the forests, allowing you to enjoy the serene setting and feed the local Barbary apes. We will tackle the climbing roads of the Middle Atlas and pass through the famous French Foreign Legion tunnel before arriving in Errachidia, the historic town known on the old Dakar route, where we will find our accommodation for the night.
Day 5: Errachidia – Merzouga (approx. 130 km)
Today, we journey toward the Sahara Desert. We’ll arrive at a fine hotel in Merzouga for a short break before switching to a 4x4 with our guide to reach our desert camp in the sand dunes. Enjoy a mesmerizing sunset before dinner, and take in the desert skyline at night. Please note that in case of a rare sandstorm, we may remain at the hotel for a more comfortable stay.
Day 6: Merzouga – Boumalne Dadès (approx. 220 km)
Awaken early to climb the dunes before sunrise and appreciate the striking landscape from atop the dunes before breakfast. Afterward, enjoy a guided 4x4 tour to explore the dunes and nearby sights, including local coal and crystal mines. We will adjourn to pick up our bikes at the hotel and head to the Rock of the Mummy for some off-road riding, soaking in the desert view before progressing through the stunning Todra Valley, riding beneath huge cliffs. We will conclude the day at a fine hotel at the foot of the Atlas range.
Day 7: Boumalne Dadès – Ait Benhaddou (approx. 180 km)
Despite the short distance today, the riding will be exceptional. We will start our day by navigating the most-photographed hairpins in Morocco, located in the Dades Valley. Following a relatively short ride, we will reach our lodging for the night, but before will have the chance to visit the Kasbah of Ouarzazate and explore local souvenir shops. Enjoy excellent local dishes for dinner.
Day 8: Ait Benhaddou – Marrakesh (approx. 220 km)
Another exciting touring day awaits, full of twists and turns on less-traveled roads amid beautiful scenery as we ascend the High Atlas. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou and relish the curves of the famous Telouet and Tizin' Tichka Pass before arriving in the Imperial City of Marrakesh.
Day 9: Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you can relax or visit the city to pick up souvenirs before the arranged pick-up takes you to the airport.
If you're looking for an exciting and diverse adventure that includes both an Atlas motorcycle tour and a Morocco desert motorbike experience, this trip should definitely be at the top of your list!
Route
A MarrakeshB Bin El OuidaneC AzrouD ErrachidiaE MerzougaF Boumalne DadesG Aït BenhaddouH Marrakesh