MOROCCO BEST CYCLING DESTINATIONS
The perfect destination for Mountain Biking
To cycle in Morocco is not only to discover the mountainous artery through this magnificent country, the Atlas Range, but also some of the culturally important hubs along the way. These may be great historic cities like Marrakech or Fes, or smaller but no less significant Berber villages and desert oases. Morocco’s beauty is like a multi-tiered cake, in fact. With the snowy mountains on top, the Sahara in the middle and the Atlantic coast forming another fabulous, frothy flavour. Sprinkled all over with multi-cultural influences and natural wonders from giant sand dunes to canyons such as Todra or Dades.
Ait Benhaddou & Ouarzazate
The wild, arid landscapes between these two are like cycling through a movie set – and indeed they have been, in greats like Lawrence of Arabia and Babel. Passing through ancient villages you arrive in the kasbah town of Ait Benhaddou , once a stop for desert caravans carrying salt. In Morocco’s heat, you’ll be offloading quite a lot of your own. The magnificent clay kasbah in now a UNESCO site. Rock it.
Atlas Mountains
The Atlas are home to welcoming Berber communities still pretty new to pedalling passersby. Cycle along the forested slopes of Ifrane National Park in the Middle Atlas, or up to the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260m and dramatic gorges in the High Atlas. Take on the foothills of the iconic Mount Toubkal, or the argan groves of the Anti Atlas, with the Ait Mansour gorges, kasbahs and oases en route.
Chefchaouen & Rif Mountains
The Rif Mountains stretch up from the coast and, nestled between two of their peaks is the sapphire like town of Chefchaouen. Sapphire because this Andalucian influenced town has blue painted houses, in delightful contrast to the luscious mountains and valleys all around. Cycle in the hills or take a chill out day in the ancient medina.
Dades & Todra Gorges
Often cycled in sequence, these dramatic gorges are both in the High Atlas. The 15km ride through Todra takes you along the eponymous river and into a canyon with pink and orange limestone cliff walls. Get there for sunrise if you can for Moroccan colours at their most vibrant. This is followed by the hairpin bends of Dades which are in wonderful contrast to the rose filled hinterland of the Dades Valley.
Essaouira
Some cycling holidays end in Essaouira, swapping Atlas dust for an Atlantic dunk. The ride to this 15th century fishing town is pretty heavenly. Paradise Valley, in fact, where cycling along the Tamraght River valley is interspersed with turquoise freshwater pools. And then you hit the coast, the glimmering waves a perfect reward after a 45km cycle from Imouzzer; Essaouira being the perfect, post cycle chill out zone.
Marrakech
Marrakesh is often the starting point for cycling holidays, and you can get fitted for your bikes here. Seeing the souks and absorbing the city’s famous ambience from a saddle is one fine way to join the fiesta vibe of this historic and vibrant city, and you can cycle to sublime spots such Koutoubia Mosque or Menara Gardens. Although the famous, chaotic Djemaa el-Fna Square is best negotiated on foot.
Guide to Morocco mountain biking holidays
If you are looking for the best MTB tour in Morocco you are in luck. Near to Marrakech is some of the most remarkable mountain biking terrain in North Africa.
The rugged Atlas Mountains to the northeast of Marrakesh are perfect for mountain biking. The sport has entrenched itself in the region and has become a popular day trip for action-oriented visitors to the city.
Directly south of Marrakesh, the Draa River Valley is a lush gateway to the magnificent Sahara Desert. Here, bike trails take you through storybook desert oases and unforgettable palm groves.
Thousands of miles of single track crisscross hillsides, Berber valleys and plateaus in the area. There are also fat-biking tours in the Sahara Desert and various electric mountain bike adventures to be had.
Whether you are looking for day trips or a multi day bike adventure there is plenty of uplift options to avoid serious uphill pedalling. And if you base yourself in the city you can explore timeless Marrakesh when not in the saddle.
Morocco is a fine destination for traveling all year round. Even the warmer summer season is a fine time for traveling, because the air will be warm and dry. In the heat of the day you may look for some shade, but in the morning you may very well participate in an excursion, while during the afternoon you may enjoy a medina and buy nice souvenirs.
Best time for mountain biking trip is autumn (September through November) and spring (March through June).