The Atlas to Sahara Gravel Expedition — A Guide
The Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour is our flagship expedition — 12 days, 600 km and 8,200 m of climbing from Marrakech over the Atlas, down the Draa, and on to the Erg Chebbi dunes. This is the day-by-day guide to the expedition, what it demands, and what to expect.
The expedition
The full Moroccan crossing is our Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour — 12 days, 600 km and 8,200 m of climbing that link the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the Ounila Valley, the Anti-Atlas, the Draa and the Erg Chebbi dunes. It is a journey across three worlds — alpine, oasis and desert — on the remote gravel that defines the country, and the trip we built the company around.
The route, leg by leg
- Marrakech — arrival, bike build, briefing.
- Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou — the Tizi n’Tichka (2,268 m) and the Ounila Valley piste.
- Ait Benhaddou to Agdz — over the Tizi n’Ouado and Tizi n’Tinififft, down to the Draa oasis.
- Agdz to Zagora — the Upper Draa palm groves on the caravan route.
- Zagora to the desert — east across the stone desert plateau.
- Desert to Merzouga — toward the Erg Chebbi dunes; sunset camel walk and desert camp.
- Merzouga rest day — optional dune ride or rest.
- Merzouga to Dades — toward the Dades Gorge through the Valley of Roses.
- Dades to the Central High Atlas — into the central canyons on remote gravel.
- Central High Atlas — a full gravel day in the central range.
- Central High Atlas to the Marrakech foothills — descend west.
- Return to Marrakech — final ride and farewell.
Fitness and difficulty
Challenging. Around 8,200 m of climbing over the trip, concentrated in the Atlas days. You should be comfortable with multiple 1,000 m days and 60–80 km on consecutive days, in a range of weather. The desert days add heat and distance rather than climbing. Read how difficult is gravel cycling in Morocco.
Support and accommodation
Fully supported — a support vehicle carries water, food, luggage and spares; a lead guide rides; a mechanic handles the bikes; a driver handles the vehicle. Accommodation is riads and family-run kasbah guesthouses, with one night in a fixed desert camp. Breakfast and dinner daily, with picnic lunches on riding days.
Season
Spring and autumn — March–May and September–November. This is the window that works for both the high pass (snow-free) and the desert (not too hot). See the best time guide.
What is included
Flights, bike rental, travel insurance and drinks are extra. Read Marrakech to Sahara by gravel bike for the crossing logic and how to plan your first Morocco gravel trip for the framework.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour?
12 days, 600 km and 8,200 m of climbing, from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi dunes and back. It is our flagship expedition.
How fit do I need to be?
Comfortable with multiple 1,000 m climbing days and 60–80 km on consecutive days, in a range of weather. The climbing is concentrated in the Atlas days; the desert days add heat and distance.
Is the grand tour supported?
Yes — fully. A support vehicle carries water, food, luggage and spares; a lead guide rides; a mechanic handles the bikes; a driver handles the vehicle. You ride light.
When does the grand tour run?
Spring and autumn — March–May and September–November. This is the window that works for both the high pass (snow-free) and the desert (not too hot).