Desert Dreams: A Gravel Bike Adventure from Marrakech

Option 1: Marrakech to Ouarzazate

This gravel bike tour takes you from Marrakech, the bustling city in central Morocco, to the historical city of Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara Desert.”
You will ride through the High Atlas Mountains, experiencing challenging ascents and thrilling descents, while enjoying breathtaking views of the mountainous landscapes.
Along the way, you’ll pass through the famous kasbah of AïtBenhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning architecture and appearance in many films.
The tour continues to Ouarzazate, where you can explore the city’s film studios, learn about the local culture, and enjoy the desert-like scenery.
The highlight of the trip is reaching the Erg Chigaga Dunes, where you’ll have the opportunity to spend a night in a desert camp, surrounded by the magical beauty of the Sahara Desert dreams.

Depart from Marrakech and start your journey towards the south.
Ride through the High Atlas Mountains, tackling the challenging ascent to the Tizin’Tichka Pass, which stands at an elevation of 2,260 meters (7,410 feet).
Enjoy breathtaking views of the mountainous landscapes and rugged terrain.
Descend from the pass and spend the night in the town of Taddert.
Ride Distance: 93km
Uphill: 1980m
Downhill: 830m
Desert Dreams

Continue your bike tour southward from Taddert towards the famous kasbah of AïtBenhaddou.
Ride through picturesque valleys, crossing rivers, and passing by traditional Berber villages.
Arrive at AïtBenhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved mud-brick architecture.
Explore the ancient kasbah and spend the night in a local guesthouse.
Ride distance: 98.7km
Uphill: 1610m
Downhill: 192m

Depart from AïtBenhaddou and ride to the nearby city of Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Morocco” due to its prominent film studios.
Cycle through the stunning desert landscapes, with the Atlas Mountains as your backdrop.
Explore Ouarzazate, visit the film studios, and learn about the city’s history and film industry.
Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Ride distance: 127 km
Uphill : 1040m
Downhill: 1190m

From Ouarzazate, continue your journey toward the town of Zagora Desert Dreams.
Ride through the Draa Valley, famous for its lush palm groves and kasbahs.
Experience the changing landscapes as you venture further into the desert region.
Arrive in Zagora, a gateway to the Sahara Desert, and spend the night in a traditional riad.
Ride distance : 141km
Uphill: 830m
Downhill: 1130m

On the final day, pedal from Zagora to the mesmerizing Erg Chigaga Dunes.
Enjoy the thrill of riding on sandy tracks, surrounded by vast desert landscapes.
Reach the majestic sand dunes of Erg Chigaga and revel in the beauty of the Sahara Desert.
Celebrate the completion of your tour with a night under the starry desert sky at a desert camp.
Ride distance: 73km
Uphill: 140
Downhill: 260m

Option 2: Marrakech to Taroudant

This gravel bike tour takes you from Marrakech to the charming town of Taroudant, located in the southern part of Morocco.
You’ll ride through the scenic High Atlas Mountains, experiencing the challenging ascent of the Tizin’Test Pass and enjoying panoramic views along the way.

The journey continues through the picturesque valleys, passing by traditional Berber villages, and immersing yourself in the local culture and traditions.
In Taliouine, known as the saffron capital of Morocco, you can learn about saffron cultivation and visit local cooperatives to witness the production process.
As you ride towards Tafraoute, you’ll be mesmerized by the unique rock formations and pink granite landscapes of the Anti-Atlas Mountains.
The tour concludes in Taroudant, where you can explore the town’s well-preserved medina walls, and vibrant markets, and relax in its laid-back atmosphere.

Depart from Marrakech and head towards the Tizin’Test Pass, located in the High Atlas Mountains.
Enjoy the challenging ascent as you ride on gravel roads, surrounded by rugged mountain landscapes.
Reach the pass and savor panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains.
Descend from the pass and spend the night in a guesthouse in the Tizin’Test area.
Ride distance: 134 km
Uphill: 3,310m

Continue your journey southward from the Tizin’Test area towards the town of Taliouine.
Ride through scenic valleys and Berber villages, immersing yourself in the local culture and traditions.
Taliouine is known as the saffron capital of Morocco, and you can learn about saffron cultivation and visit local cooperatives.
Spend the night in Taliouine.
Ride distance: 104 km
Uphill: 930 m
Downhill: 1,920 m

Depart from Taliouine and cycle towards the town of Taznakht.
Ride through picturesque landscapes, passing by almond groves and traditional adobe villages.
Taznakht is renowned for its vibrant Berber carpets and textiles, and you can visit local cooperatives to learn about the weaving techniques.
Overnight in Taznakht.
Ride distanse: 69.6 km
Upill: 560 m
Downhill: 640 m

From Taznakht, continue your bike tour to the town of Tafraoute.
Ride through the stunning Anti-Atlas Mountains, characterized by their unique rock formations and pink granite landscapes.
Explore Tafraoute’s charming town center, adorned with vibrant murals created by Belgian artist Jean Verame.
Spend the night in Tafraoute.

On the final day, pedal from Tafraoute to the picturesque town of Taroudant.
Cycle through almond and argan tree groves, with the High Atlas Mountains as your backdrop.
Taroudant is often called “Little Marrakech” and is known for its well-preserved medina walls and bustling souks.
Explore the town’s vibrant markets and relax in its laid-back atmosphere.
Overnight in Taroudant.

An unforgettable journey through the mesmerizing landscapes of Morocco with ‘Desert Dreams: A Gravel Bike Adventure from Marrakech.

Desert Dreams: A Gravel Bike Adventure from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Beyond