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

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.

Day 1: Marrakech to Tizin’Tichka Pass

• 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

Day 2:Taddert to Aït Benhaddou

• 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

Day 3: Aït Benhaddou to Ouarzazate Desert Dreams

• 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

Day 4: Ouarzazate to Zagora

• 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

Day 5: Zagora to Erg Chigaga Dunes

• 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.

Day 1: Marrakech to Tizin’Test Pass

• 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.
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• Ride distance: 134 km
• Uphill: 3,310m

• Downhill: 1,660 m

Day 2: Tizi n’Test to Taliouine

• 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

Day 3:Taliouine to Taznakht

• 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

Day 4:Taznakht to Tafraoute

• 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.

Day 5:Tafraoute to Taroudant

• 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.