Berber Adventure Exploring Moroccos High Atlas

Trip Highlights

Summary A breathtaking bike trip across the High Atlas taking in four huge valleys, numerous high passes and reaching a maximum height of just under 3000 metres! We travel through the fascinating, remote Berber villages of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains on mile upon mile of exciting off road trails, exploring the beautifully wild and rugged scenery of central Morocco. Culturally interesting, physically exhilirating and completely unforgettable!

Price Details

Price

From: GBP600 per person (7 Days)

Price Includes

• Airport Transfers
• All meals whilst cycling
• A local, English-speaking guide
• Baggage Transfers
• Back up Vehicle
• Mechanic
• Cook
• 4 days of exciting Biking
• At least one day to explore Marrakech

Price Excludes

• Meals whilst in Marrakech Drinks on the trip Flights

Itinerary

Highlights
Challenging climbs leading to rewarding vistas and hour long descents!
Dramatic scenery, interesting villages and souks (local markets)
The legendary hospitality of the Berber people
Cycling for over 200km off-road
A true feeling of adventure through a remote and wild part of Morocco

Detailed itinerary

Day 1. Arrive in Morocco. We pick you up from the airport and take you to your accommodation in the centre of Marrakech. We’ll get the equipment ready for the journey, have a pre-trip briefing and explore the city.
Overnight in a hotel in Marrakech

Day 2. Vehicle transfer to Ait Blal, arriving about lunch time. The trails are fantastic and scenery amazing as we head to Abachkou. There is the option of a side trip to a plateau to study some ancient Berber carvings if you have the energy, then a fantastic downhill to Abachkou.
Overnight stay: Gite in Abachkou.

Day 3. We follow canyon-like valleys to another high pass into the Happy Valley – Ait Bougamez - with great views of Mt. Mgoun (North Africa’s second highest peak). In the afternoon we can visit a watchtower perched high on top of pyramid-shaped hills near the village of Agouti, discover dinosaur footprints and explore the verdant ‘Happy Valley’.
Overnight stay: Gite in Ait Bougamez

Day 4. Today sees some of the most demanding climbs (some more than 13km long) but inevitably the most rewarding downhills too – imagine freewheeling for almost an hour! We can visit a Berber café high in the hills and pass amazing rock formations on the way to picturesque Zaouiat Ahansal. There are optional side trips to extend the day and explore the mountain villages and souks.
Overnight stay: Gite near Zaouiat Ahansal

Day 5. We start the day with a tough climb up through some amazing pine forests in the Tamga Nature Reserve. This is followed by a superb descent to rival that of yesterday, into the shadow of the Cathedrale de Rochers, an amazing rock formation and mecca for climbers and BASE jumpers! After a swim in the river you can explore the area on foot or take an out-and-back ride along a fabulous canyon.
Overnight stay: Gite at La Catedrale

Day 6. We meet with our transportation and get a lift back to Marrakech.
But the scenery isn’t over yet, as we climb in our vehicle over one last high pass for stunning views of Lake Bin el Ouidane. We also break up the journey back with a great lunch and a visit to the 300 feet high Cascades d’Ouzoud waterfalls.
Overnight in a hotel in Marrakech

Day 7. A day to relax after an epic week of cycling and what better way than to take in the sights, smells and sounds of Marrakech! It is a cultural masterpiece, with its bustling streets, intriguing medina and seemingly never ending activity. Explore the souks and Jamna el Fna before your final night in this amazing place and your flight home tomorrow.
Overnight in our Hotel in Marrakech

Day 8. We will transport you back to the airport for your flight back home.

Other Info

Accommodation Details

3 nights hotel or Riad in Marrakech near to the fascinating Medina (old city)
4 nights in mountain gites (small, clean B & B style hostels)