Combining the High Atlas with the Sahara on a gravel bike is the ultimate way to experience Morocco’s “Road of the Thousand Kasbahs.” This itinerary transitions from technical alpine climbs in Imlil to the fast, flowing pistes of the Draa Valley and the Sahara.
Phase 1: The High Atlas Spine
• Day 1: Marrakech to Imlil (65 km | +1,400m)
• The Ride: Warm up on the paved roads out of Marrakech before hitting the gravel climbs through the Moulay Brahim Gorges.
• Terrain: 70% Tarmac, 30% Hard-pack gravel.
• Overnight: Imlil.
• Day 2: The Imlil Valley Loops (45 km | +1,100m)
• The Ride: A technical day exploring the “Berber highway”—ancient mule tracks and dirt pistes connecting Imlil to the Azzaden Valley via the Tizi Mzik Pass.
• Highlight: A steep, rewarding descent into the red-earth villages of the Ait Mizane valley.
• Day 3: Imlil – Kik Plateau – Amizmiz (70 km | +900m)
• The Ride: Ride across the Kik Plateau, a massive limestone terrace with unobstructed views of the Toubkal massif. This is world-class gravel territory.
• Terrain: Rolling gravel “strade bianche” style.
• Overnight: Guesthouse in Ouirgane or Amizmiz.
Phase 2: The Trans-Atlas Transition
• Day 4: Ounila Valley Descent (75 km | -1,100m)
• The Ride: Transfer to the top of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), then drop into the Ounila Valley. This is arguably the most beautiful gravel road in Africa, passing the crumbling Telouet Kasbah.
• Highlight: The descent into the UNESCO site of Ait Benhaddou.
• Overnight: Ait Benhaddou.
• Day 5: Saghro Massif & Draa Valley (85 km | +800m)
• The Ride: Ride south toward Agdz. You’ll cross the Tizi n’Tinififft pass into the volcanic landscapes of the Jebel Saghro.
• Terrain: Moon-like volcanic gravel and rocky descents.
• Overnight: Agdz (Palmerie Riad).
Phase 3: Deep Desert Pistes
• Day 6: The Oasis Route: Agdz to Zagora (95 km | Flat/Rolling)
• The Ride: Follow the “Piste des Oasis,” a dirt track that snakes through the palm groves along the Draa River, avoiding the main road entirely.
• Terrain: Smooth dirt and sand-dusted tracks.
• Day 7: Zagora to the Sahara Edge (60 km | Deep Gravel)
• The Ride: The final push. Ride toward M’Hamid or Merzouga (depending on your specific desert preference). The tracks become wider and more “Paris-Dakar” style.
• The Finish: Trade the bikes for 4x4s or camels for the final 5km into the Erg Chigaga or Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset.
• Overnight: Standard Desert Camp.
• Day 8: Sahara Sunrise & Return to Marrakech
• Enjoy a desert breakfast and a short morning ride.
• Transfer: A long but scenic 4×4 and minibus transfer back to Marrakech (approx. 7–9 hours) over the Atlas.
• Day 9: Departure day & Return back home
• Transfer to Marrakech Airport.
From Original price was: $2,550.00.$2,250.00Current price is: $2,250.00.
From Original price was: $2,550.00.$2,250.00Current price is: $2,250.00.
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