Gravel
Morocco
Gravel Morocco
An epic journey to a different world, from the Atlas mountains to the Saharan sand-dunes
Embark on an exotic adventure with a guaranteed epic journey across the mountains and desert plains of Morocco.
Overview
Details
Next Departure
November 9th 2024
From
USD $4,895
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Non-Rider Friendly
Yes
Rental Bike
From USD $550
Ride Program
Total Distance
Total Elevation
Daily Av. Distance
Daily Av. Elevation
Overview
We’ve joined forces with Moroccan adventure travel experts, Grup Xaluca, based in Barcelona and Marrakech, to present this gravel adventure in Morocco. Benefit from Xaluca’s local expertise, robust support, and access to luxury Moroccan hotels. Combined with the gravel riding proficiency of our Gravel Project Manager, Marc Gasch, we offer a one-of-a-kind trip to this exotic country.
Commencing in the enchanting city of Marrakech, the journey unfolds in the Atlas Mountains near Dades, traverses the Saghro mountain plateau, and reaches the Saharan desert plains in Arfoud. Ride to the breathtaking Erg Chebbi sand dunes, experience luxury under the desert stars in Xaluca’s provided bivouac campsite, and journey north along the Kasbah route, concluding the ride near the renowned market town of Rissani. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
Video
Our friend and pro cyclist Juliet Elliot came with us last year on an amazing Morocco experience, check her videos to see what you can expect from this adventure with Thomson Bike Tours .
Trip Technical Difficulty
Ride Surfaces
Bike Setup Recommendations
Recommended Tires
700x42
Morocco is tough on tires (and body). We recommend 700×42’s, or even a 650b wheel-set with 2.0 upwards mixed tyre (even a MTB tire, bring the widest you can fit in your frame for best comfort and absorption) The terrain is dry and loose so tubeless is also critical to avoid flats and for a more comfortable ride.
Recommended Gearing
38T x 10-42
We recommend a minimum gear ratio of 0.95 using a 38T chainring × 42 rear cog (or equivalent). Check your gear ratios at www.bikecalc.com/gear_ratios.
Gravel Explained
Read below for a brief description of our gravel definitions. We have classed the surfaces into five categories, from tarmac to boulders, to give an indication of the amount and level of rough stuff on each trip.
Stig Engelen, Belgium — 2022
Marcel Hendriks, Belgium — 2022
John Kippen, Australia — 2024
Itinerary
Day | Description | Distance | Elevation | Hotel | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
01 | Welcome to Marrakech | Kenzi Marrakech | |||
02 | Transfer and warm up ride in Boulmane du Dades | Hotel Xaluca Dades | |||
03 | The Big Dades Loop | Hotel Xaluca Dades | |||
04 | Crossing the Saghro Range to Nkob | Kasbah Imdoukal | |||
05 | Sahgro and Iknioeun | Kasbah Hotel & SPA Xaluca Arfoud | |||
06 | Towards the Erg Chebbi dunes | Xaluca Luxury Bivouac | |||
07 | The Kasbah's road | Palais du Desert Erfoud | |||
08 | Salam Alaikum! | ||||
Daily Averages |
Itinerary Detail
Day 1
Distance
Elevation
Welcome to Marrakech
We’ve extended the trip by an extra day to kick off with an exploration of the enchanting city of Marrakech. Upon your airport arrival, our staff will be there to greet you before a private transfer to your Marrakech hotel. Following check-in, we’ll host a brief orientation meeting, where we’ll go over the week’s itinerary. This will be an excellent opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers and the Thomson crew. Our skilled mechanics will be available to assist you in preparing the bikes for tomorrow’s inaugural ride.
As evening falls, embark on a captivating stroll through the medina (old town) and its maze of alleyways housing the city’s souks. The journey culminates in the renowned Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech’s main square. Here, dine at one of the city’s top restaurants with a captivating view of the square, where snake charmers, musicians, storytellers, and street-food vendors converge, creating a unique spectacle. It’s the perfect start to an incredible adventure.
Day 2
Distance
Elevation
Transfer and warm up ride in Boulmane du Dades
Following a picturesque morning transfer from Marrakech, including a drive over the renowned Tizi n’Tichka pass—Africa’s highest—you’ll indulge in a quick lunch at the Dades Xaluca Hotel. Post-lunch, get ready for a beautiful warm-up ride, offering your initial encounter with the Moroccan terrain.
Your inaugural journey is mostly flat, a mix of asphalt and off-road trails. Departing from Boulmane du Dades, the route meanders through the Moroccan countryside, passing by typical small villages and farms before circling back to the hotel. As evening descends, enjoy a tasty Moroccan dinner and unwind on the hotel terrace, where you can witness the desert sunset—a perfect end to the day’s adventures.
Day 3
Distance
Elevation
The Big Dades Loop
After yesterday’s “appetizer” loop, today’s ride takes a more serious turn with a magnificent 55km loop that both starts and concludes at the hotel in Dades. Venture into the foothills of the Atlas mountains, tackling several climbs that approach the 2,000m mark. Past the small town of Boutaghrar, cross the M’Goun river into a remote mountain desert landscape. Eventually, ride through the breathtaking “Gorges du Dades,” a series of rugged gorges that should not be missed. Cap off the day with another night at the fabulous Dades hotel, where you can unwind in the jacuzzi-spa before indulging in another delightful Moroccan dinner.
Day 4
Distance
Elevation
Crossing the Saghro Range to Nkob
Today marks your departure from the Dades Valley, venturing into the Saghro, a desert mountain range situated beyond the Atlas Mountains and serving as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Departing from Boulmane du Dades, you’ll traverse an astonishing mountain plateau featuring beautiful valleys, dry riverbeds, and remote villages. Expect local children to run alongside, seeking candy or pens. After covering about 85km, you’ll reach the small village of Nkob, where a traditional Kasbah-style hotel awaits.
Day 5
Distance
Elevation
Sahgro and Iknioeun
Bid farewell to Nkob as you embark on a journey across the flats, gazing at the mountains looming in the distance. This leg, often referred to as the Queen Stage, features beautiful yet challenging climbs and stunning views of the Sahghro range. Heading north via Imi n’Sit, you’ll traverse some of the most remote valleys in the area.
The ride concludes in the tranquil village of Ikniouen, where our vehicles will transport you to the remarkable Xaluca Hotel in Arfoud, situated at the gateway to the Sahara Desert.
Day 6
Distance
Elevation
Towards the Erg Chebbi dunes
Today’s ride promises an amazing experience as you venture towards the renowned Erg Chebbi sand dunes from Arfoud. Prepare for amazing photo opportunities throughout the day, so ensure your phone/camera is fully charged before setting out.
As evening falls, immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience by sleeping under the desert stars in luxury bivouacs. For those seeking an extra adventure, indulge in a sunset dromedary ride, courtesy of the Xaluca bivouac hosts.
Day 7
Distance
Elevation
The Kasbah's road
Today marks your departure from the colossal sand dunes as you journey north to the town of Rissani, renowned for its vibrant farmers’ market. Transport yourself 500 years into the past as local farmers on donkeys arrive, offering vegetables and spices to the tiny shops in the town center—a truly unique experience!
Conclude the day at the hotel in Arfoud where the dunes adventure began. Take some time to unwind at the spa and enjoy a splendid dinner, putting the finishing touches on this fantastic Moroccan adventure.
Day 8
Distance
Elevation
Salam Alaikum!
Unfortunately your journey through Morocco has come to an end.
You can choose from 2 different Drop-off options:
Option 1: Drop off in Fes
Private transfer in our support vehicles to your hotel in Fes
Journey time from our final hotel in Arfoud to Fes is approximately 6 hours so expect to arrive in Fes mid-afternoon
Option 2: Drop off at Er-Rachidia Airport
Private transfer in our support vehicles to the airport in Er-Rachidia
Journey time from our final hotel in Arfoud to Er-Rachidia Airport is 1 hour
Important:
- there is 1 flight from Er-Rachidia to Casablanca. The fight departs from Er-Rachidia at 7:30am, our shuttle will drop-you off at the airport at 6:00am
- if you prefer this option, you’ll need to book your flight from Er-Rachidia to Casablanca
- bike boxes are not permitted on the plane, so if you choose this option you will need to use one of our rental bikes
- please inform our Customer Service staff if you prefer this option
Map & Profile
Surface Details
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Dates & Prices
Date | Booking Status | Availability | Price / Per Person | Single Supplement | Non-rider Discount | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | |||||||
Nov 9 - 16 |
Taking Bookings |
Places Available |
USD $4,895
|
USD $850 |
USD $920 |
Book this trip | |
2025 | |||||||
Mar 8 - 15 |
Taking Bookings |
Places Available |
USD $4,895
|
USD $800 |
USD $920 |
Book this trip | |
Nov 8 - 15 |
Taking Bookings |
Places Available |
USD $4,895
|
USD $800 |
USD $920 |
Book this trip |
Waiting List
Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:
Trip Hotels
Kenzi Marrakech
Hotel Xaluca Dades
Kasbah Imdoukal
Kasbah Hotel & SPA Xaluca Arfoud
Xaluca Luxury Bivouac
Palais du Desert Erfoud
What's Included
What's Included | What's Not Included |
---|---|
Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the ride
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What's Included |
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Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the ride
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What's Not Included |
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Pick-up/Drop-off Info
Arrival
Pickup Location | Time |
---|---|
Marrakech Airport |
Anytime |
Departure
Drop Off Location | Time |
---|---|
Fes |
4:00pm |
OR |
|
Er-Rachidia Airport (check Day 8 Itinerary for full details) |
6:00am |
Rental Bikes
3T Exploro Boost e-bike
Frame
3T Exploro Ultra Boost Carbon
Groupset
Sram Rival AXS XPLR Electronic
Weight
12.8kg
Wheels
Rodi alloy 700c
Chainrings
40
Cassette
12-speed 10-44t
Sizes
XXS, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
USD $750
View DetailsSpecialized Diverge Expert Carbon
Frame
Specialized Diverge FACT 9r carbon
Groupset
SRAM Eagle
Weight
Under 1kg (size 56)
Wheels
Roval Terra C
Chainrings
40T
Cassette
11-50t (12-speed)
Sizes
49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61
USD $550
View DetailsGravel Morocco
From the Atlas mountains near Marrakech to the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert, this is a trip for adventure-lovers