Morocco: Hike & Bike
Experience Overview
Travel along ancient caravan routes towards the Sahara on this nine-day cycling and hiking adventure through Morocco. Explore by foot, bike and even camel to get a totally immersive feel for this country. Cycle across mountain passes and through Amazigh villages, then hike through lush oases and towering gorges. Spend nights off the beaten path in a traditional Amazigh gite and at a desert campsite under dark skies bursting with stars. This active journey strikes the perfect balance of exhilarating adventure and cultural discovery.
Highlights
- See a different side of Morocco by bike on two guided cycling trips where you’ll get closer to authentic Morocco, off the beaten tracks through Amazigh villages and among fruit and nut trees.
- Descend out of the mountains along a former caravan route into the historic fortified oasis of Ait Benhaddou – if this place looks familiar it’s probably because you’ve seen it on the silver screen!
- Ride a camel across shifting sand dunes in Erg Chebbi at sunset, then take a night desert walk and camp in a tent under the amazing North African stars.
- Hike among the towering red gorges and lush green palms of Todra Valley, passing sheer red-hued cliffs and narrow passes.
- Start and end your trip in colourful Marrakech and discover the Djemaa el-Fna square and winding alleys with a local leader who knows all the secrets.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3086
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bicycle,Private vehicle,Camel,On foot
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: XMXM
Starts: Marrakech, Morocco
Finishes: Marrakech, Morocco
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (2), Dinner (5)Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights),Gite (2 nights),Desert Camp (1 Night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,521 ($169 /day)
Itinerary
Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure begins in thriving Marrakech with a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm. After getting acquainted with your local leader and fellow travellers, head out for an optional dinner in Djemaa el-Fna – a huge public market square in the medina. When night falls it transforms into a hive of activity. Henna painters, performers, and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar packed with stalls loaded with Moroccan delicacies. Wander around the food stalls and choose from various grilled foods, seafood, ginger and mint teas and more.
Optional Activities:
- Dar Si Said Museum - Marrakech (30 MAD)
- Marrakech - Saadian Tombs (70 MAD)
- Marrakech - Marjorelle Gardens (165 MAD)
- Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage (750 MAD)
- Marrakech - Hot Air Balloon Ride (1999 MAD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Fuel up on breakfast before heading out of the city for a day of cycling and hiking in the Atlas Mountains. After a quick safety briefing with your leader, you’ll hit the road. The ride starts on a smooth road before veering off the beaten path on a challenging but adventurous ride through Amazigh villages. Tap into your adrenaline reserves as you climb steeper and rockier trails. At the end of the ride, drive to Imlil – a small, peaceful village in the mountains. Stretch your legs on a leisurely walk by the lake, then hike to the village of Aroumd, passing through walnut and apple groves, local houses and farms. Tonight’s accommodation is a traditional gite (an Amazigh-style mud-brick building). When you arrive, sit down to feast on a traditional dinner prepared by your hosts.
Included Activities:
- Guided Hike - Imlil to Aroumd
- Guided Cycling - Atlas Mountains (Amzmiz – Ouirgane)
Accommodation:
- Gite (Number of Nights: 1)
You can’t have a meal in Morocco without bread, so this morning, you’ll take matters into your own hands and learn how to bake your own Amazigh bread for breakfast. Your host family will share their recipe and the secrets behind this beloved staple. Tuck in and enjoy your creation on the gite’s terrace overlooking the Atlas Mountains. After breakfast, lace up your shoes and take another hike alongside an experienced mountain guide. Explore local Amazigh villages, twisting mule tracks and a mountain pass above a sheer cliff. After, descend into Tizian Valley back to Aroumd. This evening, back at the gite, you’ll have the option of joining a hammam (Moroccan baths) experience in the village to soak your tired muscles.
Included Activities:
- Imlil - Bread making workshop
- Guided Hike - Atlas Mountains
Optional Activities:
- Hammam Visit - Aroumd (150 MAD)
Accommodation:
- Gite (Number of Nights: 1)
Start your day with a drive over the High Atlas Mountains across Tizi n`Tichka – the highest mountain pass in Morocco. You’ll head to a remaining piece of the 11th century kasbah, Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site was a strategically important site along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh and one of the few routes across the Atlas Mountains. You may also recognise it from its long list of film and TV credits, like The Mummy, Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After settling into your hotel, head out on a walking tour around the fortified village, stopping for some fresh herbal tea and Moroccan pastries in Tawesna – a cosy Amazigh tea house overlooking the ksar. This non-profit provides opportunities for more than thirty local women to support their and their family’s livelihood.
Included Activities:
- Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk
- Ait Benhaddou - Tea at Tawesna association
Optional Activities:
- Ait Benhaddou - Cooking Demonstration & Dinner (313 MAD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head off to Agdz for today’s cycle. This little oasis town sits along the edge of the Draa River and was once an important resting place along the caravan route between Marrakech and Timbuktu. This hidden gem is tucked away among palm trees and crimson Kasbahs but is often skipped by tourists. Head off on a bike ride around town, between houses, past farmers' fields and backdropped by Mt Kissane. You’ll have some free time to explore the town further this afternoon. Maybe head off for a walk in the nearby Ziz Valley and explore the ancient kasbahs close by.
Included Activities:
- Guided Cycling - Agdez
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, continue your journey south as the rocky desert plateaus give way to a sea of sandy hills at Erg Chebbi. These golden dunes are constantly shifting under North African winds and can reach up to 180 m tall, which makes for incredible views and lots of opportunity for adventure. Walk to your desert campsite for the night, where you’ll be greeted with hot mint tea. Hop on your camel for a ride during sunset and watch the sun go down over the dunes. Tonight, embrace your surroundings while you tuck into a traditional feast prepared by your hosts. Head out on an evening desert walk with the group and keep your eyes up for a truly spectacular night sky. Back at camp, enjoy live Gnaoua music around an open fire before snuggling in for the night.
Included Activities:
- Camp Fire, Merzouga
- Merzouga - Camel safari
- Sahara Desert Night Walk
Accommodation:
- Desert Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
Have breakfast at camp before heading back to Merzouga this morning and continue to Tinghir. You’ll check into your hotel for the night before heading off to meet with your local guide who will lead the group on a hike through a palmery. These lush and fertile palm groves tap into natural waterways and serve as communal agricultural lands. You’ll walk among date palms, fruit and vegetable crops and past mud-brick houses and farms while learning about local agriculture. The late afternoon is free – maybe opt to go rock climbing in Todra Gorge if you’re still feeling active.
Included Activities:
- Todra Gorge - Palmeraie and farm walk
Optional Activities:
- Rock Climbing - Todra Gorge (688 MAD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, set out on a hike with your leader through the deep gorges or wadi – red-hued limestone cliffs towering over the meandering Todra River. The canyon walls stretch up to 400 m in some places and can be as narrow as 10 m wide. Then, it’s time to head back to the vibrant city of Marrakech, where you’ll have the option of joining a guided medina tasting tour in the evening to cap off an amazing adventure.
Included Activities:
- Todra Gorge hike
Optional Activities:
- A Taste of Marrakech - tour leader (400 MAD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. If you’d like to extend your adventure in Marrakech, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Megan - Traveled, March 2024
Great trip. I really recommend. Mohamed was great; a really enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. The activities were all really fun!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
Barbara - Traveled, March 2024
It was a blast! Great experience & lots of fun activities! Mohamed Inti was the best leader you can imagine!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Viraj - Traveled, March 2024
Mohamed INTI is the reason this trip was so incredible - he is an excellent tour guide and human being, and always took the best care of us. Biking and hiking in Morocco was an incredible experience, and the country itself is beautiful and well worth visiting. Would highly recommend this trip to others!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
Deborah - Traveled, March 2023
Highly recommend, guides are informative Felt like I was immersed in the culture from day 1...activities were strenuous buta lit of fun
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
Caroline - Traveled, March 2024
The Sahara and the local hamman experience were definitely a highlight! Our guide was fantastic and I genuinely feel we got to see what the Moroccan culture was like. Food was also excellent- you won’t go hungry on this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2023
Andrew - Traveled, March 2024
Mohamed Inti is a great tour leader and I can't recommend him strongly enough. Friendly and kind, he goes out of his way to ensure all our expectations were met.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2024
Sebastian - Traveled, March 2024
This bike and hike trip was more than we expected. The value to money ratio is crazy good, we did so much, saw so many beautiful places, met so many amazing local people, gained so much perspective of this great country and its people! And what to say about Mohamed INTI?! Absolutely perfect trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Judy - Traveled, March 2024
A fantastic trip! Morocco is a beautiful country. A feast for the senses - we were fully immersed in it. I learnt such a lot about the country and would fully recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Nicola - Traveled, March 2024
I had an amazing experience getting to know Morocco's culture, people and beautiful nature. It was a great mix of physical activity, meeting nice people and exploring a new country. Mohamed Inti was an excellent group guide, from the first moment to the last he was looking after each one of us making this trip a unique experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Judy - Traveled, March 2024
A fantastic trip! Morocco is a beautiful country. A feast for the senses - we were fully immersed in it. I learnt such a lot about the country and would fully recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Siena - Traveled, December 2023
This trip allowed me to experience Morocco in a way that I never would have been able to do by myself. Our trip leader Mohammed Inti went above and beyond, and made the trip even better than it already was. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Katherine - Traveled, December 2023
This hike and bike trip was fantastic. A brilliant balance of physical activities, sight seeing, travelling, and learning about the culture in the region. Mohamed Inti was a brilliant guide. Highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/11/2023
Carolyn - Traveled, December 2023
Just finished the hike and bike 9 day tour of Morocco. What an amazing trip! Loved the places we visited and the people we met. The activities were a great balance of challenging and relaxing. The highlight for me was the desert. A truly special experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/10/2023
Matthew - Traveled, December 2023
Mohamed Inti was the perfect tour leader! Travelling by bike & foot really allowed us to get a proper taste of Moroccan life and explore the High Atlas, Southern Oases towns and the Sahara. Our first experience of group travel was a memorable one - from the guided walks around ksars & kasbahs, a local hammam experience, the amazing local food as well as the spectacular views whilst cycling. Tanmirt Mohamed!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/11/2023
Eddie - Traveled, November 2023
I had an amazing time on this trip. Mohamed Inti, our tour guide was excellent, his passion for Morocco and the information he provided was really welcoming. I fully recommend this trip to anyone who needs to get away from a busy life.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Samuel - Traveled, November 2023
I would 100% travel again with intrepid. This trip was organised, stress free, the leader was helpful. The service was excellent. The activities were fun and varied, but would have preferred some more hikes and cycles, but that’s cos I am an active person.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Jonah - Traveled, November 2023
An 9-day adventure led by Mohamed Inti exceeded all my expectations! Hiking, biking, and an amazing group made every moment unforgettable. Mohamed's insights into local culture, coupled with delicious food, added the perfect touch. Highly recommend for a superb and enriching experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Shannon - Traveled, November 2023
I decided to take a chance on joining a small group tour for the first time. Now I wish I’d done it earlier….what a blast! ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Amar - Traveled, November 2023
This ended up being a hugely rewarding trip. The revised itinerary was a winner, our leader, Mohamed Inti was an absolute gem, and our group was a ton of fun. The biking days were absolutely gorgeous, especially the downhill parts! Recommend some amount of fitness. Great trip! Bob’s your uncle!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2023
Willem - Traveled, October 2023
This is a fantastic way to see Morocco. The landscapes are amazing and the bike rides are fun. Mohamed is a great tour leader who is always ready to share his advice and great knowledge. You will have a wonderful experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2023
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