Cycle Morocco's Great South
Experience Overview
Encompassing the best of Morocco, this trip will take us past the foothills of Mount Toubkal, golden kasbahs, impressive gorges and the long sandy beach of Essaouira. This spectacular route follows smooth paved roads and climbs over high mountain passes that reward you with spectacular vistas of the High Atlas Mountains. A real highlight is riding through Paradise Valley, close to Imouzzer, where a palm-filled valley leads to a high pass with views down to the ocean below.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (5 hotel, 2 riad), 1 Simple night (auberge) — Six days cycling with full vehicle support — 90 percent paved, 10 percent unsurfaced roads —
E-bikes available for an additional cost — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and drivers. Second leader added from 7. Minimum age: 16
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (5 hotel, 2 riad), 1 Simple night (auberge) — Six days cycling with full vehicle support — 90 percent paved, 10 percent unsurfaced roads —
E-bikes available for an additional cost — Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and drivers. Second leader added from 7. Minimum age: 16
Trip For You
This tour is classified Road and Activity Level 5 (Challenging). For more information on our trips gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Terrain and route: 90 percent paved, 10 percent unsurfaced road with an average daily distance of 42mi (68km). Fitness: A good level of fitness is required for this trip as there are some climbs, with 13mi (21km) as the longest. Rides: Mostly undulating with several optional long climbs and fast descents. There is ongoing road development in Morocco and the quality of the surface improves every year. However, there may be some sections on rough or dirt tracks and for that reason we don’t currently recommend the use of drop bar road bikes on this trip.
Morocco is stunning but large and the cities and country areas are spread out. This means there are sometimes long journeys when we are not cycling but this is the only way to see all the country offers. We are not confined to our vehicle though, as there are plenty of photo stops and opportunities to stretch your legs. The approximate drive times are noted on the daily itinerary.
The temperatures in Morocco are hot in the summer months but we try to make the most of the coolest parts of the day. It is usually milder in the south. Morocco can get cold in the winter months though usually daytime temperatures are mild. It is advisable to pack winter clothes for November through to March when nighttime temperatures especially in the desert and the mountains can drop considerably. During these months there can also be rain throughout the country and snow in the mountains. As Morocco is generally mild to hot it is not set up for colder temperatures and so there may not be heaters available. Please pack winter clothes and nightwear to ensure you are comfortable. Of course you can also ask for more blankets from the hotels. Please be prepared for the colder months.
Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.
Group Description
Normally 4 to 16, plus leader and drivers.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners are included.
Moroccan food is excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread, and jam with tea or coffee. Lunches are a mixture of packed lunches or eating in a local restaurant. They are generally a mixture of bread, pasta, rice, vegetables, cheese, fish, ham and fruit.
Where meals are not included budget for the following approximate prices.
Lunches: 60 to 100 Dirham (US$6-10) Dinners: In cities 80 to 200 Dirham (US$8-19) and in small towns villages 60 – 100 Dirham (US$6-10)
Soft drinks in restaurants : 10 to 20 Dirham (US$1-1.90) Alcohol: Beer 30 to 50 Dirham (US$2.85-5)– Wine 150 Dirham (US$14) and more
Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform the Exodus Office prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (e.g. coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.
Transportation
All luggage will be carried by the support vehicles (long-wheelbase four-wheel drives), which will be following the group all the time. You may ride as much or as little as you like. The only things you need carry with you on the bike are your valuables, sunscreen, camera and water bottle.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm
Airport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 15 to 20-minute drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
We provide free departure transfers for all customers to Marrakech Airport (RAK) from the end hotel. If you’re not taking the transfer, allow three hours for check in, bag drop, immigration and security.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Marrakech airport
The amount of time it takes to get through Marrakech Airport can vary considerably. Therefore, we suggest you mitigate for delays and allow two hours to get through immigration, security and baggage reclaim on arrival. Take a pen with you to complete the arrivals form and have the details of your accommodation to hand for this purpose. Operators are not allowed to wait inside the terminal building for clients, so please find your Exodus representative outside the main doors.
Upon departure from Marrakech, we suggest allowing three hours to navigate the airport: check in, bag drop, immigration and security can take even longer on exit. The airport doesn’t accept mobile boarding passes, so we suggest having a printed boarding pass to avoid subjecting yourself to further delays.
Weather Information
Mountains can make their own weather, so we may occasionally be forced to amend the itinerary for part of the trip. On the plains, the days are usually warm to hot (above 25C/77F) but the nights are cooler. In the higher areas and the mountains, days should be warm or even hot in October and April, with clear skies, but the nights are often cold (sometimes around 7C/45F). On the high ridges of the High Atlas there can be snow, but not normally enough to affect the areas in which we cycle; if a road is closed, we will arrange a suitable alternative ride. Rainfall in the areas we visit is relatively low though there is a chance of rain, particularly on trips in December, January and February. Although unusual, there is also the possibility of much colder weather during these months and into the beginning of March.
Spending Money
We suggest you take your personal spending money in good condition notes, either in US dollars, British pounds or euros. Euro cheques are not accepted in Morocco. No Moroccan currency may be imported or exported. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may be imported provided it is declared on arrival. When changing your money, ensure you keep your exchange receipt as you may need to show it at the airport bank at the end of your holiday where it is possible to exchange any unspent dirham notes.
At the start of the trip, the leader will ask for contributions towards a kitty – approximately 300 Moroccan dirhams (US$28) – to cover drinks, snacks and other expenses.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus and tipping is at your discretion for both the leader and the local staff. However we would like to advise that tipping is part of the local culture and generally expected. If you do wish to tip, we have found it useful for the group to have a kitty for tipping – about 400 dirhams (US$38) per person, this can ease confusion and embarrassment of not knowing how much or how little to tip local staff (such as cooks and guides, hotel staff etc). If you do not wish to join in on the group kitty, do not feel pressured. Many clients also wish to tip their leaders we suggest 30 dirhams (US$2.90) a day per person. This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.
Highlights
— Cycle from the Atlas Mountains to Essaouira beach, experiencing the best of Morocco en route — Ride along the foothill of Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa — Conquer the dramatic Tizi n’Test Pass for dramatic views over the Sousse Valley — Explore the seaside city of Essaouira, staying overnight in a traditional riad — End the adventure in pulsating Marrakech
Trip Details
Product Code: 4390
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: r bottle.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: MMI
Starts: Marrakech, Marrakech
Finishes: Marrakech, Marrakech
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
— All breakfasts, six lunches, six dinners — Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone — Local bike hireAccommodation
Moroccan hotels, riads and aubergeWe stay in hotels, an auberge and two riads during this trip. Apart from the auberge, these are three- and four-star properties (local ratings). Below are some of the places we typically stay. Tafraoute: Hotel les Amandiers Perched on a rocky hillock, Les Amandiers overlooks the valley and is surrounded by pink granite mountains. The property has a pool with mountain views and a lounge where you can relax. Imouzzer: Hotel des Cascades Ecolodge After one of our most spectacular rides of the trip, Hotel des Cascades is the perfect place to unwind and reminisce. There's an outdoor pool for a post-cycle dip and sun loungers if you just want to kickback. Best of all, however, might be the views, which stretch over the surrounding Atlas peaks. Essaouira: Riad Al Madina Built in 1817, this traditional riad in Essaouira medina provides an authentic look into a bygone age. The hub of social interaction is the patio, but you can also enjoy Moroccan tea in one of the lounges. When you're ready to explore, the beach is just 655ft (200m) away and you're near all the attractions and souks. Worth knowing A single supplement is available; however, this does not apply to the night spent at Auberge Tigmmi (Day 2). About riads Riads are traditional Moroccan homes, generally in the old part of the city or medina, where the wealthiest people would historically live. They’re typically built around a central corridor with windows facing an internal courtyard (external windows are rare). Most have a rooftop terrace where breakfast is served. A night in a riad is an authentic Moroccan experience; however, riads do not have hotel-style facilities. Additionally, the rooms are not standardised and come in different sizes and shapes.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,755 ($306 /day)
Itinerary
Once you arrive in Marrakech, we recommend walking or taking a taxi into the old city. Here there is plenty to explore, including the old walled medina where winding alleyways are filled with souks selling everything from street food to pottery and jewellery. Accommodation: Kennedy Resort or Hotel Tempoo (or similar)
We transfer out of Marrakech this morning to Sid Fares and begin our cycling journey into the foothills of Mount Toubkal. After a nice warm up on a wonderful, undulating road, we enjoy a long descent into the Asni Valley with beautiful views. We then follow the river and cross several bridges before arriving at our hotel. Accommodation: Auberge Tigmmi n'Tamazirte (or similar) Drive time: Two hours
The day begins with a challenging climb to the dramatic Tizi n'Test Pass (6,890ft/2,100m). We are rewarded with dramatic views to the south over the Sousse Valley towards the Anti Atlas Mountains. After lunch, we have a truly dramatic and, in places, quite steep descent as the road winds down to the valley. Once in the valley, our ride takes us past orange, lemon and grapefruit groves as we approach Oulad Berhil. Here we receive a warm welcome, delicious food and a relaxing evening at our beautiful riad. This converted palace is a wonderful addition to the end of our day with roaming peacocks and the chance to pick our own fruit straight off the trees. Accommodation: Riad Hotel l'Arganier (or similar)
We have a morning transfer into the Anti Atlas Mountains and the real southern Morocco, much of which is semi-desert and a contrast to the fertile Sousse Valley. We travel through argan country trying to spot the much-loved tree-climbing goats. From Irherm, we are surrounded by almond trees and our road has some wonderful ups and downs as we pass through many farms and mud-walled Amazigh villages. The last section of the ride is another wonderful descent of about 7.5mi (12km) through dramatic scenery to Tafraoute. Time permitting, we visit peculiar painted-blue giant rocks, otherwise we visit tomorrow. Accommodation: Hotel les Amandiers (or similar)
We transfer to Tizi M’Lil and begin another varied ride, undulating through spectacular hills, past traditional villages and hill-top kasbahs, with some superb balcony sections with excellent views. There are a few climbs, but the ride ends with an exhilarating descent to Ait Baha Lake and then we transfer to the coastal resort of Agadir. Accommodation: Oasis Hotel & Spa (or similar) Drive time: Six and a half hours
Today we enjoy a truly spectacular ride through the Paradise Valley, a narrow gorge lined with palm trees. Towards the head of the valley, we have another challenging climb with excellent views, eventually reaching a high plateau and the little town of Imouzzer, the end point of one of the most dramatic rides on our route. Originally the home of the Ida Outanane Amazigh tribe, Imouzzer retains a strong cultural identity. Accommodation: Hotel des Cascades Ecolodge (or similar)
We start cycling from the front door and begin with another excellent winding descent on a good road to a valley dotted with palm trees and traditional villages. There are a couple of moderate climbs over rocky hills and descents back into the fertile valleys before we reach the main coast road and the end of the ride. After a picnic lunch, we transfer (90 minutes) to our destination for the evening, Essaouira. This old Portuguese fishing port dates to the 15th century, but the present town was constructed around 1760 by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah, who needed a base from which to suppress a revolt from Agadir. Today, Essaouira is extremely relaxed and the whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan workshops, boatyards and fishermen provide a marked contrast to Marrakech. There's plenty of interest in the narrow traffic-free streets of the old town and we stay overnight in a traditional riad. Accommodation: Riad Benatar or Riad Al Medina (or similar) Drive time: Two hours
After a free morning to explore lovely Essaouira, we transfer to the vibrant city of Marrakech. Simply enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice in one of the many rooftop cafes overlooking the Djemma El Fna square, or perhaps take a calèche (a horse-drawn carriage) ride to the peaceful Majorelle Gardens. These small but tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in indigo blue and house the small Museum of Islamic Art. A final treat would be to go for a hammam, a traditional Moroccan steam bath. A visit to Djemma el Fna this evening is the ultimate reward for our week's cycling – with snake charmers, story tellers, smoky food stalls and souks, there is no other way to experience the exciting atmosphere of Marrakech. Kennedy Resort or Hotel Tempoo (or similar) Drive time: Three and a half hours
The trip ends after breakfast, but you can explore Marrakech if you have time before your flight. For excellent views of Djemaa el Fna, head to La Grand Balcon du Cafe Glacier or Cafe de France. You must buy a drink, but at 20 Moroccan dirham (US$1.85), it's worth it. Alternatively, Majorelle Gardens, or Le Jardin Secret, makes a great escape from the bustling city, and a chance to discover outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture. A top tip for great food would be the Moroccan roast lamb at Chez Lamine just off Djemaa el Fna. Go between midday and 3pm or you'll miss it. If you're craving a cold beer or a glass of wine, make your way to La Salama, again just off the Djemaa el Fna. You can enjoy the beautiful interior and lively atmosphere. You’ll easily find a taxi around Djemaa el Fna when it’s time to make your return journey home.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Jacalyn Carfagno - Traveled, April 2024
Challenging but great Abdo and his team were wonderful guides to the Atlas and Anti Atlas Mountains as well as the coastal areas that we visited. They provided tasty and healthful snacks and lunches, were encouraging and supportive during some pretty challenging cycling and generally took good care of us. Most Inspirational Moment Hard to say but perhaps riding into the clouds in the Atlas Mountains. Thoughts on Group Leader Abdo Advice for Potential Travellers The cycling is challenging. If you are going to be pedaling without any assist be sure you have trained for this trip. And bring good sunscreen. Suggestions I would have loved to have had more cultural/geological information in the trip notes to aid my understanding as I rode through this amazing countryside. Also, I think it would be helpful if a day or two before arrival the guide left information about meeting up with the people at the front desk at the starting hotel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
Katie Avon - Traveled, May 2023
MMI: Cycle Morocco’s Great South I was quite nervous about the trip as travelling on my own for the first time & unsure about my level of cycling fitness. I’m a fit 51 year old but more of an ‘about town’ cyclist with a few extra laps of Richmond Park & its hills put in the the month before departure. But with a determined attitude I managed all of the challenging ascents. Most Inspirational Moment The 20k descents were thrilling & made the uphill worthwhile. Plus getting to see a properly off the beaten track side of Morocco. Amazing views every day. Wonderful out of the way locations & a great friendly bunch of people from all over the world in our group. Thoughts on Group Leader Fayssal our guide brilliant: had represented Morocco in off ride cycling so technically expert & very safety conscious, my cycling technique has improved no end. He & the drivers excellent bike mechanics too - swift tyre changes in case of punctures. Nothing too much trouble for them all & very friendly & insightful re local culture, terrain, history etc. They worked incredibly hard throughout the trip. Advice for Potential Travellers The cycling is a challenge, especially the long ascents - be fitness prepared. But the sense of achievement from completing immense. There is always the minibus option if it gets too much. There were actually more e-cyclists on our trip - a lovely bunch of Canadian 60+ year olds - but it didn’t impact on the 4 of us cycling under our own steam. Everyone kept an eye out for each other. Suggestions Some of the accommodation up in the high Atlas basic but if you want to get to remote spots there are no alternatives. Alcohol only available in some locations - sometimes missed a cold beer at the end of a long hot ride!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2023
Richard Armishaw - Traveled, March 2023
A great cycling trip An amazing trip cycling, taking in breathtaking and varied scenery. Most Inspirational Moment There were so many but cycling up the Tizi n’Test pass, reaching the snow line and enjoying a fantastic lunch, taking in the stunning scenery was a highlight. Thoughts on Group Leader Abderrahim and Hassan, were excellent leaders. Nothing was too much trouble and they were friendly and knowledgable and always with a smile. Also mustn’t forget our drivers who supported the group throughout the trip and again they were always there to help, whether it be a bike repair, water top ups, snacks or preparing amazing lunches. Advice for Potential Travellers We travelled in early March and were lucky with the weather (sunny all week), but it was cool up in the mountains, so earlier in the season be prepared and bring layers. Also, we found having a bike multitool useful for small adjustments to the bikes as they are re-assembled most days at start / end points during the trip. This is a fantastic but hilly cycling trip with ascents between 4-7% with some smaller sections between 8-10% so some cycling fitness /experience would help enjoyment of the trip. Those on the trip with e-bikes certainly appreciated the extra assistance and they were good solid bikes.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2023
Anna Rossington - Traveled, March 2023
Great trip Really enjoyed cycling in Morocco – especially areas off the beaten track. Fantastic scenery, great guides and really friendly people Most Inspirational Moment Hard to choose - but probably the scenery around Tafraoute Thoughts on Group Leader Abderrahim and Hassan Idmansour were great - really helpful, full of interesting information, always making sure we were well fed, watered and enjoying the whole experience (Our salad lunches were awesome) Advice for Potential Travellers It was getting hot already (March) so be aware the expected temp when you travel
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2023
Linda Nagle - Traveled, October 2022
Morocco's Great South October 2022 Amazing trip. We covered so many varied areas and types of terrain, from rocky desert to lush valleys. The six days of cycling were packed with fantastic views, challenging cycling, great company and accommodation that ranged from a Berber guesthouse to former palaces. Our guides and support staff were wonderful. We learned a lot about Moroccan culture, history and geography. The snacks and lunches were great with a focus on the local produce (nuts, fruit – dried and fresh – breads – vegetables). Who knew Morocco produced so much food. Be ready to experience the culture and the country in this trip and be well looked after by the supporting staff.. Most Inspirational Moment The descents were thrilling and sunset from our hotel in Imouzzer, in the lush Paradise Vally was beautiful. The market in Essouaria and the dinner that night with Berber musicians. Too many great moments to cover. Thoughts on Group Leader Abdu was wonderful. Could not have asked for a better leader. Charming, so well educated, informative, always available and extremely fit. Nothing seemed like an effort for him. Hassan his assistant was always supportive, sweeping up those of us at the rear of the group. Great sense of humour. Mustapha - wonderful driver - especially on the narrow, winding roads. We had some amusing Google translate conversations with him. Khalid along with Mustapha prepared wonderful snacks and lunches for us. We were lucky to have such a great support crew. Advice for Potential Travellers As a triathlete who has done her fair shore of Gran Fondos, I thought I would have no problem with the cycling. However six consecutive days on hybrid bikes over terrain that had demanding climbs - very few flats and if it was flat -there was a headwind!!! LOL. Be prepared. Suggestions I would highly recommend this trip to others. We were the Exodus "virgins" on this trip. Out of the 12 folk on the trip, I think all the others had been on Exodus trips before. A testament to your organization
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2022
Alec Campbell - Traveled, October 2022
A fantastic cycle trip.. I was looking for a trip where the focus was definitely on the cycling and this 350km across the spectacular Moroccan terrain didn’t disappoint. There was plenty of uphill and plenty of downhill so it was always interesting. There were some rough patches of road where you needed to keep your wits about you but the vast majority of the time they were very quiet with good surfaces and one felt you were on a real adventure passing through remote villages off the beaten track. The trip notes probably undersell the nature of the cycling as there are two definite climbing days and the other days are pretty lumpy however you can take it as easy or as hard as you like. Day 6 of only 45kms has a 24km 1200m climb, and after 4 days of 70kms across undulating terrain it proved quite the challenge in temperatures well above 30 degrees. There was plenty of opportunity to rest and fuel up and there was always the option to jump in the minibus. Excellent lunches of salad, flat breads and accompaniments were prepared by the guides and a good selection of snacks and drinks were available at stops both morning and afternoon. We also had brand new or nearly new bikes. The accommodation was good especially in the smaller towns. Some really interesting places to stay with real charm, perhaps the hotel in Agadir the least satisfying. After spending the previous four days in small towns and villages, this conventional hotel despite being near the beach was a bit of a culture shock but, it did emphasise the feeling we were seeing lots of different sides of Morocco. It was only 8 days but I felt I was away for a lot longer and it was really immersive. Thoughts on Group Leader I can’t speak highly enough about our head guide Abde and his team. All aspects of the trip were really well managed. They dealt with any issues that arose and were always happy to help. They gave good insight into the country we were passing through and were great company. Advice for Potential Travellers The weather was dry and warm but it was chilly out of the sun and there was a cold wind at altitude so a wind stopper type top and extra layer are essential. If in doubt always bring something warmer than you think you need to Morocco. As its quiet dusty and there isn't huge amounts of shelter, if it rained I'd imagine waterproof bootees and a proper rain jacket would be essential.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2022
Richard Lister - Traveled, October 2022
Great trip with a wholly misleading description and trip notes This is a challenging trip with 350km of cycling and 4,500m of elevation gain – enough to kill even a Cannondale e-bike! The trip notes are poor and misleading, the itinerary is great but compressed with very little downtime. Most hotels are authentic/interesting if the big city hotels are discounted. Agadir is a hurried and unsatisfactory destination. As always the local guides are excellent and make up for the poor admin at Exodus; nothing is too much trouble for them. Most Inspirational Moment 20km downhill cruises! Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent Advice for Potential Travellers Take the trip notes with a pinch of salt and ask for some accurate calibrations of distance and elevation gain before booking! Suggestions Not a good trip for non meat-eaters; the roadside lunches are the best meal of the day!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2022
Rachel Osborne - Traveled, March 2019
Be prepared for ..... … all weather types in November! We had expected to be cycling in sunshine but only had one whole and one half day of sun. It was bitterly cold, with driving rain, high winds and even snow; we got to the top of the longest climb on Day 2 in a white-out! Thankfully, we had gone prepared with plenty of layers – make sure you do too. The positives: amazing scenery, fantastic group of people, well led, a real sense of achievement: I’d never cycled more than two days in a row, yet I managed six consecutive days with challenging climbs; dietary requirements (gluten and nut free) well catered for; evening meals tasty and plentiful; comfortable saddle – better than mine at home! The negatives: the accommodation on the second night (the first day of cycling) was atrocious: no heating; a trickle of a shower which was either boiling hot or freezing cold, so I couldn’t shower; concrete beds with no top sheets although plenty of blankets but so heavy and large they couldn’t possibly have been washed between guests which wasn’t at all hygienic; generally the bathrooms in several other hotels were very poor quality, (especially the one on the fifth night of cycling); we were not advised until just about to set off on the first day of cycling about wild dogs roaming freely in the mountain villages which was extremely unnerving – thankfully most didn’t bother with us; sardines and sweetcorn every day for lunch! Would I go again? No, but I am pleased to have completed the trip. Most Inspirational Moment The views from up high and realising that I had cycled all that way. Thoughts on Group Leader Hisham was very good: he spoke good English, was calm, knowledgeable and told us the history of areas as we drove to and from each hotel. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you take lots of layers even if you think it will be a warm time of year.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2019
Chi Ming Chan - Traveled, March 2019
Morocco - Cycling the Great South good trip Most Inspirational Moment good Thoughts on Group Leader good leaders: Maroune and Hassan. Able to control time, pace and most important of all the safety conditions. All arrangements are satisfactory. Advice for Potential Travellers good trip if you like mountains. But be sure that you have the stamina to climb an elevation of 1000m in a day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2019
Tony Moon - Traveled, March 2019
Cycling Morocco's Great South An excellent tour, well supported and well managed, but spoiled by Exodus’s failure to warn us adequately about the very cold cycling conditions high in the mountains. Most Inspirational Moment Cycling on quiet, well surfaced mountain roads in spectacular country Thoughts on Group Leader Very good Advice for Potential Travellers Be aware that the information that Exodus produces on the climate in Morocco applies to low altitude cities like Marrakech, but not to the high mountain villages and towns where we stay. You need to be prepared for the equivalent of UK winter cycling in February. Suggestions We were upset to find that our original tour in March was cancelled and we were forced to switch to February, which was colder. We discovered that the original March tour was going ahead after all. Review Centre Reply from Exodus We would like to thank Tony for his feedback, although we are very sorry that the tour he had planned to join was cancelled. Whilst we can confirm that this departure did not go ahead, we are sorry if he would have preferred to join a later tour. Our trip notes advise that there is the possibility of much colder weather in February, but we nonetheless regret that Tony felt inadequately advised. We were pleased, however that he had an excellent tour and that he found the group leader to be very good. Tom Harari – Product Manager
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/27/2019
vicky burford - Traveled, March 2019
Quiet roads among beautiful rugged scenery This was my first cycling trip and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Morocco is a super winter holiday destination and I will definitely be booking more trips in the saddle! Beautiful rugged landscapes. Most Inspirational Moment Cycling on really empty roads and passing through the small villages. Lots of different weather conditions, and varied accommodation. The kashbah on day where we ended in Agadir was very memorable. Thoughts on Group Leader Marouane and Hassan are really enthusiastic and well informed leaders. They are proud of their country's traditions and I really enjoyed finding out more about the Berber culture from them. They always showed us the altitude profile before each day's cycle ride, and the full vehicle support meant that we could leave spare clothing in the van. As a not very keen downhill cyclist, I was really pleased that they controlled the descents, but it was nice to be able to cycle freely up the hills and on the flat (not that there is much flat!). And thank you for the wine!! Advice for Potential Travellers Take warm clothes for the first days in the mountains - it can get really cold. I wish Exodus had been able to provide us with the altitude profile as part of the trip notes. There are plenty of snacks en route, so no need to bring your own! (they just end up in a soggy mess in your bag) if you are on the Feb trip, don't try and swim in the pool in Immouzer - it is FREEZING!! Enjoy every minute! Suggestions Although I really enjoyed the trip, I think that the second day up to the pass needs more careful management. Inevitably the group gets split but the weather was bad, so we had a very long and cold wait at the top and just a salad lunch at the top. Perhaps we could have had soup to warm us up? There was a lot more downhill than I had been expecting - not that this was bad, but I would personally have felt a little more challenged by a bit more up! There are some fairly long transfers which can be a bit frustrating since I come from a trekking / ,mountaineering background where these are more rare, but I can see that they are a necessary evil to enable the varied itinerary. Dry restaurant in Essouaria a bit disappointing given that this was the last night.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2019
Els Draper - Traveled, November 2018
Wonderful autumn cycling trip Just returned from really great cycling trip. Lovely route – we chose this trip over ones with other companies because of the route, mix of the mountains and time on coast in Essaouria. This was our first trip with Exodus and my husband Graham and I were very impressed. Fantastic tour leader in Liz, she managed every aspect of the tour superbly – logistics with the support vehicles – during rides never more than 10k away from drinks etc and sweeper support at rear in case of incidents. On the route there are lots of long ascents and Liz described what to expect extremely well in terms of the uphills and downhills, no-one got into the van on any of the rides and I believe this was due in large part to Everyone having confidence in Liz’s descriptions and timing of stops etc. Coming over the high pass on day 3 we encountered very heavy mist, Liz managed the descent extremely well with everyone feeling safe and comfortable with the ride down. Fantastic fun group of people to ride with, everyone gelled and mixed in together really quickly and whilst there was of course a range of fitness and technical cycling ability, it was relatively modest and at stops it was on average 15mins between first and last of the group arriving. Due to nature of the trip, lunches are roadside picnics every day, these were simple but fresh and filling. Accommodation is also simple but clean, in the first couple of places in the mountains there was some issues with lack of hot water, but to be honest whilst this isn’t ideal I think you need to accept that this type of issue can happen when travelling in a large group in the mountains in Morocco. We were fortunate that weather was kind to us every day, if we’d arrived cold and wet lack of hot water would have been more of an issue. Support team with Liz were v friendly and helpful as well. Really recommend trip Most Inspirational Moment The cycling each day was varied and the scenery stunning. Whilst we had some very long ascents, the gradient was always manageable and rideable. The long sweeping descents are fantatsic fun, because of the quiet roads would say they were the best I have ever ridden Thoughts on Group Leader Liz is an outstanding tour leader, knowledgeable, experienced, calm and organised! Everyone on the trip had full confidence in Liz. She described the rides every day really clearly, setting everyone up well for the ascents and descents - We adapated to Lizs definition of an “undulation” very quickly ?? it was a full trip with 15 riders and liz maintained control at all times but didn’t mollycoddle or nanny us, giving more experienced fitter riders freedom to stretch out etc. We did experience extreme heavy mix on the steepest longest descent of the week and I thought Lizs management of this was superb. She positioned the support vehicles to protect us at the front and back and ensured we all maintained a controlled pace down. During rides Liz quietly but continually moves through the group from front to back checking everyone is ok Liz was also brilliant at keeping on top of bike maintenance, sorting out any tweaks needed quickly etc Finally each day Liz gave us background and historical context of places we were riding through / staying at. Couldn’t ask for more from a tour leader Advice for Potential Travellers Really recommend Morocco for late autumn cycling and exodus trip was great itinerary. But come in knowledge that this isn’t a trip with long leisurely lunches / cafe stops or the comfiest hotels at the end of the days. It’s an opportunity to get away from it all in beautiful scenery experiencing local life in a lovely country
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/13/2018
Elizabeth Comuzzi - Traveled, October 2018
Helpful Information My husband and I just returned from our first Exodus cycling experience and it will be our last time using Exodus. Firstly, There were 2 bright spots of this cycle our Guide Marouan was great and the areas that we cycled were spectacular. If you are a cyclist and enjoy climbing this is a great trip. However, don’t listen to the comments on the Exodus site specifically for this trip. You need to know how to cycle, be in good physical shape and have trained for this trip. It is not the Tour De France, but as an avid, athletic cyclist, I found some of the mountains challenging and long. Secondly, Exodus failed in so many ways on the delivery of this trip. a) Accommodations: Some of our accommodations were awful, less than 1 star! They were dirty and at some places, we did not have hot water. This to me after a long day of cycling is not a nice thing to have but a necessity. Interesting that on our way home, we met other people who had cycled the same route with different companies and their accommodations were superior to our accommodations. This tells me that better accommodations are possible! b) Food: The food did not provide the nutrients that were needed for the challenges of the day. There were some mornings where all we received were an assortment of Moroccan breads and jams. Days when we did get a boiled egg for breakfast we were allotted 1 per person. This trip required proper nutrients, especially protein. The meals at dinner were more plentiful and most were tasty. c) Lunches and Snacks: While cycling, lunches, and snacks were provided. We had the same lunch every single day with the only variation being, rice or pasta. There were a series of cut-up vegetables, rice/pasta, bread, and some cheese. By the end of the trip, we had run out of condiments to accompany the lunches. The lunches were all on the side of the road set up by the drivers and we had stools to sit on that were filthy and lacked any sort of comfort. My husband and I cycle every year with a tour and this is the first time, we have ever not had a pleasant destination for our “lunch break.” To make matters worse, the lunches were prepared by the same people who were driving the support vans and fixing our bikes. Their hands were not clean and one day I saw one of the people preparing my lunch, cutting his toenails! Yes, I took pictures as I was in disbelief! Needless to say, I did not eat any other lunches for the rest of the trip. Exodus..come on, at some of our lunch stops there were restaurants with beautiful vistas of the surroundings 100 meters away from where we stopped. Spend some money and give us the proper rest and nutrition that we need to cycle for the rest of the day. c) Van Support: On our 2nd day of cycling, we had a really hard and long ascent. Everyone ran out of water on the ascent and when we got to the top of the mountain, 2 of the support vans were there. I could not understand why one of the vans could not have been providing us with water along the way. In addition to this, none of the van support workers knew the dynamics of the ride. When we would ask what to expect for the next phase of the ride most often, their descriptions were totally incorrect. My husband I met some wonderful cyclists on this trip and certainly the camaraderie made the experience better. As mentioned this was our first experience cycling with Exodus and they failed to meet even our basic expectations. Most Inspirational Moment Successfully climbing some of the toughest mountains I have ever climbed Making it through the 2nd night of our accommodations (not even a 1 star and don't be taken in when Exodus says you will be staying in the guest house of a private home....it is a poorly converted/constructed barn) Not yelling at our Guide on the 3rd night when once again, we did not have any hot water in our accommodations Meeting fabulous cyclists that were on our trip Thoughts on Group Leader Marouan was great. He had a very pleasant personality and was always of assistance. Marouan spoke about his culture and the heritage of the Moroccan people. I really like that Marouan came to every dinner in an outfit that was unique to Morocco. I would suggest that in the future while the group is traveling, Marouan talks a little bit about the history of the area. Although my reviews of the trip are less than stellar, Marouan did an excellent job as our leader. Advice for Potential Travellers You need to have a good level of fitness and you need to know how to cycle as the accents are long and in some areas steep but the descents are very long with hairpin turns. You need to know how to navigate a bike. Coupled with the fact that not all of the roads are in great condition. I felt that I had to be very alert at all times on this trip given the road conditions and traffic. (although not a lot of traffic but very narrow roads) Bring your own soap as most of the accommodations did not provide any toiletries and I would suggest bringing a blanket. Suggestions I would definitely suggest that any avid cyclist, cycle the South of Morocco and the Anti-Atlas Mountains. I would just not suggest you do it through Exodus.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2018
Terry Fannon - Traveled, October 2018
Review of Cycling Morocco's Great South Itinerary: This trip leads through the Atlas Mountains, a geographically striking region formed with crumbling sedimentary rock (frequent rocks on the road). It has relatively few people, with homes nestled on mountain hillsides and very limited architectural diversity (and confusing abandonment of homes never explained by guide though asked several times). There are very limited crops (confined to irrigated areas). Traffic was generally limited but roads were very narrow with crumbling edges leaving limited space for bikes and vehicles and many potholes (especially down from peak on Day 3). Vehicles were consistently courteous and safe in passing. Inclines were long and steep, especially Day 3 (elevation gain 1009m to Tizi n’Test Pass) and Day 6 when ½ the group quit cycling. Wind was a major factor on Day 3. Some rain but not a factor. Day 6 included a long muddy road (under construction) no one was prepared for so everyone got muddy (why not load up the bikes to get around?). The bikes were fine: hybrids with triple cranks and disk brakes. Almost no facilities while enroute; no complaints including from ladies in group. No maps provided. Accommodation: This was diverse from rustic to exquisite. The group appeared satisfied with this mix. Service was generally very good. Food: Again some range with generally very good food and service. Most meals were included making overall costs for this trip very reasonable and a number of very good meals were had in our hotel (easy access after a long day cycling). Communication: This was the weakest element of the trip. Our guide, Marouane Bagaz, provided vague and sometimes misleading cycling information (how far; how steep) and provided little or no cultural or historic information. He routinely put off questions asked or gave mumbled responses. There was a mike in the bus but never used. This frustrated everyone. I left Morocco with no added understanding besides what I read or observed. This was, without question, the weakest cultural experience on any Exodus trip I have taken. Overall: I would not recommend this trip. The terrain is dry, hot and almost barren with limited interest among flora and fauna (besides goats). The roads are narrow, rough and hard on bodies especially wrists. The climbs are long and steep raising questions about whether this is a “4” or “5” trip. It is suitable only for very-trained intermediate and advanced rides. And, unless the guide situation is improved, I will recommend a number of other Exodus cycling trips with none of these caveats. Most Inspirational Moment Surviving. Thoughts on Group Leader Not competent Advice for Potential Travellers Find another Exodus trip. This one does not currently meet the Exodus standard of excellence for tour guide. Review Centre Reply from Exodus We would like to thank Terry for his feedback, although we are sorry that he was disappointed by aspects of the tour’s leadership. Whilst Marouane is a relatively new Exodus tour leader, the feedback we normally receive about his leadership is positive. We have, however, followed up with Marouane regarding the importance of providing clear and concise briefings on the day ahead and of ensuring that his groups are well informed with local knowledge; we trust he has taken this feedback on board, but we remain sorry that Terry was left disappointed. Frances Spowart – Product Manager
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2018
Laurene Tubb - Traveled, October 2018
A tough but exciting adventure I have hesitated about writing a review this time as I was one of the slower riders but as someone who reads them I think it can help sometimes. So here goes. This was a very tough cycling trip for me. Having said that…..I’m glad I did it. It was certainly a case of either cycling up a mountain or down one. Only a few miles was flat. The climbs went up and up and up and up and up. Hours at a time. In most cases the gradient wasn’t too bad most of the time but it was a long slog to get to the top……with many false summits on the way which really take some doing to overcome and carry on. The descents of the other side were fantastic. I loved them. Down and down and down and down forever. Great speed. Great thrill. I am relatively fit and active for my age and do many sports but this cycling was hard. I am not a club cyclist. Obviously those who do ride more seriously climbed the hills better and got to the top a good 20/30 minutes before me………but I did manage to cycle the whole trip and am very proud of my achievement. The mini bus was always available for those who did not always want to cycle. We were well looked after and I never felt at risk at all. I wasn’t too keen on my bike !! Not as good as my last Exodus Cycling Holiday. Trouble was none of them had any front suspension and we did go over some very rough terrain and some very long descents. Very surprising not to have this feature in this day and age. Personally I felt it appropriate to dress modestly but not necessary to the extreme. Shorts seemed fine with many of the ladies wearing their lycra shorts. T.shirts with sleeves (long or short) were the most common tops. In the evening I found a long dress very comfy but a very casual one, nothing fancy. Or leggings or loose trousers. I wore a jacket one morning when we started off with a long downhill otherwise I was never cold. The hotels varied quite a bit from concrete beds in one mountain auberge to a suite with huge comfy beds and loads of hot water in others………….with everything in between including some very nice traditional old rhiads. I loved it all being different and enjoyed all the experiences. Some of the hotels had swimming pools and we did manage some swims but often the long cycling days meant we didn’t always have much time in the evenings……..plus in my case I was very tired (ha ha). Alcohol was not always available. We were delighted on the few occasions it was and the guides did their best to find us some at other times. It’s just nice at the end of a long hard day !! Food was good. There wasn’t anything I didn’t like. However, I have “suggested” to Exodus that at least eggs are needed for breakfast with such huge rides to cope with. We did have eggs every morning except for two when it was just bread and jams. Very nice but just not substantial enough. Being on the move means that washing clothes through is pretty much impossible although some people did manage. Getting them dry is the difficulty. Take toiletries as they are not always provided. Make sure you fill your water bottle again at the end of the day so you have drinking water for the night and for cleaning teeth etc. Most hotels do not provide water in your rooms and it cannot always be bought. Nobody got ill that I know of but it’s only sensible to be careful. No ice, ice cream, salad washed in suspect water etc. Usual stuff. The mountains catch the sunlight beautifully. They ouse power. The landscape is rock and sand but it still has great appeal. We had a super group of people from various countries. It worked well. I recommend the trip if you want a challenge because it is certainly that. If you are prepared you will be fine. Enjoy !! Most Inspirational Moment Finally getting to the top and having encouragement from the group. Seeing "people of a certain age" achieve so much. Meeting such a diversity of people who all shared a love of cycling. Seeing a new country. Thoughts on Group Leader Marouane was a quiet unassuming young man who worked tirelessly in the background keeping an eye on us and anticipating our every need. We loved his colourful Moroccan clothes and appreciated him organising restaurants on the few nights dinner was not included. Advice for Potential Travellers See above.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2018
Richard Klopfer - Traveled, May 2017
Morocco's Great South Overall, a great week of cycling. There were two big unknowns for me going into this adventure: 1) How difficult would the cycling be, and 2) How safe would I feel cycling through rural Morocco. The cycling was breathtakingly beautiful but not hard if you consider yourself a cyclist. Most of the people in our group weren’t avid cyclists just relatively fit people looking for some adventure. If you do consider yourself a cyclist and rack up 100-200km or more per week, then look for something higher than “4” on the Exodus challenge meeter. That said, the rides were amazing with some good climbs and even better ‘white knuckle’ descents. The part about safety in Morocco? Don’t sweat it. I never felt any concern for safety and the whole trip was supported by an experienced Exodus leader and two local chaps riding vans in front and in the back. All good on that front. Most Inspirational Moment On the second day there was a 30km long descent. It was mind boggling and just kept going on and on. I've never seen anything like that before and likely never will again. Truly amazing. Dinner with the group each night getting to know others from around the world was very fulfilling as well. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader was an English chap named Jon H. He was simply amazing. He tended to everyone's needs with patience and a kind heart. A remarkable person that kept us all alive during one of the hottest weeks ever. I can't say enough about Jon's ability to guide such a diverse group of people through an amazing adventure. Kudo's to Exodus for finding talent like this. Advice for Potential Travellers Bring water bottles, cycling shorts and some travellers laundry soap. Your will need to wash your kit on your own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2017
Susan Evans - Traveled, March 2017
Cycling Moroccos Great South This was a fantastic, really very well organised trip. The roads in Morocco are amazing and in really good condition, not at all what I expected. Perfect for cycling. Most Inspirational Moment Climbing the Tiz an Test Pass. What a fabulous ride up and down with all the switch back bends. Thoughts on Group Leader John, was a great leader, he kept an eye on everybody and just let everybody go at there own speed, which was great. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you take some warm clothes as it can be cold up in the mountains. Morocco is mostly dry (no alcohol), but your leader will usually buy a small amount of booze for those who need it. Suggestions If you like a challenge and the hills, this trip is perfect for you. I am quite a slow rider up and down so I just plod along and I love to stop and look at the scenery which was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2017
Michael Hanrahan - Traveled, March 2017
Trip of a lifetime. An excellent trip, demanding climbs followed by exhilerating descents coupled with stunning scenery all around. Most Inspirational Moment Those long twisting descents just made you feel so alive. The personal acheivement of getting to the top of the climbs. Thoughts on Group Leader Jon and Radu were just great, a super team. Advice for Potential Travellers Go for this trip if you like a challenge. The climbs are long but not too intense and the end rewards are many. Worth every ounce of effort. The scenery is stunning and Morocco is just fabulous. Suggestions If you are thinking of this trip then go do it. The memories will last for ever.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2017
Peter Moss - Traveled, March 2017
Cycle Morocco's Great South Beautiful and varied trip with stunning landscapes, villages, mountains, sea and cities. Most Inspirational Moment Climbing 1200 metres up to Immouzer and finding stunning views from the hotel at the end. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader, John Hobson - with Radu, abling assisting, and sometimes taking lead - was great. He was always polite, professional, enthusiastic, organised, knowledgable and patient. Advice for Potential Travellers This trip is moderate to challenging, and the challenging parts can be quite tough, so be prepared. The weather can change considerably from the cities and valleys to the mountains, so you may need warm clothing as well as summer clothing (and lots of sun cream). The hotels were all adequate, and some were very good, but you'll need your own shampoo and shower gel in most of them. Suggestions Be careful taking photos of locals. Many don't like it and can become quite aggressive (even if you only look like you're taking them, but actually aren't, or if they just happen to be in a shot when you're taking a picture of a street or building). Speaking French is a bonus. It's spoken more widely and better than English.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2017
Wallace Ray Hanley - Traveled, February 2017
Great way to see Morocco We started out with a great leader in the person of Reese who though only 25 we soon learned had literally biked around the world once. Service was great, two terrific van drivers, great snacks laid out at breaks and lunch everyone with a folding stool before a table spread with good food. Throughly enjoyed the group as the only American in a group of 14 from the UK, Denmark and Canada. Though we were delayed and rerouted on day one by flash floods and landslides our leader Reese adapted and soon had us back on course. Fantastic scenery, rural villages, friendly people even when we didn’t speak the same language. I’ve tried several bike tour companies over the past few years but find Exodus beats them all. Most Inspirational Moment Starting the ride one morning atop a cold mountain in a small village surrounded by local women and children in an area where people make their living like centuries back, herding sheep and goats, tending orchards...and sharing some chocolate with the delighted ladies. Thoughts on Group Leader Reese, our leader, could not have been better, was seemingly everywhere, circling back on the road on his bike checking on all of us, coordinating the two vans, meals, hotels and full of knowledge. Advice for Potential Travellers Plan to dress in layers as days begin cold often but warm up a lot by mid day. Bring a gel pad for you bike seat. Plan to have a great time. Suggestions I'm looking for my next Exodus trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/20/2017
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