Morocco: Hike & Bike

Morocco: Hike & Bike

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9 Days From

$1490

$1266

Morocco: Hike & Bike

9 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech

Visiting: Marrakech, Atlas Mountains Cycle & Hike, Atlas Mountains Hike, Ait Benhaddou, Agdz Cycling, Desert Camp, camel safari and night walk, Todra Gorge, Todra Gorge Hike & Marrakech

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

XMXM

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

14-99 years

Trip Styles:

Active

From: $1490 $1266 Operator discount: -$224 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

Tour 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 –get closer to authentic Morocco, get 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.

  • Ride a camel across shifting sand dunes in Erg Chebbi, take a night desert walk and camp in a tent under the stars.

  • Hike among the towering red gorges and lush green palms of Todra.

  • 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.

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

  • 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.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Marrakech

Location: Marrakech

Accommodation: Hotel

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
-Marrakech - Saadian Tombs
-Marrakech - Marjorelle Gardens
-Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage
-Marrakech - Hot Air Balloon Ride

Day 2: Atlas Mountains Cycle & Hike

Location: Atlas Mountains Cycle & Hike

Accommodation: Gite

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

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)

Day 3: Atlas Mountains Hike

Location: Atlas Mountains Hike

Accommodation: Gite

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

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

Day 4: Ait Benhaddou

Location: Ait Benhaddou

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

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

Day 5: Agdz Cycling

Location: Agdz Cycling

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

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

Day 6: Desert Camp, Camel Safari And Night Walk

Location: Desert Camp, camel safari and night walk

Accommodation: Desert Camp

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

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

Day 7: Todra Gorge

Location: Todra Gorge

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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

Day 8: Todra Gorge Hike & Marrakech

Location: Todra Gorge Hike & Marrakech

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

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

Day 9: Marrakech

Location: Marrakech

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (5 nights), Gite (2 nights), Desert Camp (1 Night)

  • Guided Hike - Imlil to Aroumd

  • Guided Cycling - Atlas Mountains (Amzmiz – Ouirgane)

  • Imlil - Bread making workshop

  • Guided Hike - Atlas Mountains

  • Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk

  • Ait Benhaddou - Tea at Tawesna association

  • Guided Cycling - Agdez

  • Camp Fire, Merzouga

  • Merzouga - Camel safari

  • Sahara Desert Night Walk

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Accommodation

  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
  • HEATING:
  • Some of our guesthouses/hotels are unable to supply heating as this would be a major financial and environmental strain. It's also a case of energy supply and timing provisions, which is limited in some places. Please be prepared for cold showers, which are a pleasure for most of the year. Air-conditioning systems (if available) don't always function.
  • DESERT CAMP & GITE
  • Desert camp:
  • - Accommodation is in shared tents.
  • - Tents have a camp bed, with one mattress per person - blankets, pillows and sheets provided
  • - Bathroom facilities are shared
  • - There is no power to change devices
  • Gite:
  • - All rooms have beds and bathroom facilities (inside each room)
  • - There is electricity to charge devices

Transport

  • INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE
  • You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room with the exception of Days 2, 3 and 5. The single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 2. Equipment hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking that we can ensure a suitable sized bike is arranged.
  • 3.An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
  • 4. Morocco gets very warm in summer (June, July, August) so our leader may opt to shorten or reroute activities to ensure travelers' health and safety is not compromised.

Mode of Transport

  • INCLUDED OR HIRE BIKES: CONDITIONS OF USE
  • You must not mistreat the bicycle and must return it in the same condition as when you received it (excepting ordinary wear and tear). You should immediately inform the supplier in the case of breakdown or loss. The provider is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the bicycle during the period of hire. You must also make sure that the bicycle is secured when not in use. If the equipment is lost or stolen you may be liable for the replacement value of the bicycle. The bicycle remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, rent out or part possession with the bicycle. You must not use the bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    To enjoy this trip, it’s important that you’re both confident and competent in riding a bicycle. This trip features undulating terrain so a good level of fitness is required.

    When travelling in Morocco, temperatures can get incredibly hot in summer and surprisingly cool in winter. Have a think about what time of year suits you best to travel.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

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LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

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26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

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Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

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1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024
$1520 $1444

Operator discount: -$76

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024
$1490 $1266

Operator discount: -$224

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 26, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024
$1464 $1318

Operator discount: -$146

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025
$1375 $1306

Operator discount: -$69

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
$1430

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025
$1485

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$1430

Saturday - Sunday

May 10, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$1430

Saturday - Sunday

May 24, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
$1430

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
$1375

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025
$1375

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
$1430

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$1485

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$1485

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$1485

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
$1485

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
$1485

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
$1430

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025
$1375

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025
$1375

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026
$1445

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
$1500

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026
$1560

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 25, 2026 - May 03, 2026
$1500

Saturday - Sunday

May 09, 2026 - May 17, 2026
$1500

Saturday - Sunday

May 23, 2026 - May 31, 2026
$1500

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026
$1445

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026
$1445

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 22, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026
$1500

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
$1560

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
$1560

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026
$1560

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026
$1560

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 24, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026
$1560

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 15, 2026
$1500

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 21, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026
$1445

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 13, 2026
$1445
Prices last published on 19-Sep-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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