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Off:Roader Morocco
Off:Roader MoroccoFOUR stages | 375kmNights5Stages4.5DifficultyRated 5 out of 5PRICE FROM1799VIEW DATES & BOOKNights5Stages4.5DifficultyRated 5 out of 5PRICE FROM1699VIEW DATES & BOOKOVERVIEWHIGHLIGHTSACCOMMODATIONGETTING THEREPACKING LISTFAQsOVERVIEWAn epic journey from the outskirts of Marrakesh to the surf beaches of Taghazout via the glorious gravel roads of the Atlas Mountains.Just 3.5hrs from the UK, southern Morocco is an ideal place to ride in early November with temperatures in the high 20s.This gravel cycling holiday to Morocco packs in an amazing amount of variety over 5 days. We start outside Marrakesh and head into the mountains to Imlil with views over Mt Toukbal the highest peak in North Africa.From here we head up a classic mountain climb Tizi nTest and spend the night at the top of the mountain at over 2,000m.Over the next two days we head down to the coast staying in the ancient town of Taroudant and finishing on the beach at Taghazout.This is a wild, tough and beautiful ride getting out to see parts of the country few tourists get to experience. You will be supported by our UK team and expert local guides for this unforgettable trip.Included in Ride PackageAccommodation5 nights in a range of local and small hotels. Choose private single, shared twin (2 beds) or shared double (1 bed) rooms.Airport TransfersFly into Marrakesh (RAK), and fly out from Agadir (AGA), where our team will be on hand to collect you & drop you back off on departure day.4 Epic StagesFully supported rides with guides leading small groups, van support & regular feed stops with a warm up ride on arrival day.MealsBring some money for drinks but our package includes 5 dinners, 4 lunches & 5 breakfasts.Regular StopsRegular feed stops approx every 30km with lunch stops in beautiful locations. LuggageWe move your overnight bags from hotel to hotel each day and provide a day bag to collect at lunch.WHATS NOT INCLUDED: Flights, Insurance (mandatory), Drinks with lunch & evening mealsREAL RIDER REVIEWSWhat i loved the most about the trip: Seeing the different culture of Morocco along with the unfamiliar environment of the country.JohnNovember 2025It was a challenging but fantastic route, excellent support from the local Moroccan and UK team.StuartNovember 2025The organisation, logistics and support meant more enjoyment could be had from the actual riding and cultural experience.AndrewNovember 2025ITINERARYDAY 1Arrival in Morocco, transfer to Lac Lalla Takerkoust (transfer takes approx. 45 min). Warm up evening ride of 9km to make sure legs & bike are in good condition for bigger rides to come.DAY 2Stage One: Lac Lalla Takerkoust to Imlil - 50km, 1565m elevation, 52% off roadDAY 3Stage Two: Imlil to Tizi n'Test - 115km, 2479m elevation, 55% off roadDAY 4Stage Three: Tizi n'Test to Taroudant - 107km, 496m elevation, 55% off roadDAY 5Stage Four: Taroudant to Taghazout - 70km, 2119m elevation, 55% off roadDAY 6Departure day. We have a surf lesson in the morning & transfer back to Agadir airport from Taghazout in the afternoon (transfer takes approx. 1 hour)RIDE HIGHLIGHTSAfrica on your doorstepLeave skyscrapers behind and immerse yourself in the African culture after a short 3h30 flight from th UK. Moroccan CuisineMoroccan food is a delightful blend of cultural influences, rich flavors and aromatic spices. Atlas MountainsWake up at the top of Tizi n'Test (2093m), to amazing views of the sun rising on the Sahara dunes. 5 nights of huge varietyStarting just outside bustling Marrekesh, this ride takes you up to the high mountains in Imlil, through remote villages of the Anti Atlas, into the ancient city of Taroudant with it's medieval walls & souk before finishing at the cool surf beach at Taghazout.KNOW BEFORE YOU GOAccommodationWell stay in a mixture of hotels and local riads. You can choose between a private single room (limited availablity), shared twin (2 beds) or shared double (1 bed) room. All of our accommodation is hand picked and we have selected some really special places. It will be a complete Moroccan experience, including sleeping in the desert, at the top of a remote mountain, as well as staying in hotels and riads.Please note that our hotel on night three at the top of Tizi nTest is basic with firm beds, few amenities and shared bathrooms. The hospitality and views more than make up for this.Bike & Tyre ChoiceThe route is suitable for gravel bikes equipped with 45-50mm tyres minimum, for a more comfortable ride on the tough terrain. We highly recommend you run tubeless to allow you to run lower tyre pressures and help reduce punctures on the rougher surfaces.FoodMoroccan cuisine is one of the highlights of the trip containing a mix of Arabic, Mediterranean, Berber and Andalousian cuisines. Tagine and couscous dishes will be on the menu, with meat and vegetable options available, as well as other local specialities. weatherWe choose time of year for our trips to coincide with the best riding weather. Temperatures should be in the mid to high 20s during the day with cooler evenings and at the top of Tizi n'Test. Make sure you pack a windproof jacket for early morning and descending. TerrainExpect a bit of everything on this gravel cycling trip to Morocco. There is some smooth tarmac but a lot of the paved back roads are quite heavy with potholes, ruts etc. The off road riding is a fusion of smooth, rolling gravel trails mixed in with some rockier terrain and a few short, sandy sections. Some of the descents are on narrow trails with steep drop offs so this is definitely aimed at experienced riders (who aren't afraid of heights!)The RouteMost of the days are tough with plenty of climbing. Stages one, two and four have a number of both road & off road climbs and even stage three, which is easier on paper, is challenging due to the terrain. This is a four stage ride aimed at more experienced riders who are comfortable on long climbs and long, technical descents.7 UNMISSABLE HIGHLIGHTS IN MOROCCONUMBER OneTizi nTest - an Alpine climb in the Atlas MountainsAt the end of stage two - the Queen Stage, is the 27km climb of Tizi nTest, arguably the best climb in Morocco.Starting in the valley, this epic climb was built while the French were here in the 1920s and has the feel of an alpine climb with hairpins twisting up the mountain to the summit at over 2,000m. There are no steep sections (avg gradient is just 3%) but expect to spend 1.5 to 2.5hrs getting up to the summit, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the stunning views.NUMBER TWOThe Ancient City of TaroudantStage three finishes in Taroudant after two days in the remote Atlas Mountains.We stay in a delightful hotel in town and after some time to freshen up, we head into the old town and explore the market with a local guide before a delicious dinner.number threeRemote riding in rural MoroccoStraight from arrival, the ride takes us into remote gravel roads to discover real, rural Moroccan life.The riding is a mix of mostly gentle climbing and flat sections with lots of opportunity to sit in & ride with mates new and old.Number FourDelightful local foodThis is a great country for food with excellent couscous, bbq and lots & lots of tagines!Breakfasts are at the hotel with lots of tasty bread & eggs. Lunch is on the road mostly with picnics by the trails and dinner is generally at our accommodation.Number fiveSun, sand & surf in TaghazoutThe ride finishes on the beautiful sandy beaches of Taghazout, famous around the world for its surf breaks.After the final ride, we head straight into the ocean for a swim before watching the sunset. On the final morning, before getting transfers back to Agadir, we have a surf lesson in the smaller waves.Number sixQuiet villages & Berber cultureAlong the route we pass many small, traditional Berber villages that rarely see tourists.Particularly on stage three, we ride through villages that were devastated by the earthquake in 2023 and through the ride we see how people live in the mountains, on the plains and by the coast.Number sevenTea!A huge part of the riding ritual in Morocco is to drink tea before, during and after each stage.The tea here is minty and incredibly sweet, you don't even want to know how much sugar goes into each small cup. But, nothing quite hits like a local cuppa and this is an essential part of breakfast & warming up when the sun sets and we are high in the mountains.STAGE DETAILSSTAGE ONE: LAC LALLA TAKERKOUST TO IMLILRoute Summary:A short but challenging first stage. Starting on the shores of Lalla Takarkoust, the first 13km is off road giving you some time to get used to the terrain & temperature.Over the next 17km (off road), we climb 700m but all gradually until Asni and then join the road for the last 18km up to Imlil.The roads here can be quite heavy and much more suited to gravel bikes than road bikes so a lot of the paved sections can still be slower going.Ride Distance: 50km Ride Elevation: 1565m % Off Road: 52% Difficulty: 5/5STAGE TWO: IMLIL TO TIZI N'TESTRoute Summary:The Queen Stage!Starting in Imlil, we roll down the valley before tackling the first of two main climbs for the day. First up is the 10km gravel climb (avg 6%) to Tizi nTest with glorious views.We then descend for over 20km (off road) to the river & after lunch. After 15km of flat by the river, we finish with the road / broken road climb of Tizi nTest 27km at 3% and one of the classic climbs in the country.Ride Distance: 115km Ride Elevation: 2479m % Off Road: 55% Difficulty: 5/5STAGE THREE: TIZI N'TEST TO TAROUDANTRoute Summary:We wake up at 2,000m for a glorious sunrise over the mountains and then start the descent off the mountain.The first 7km is on the road and then we turn onto gravel for 20km more descending before working our way south and west along a mix of gravel trail & broken road to the ancient town of Taroudant.Ride Distance: 107km Ride Elevation: 496m % Off Road: 55% Difficulty: 4/5STAGE FOUR: TAROUDANT TO TAGHAZOUTRoute Summary:Our final day starts with a 50 min transfer in the van and then we start in Amskroud.This is a challenging day with a higher concentration of climbing than the other days with almost all of the day in the mountains by the coast. From the start we have a 5km climb at 5% followed by a 4.5km climb at 7% (both off road).After three shorter climbs & descents (on gravel & broken roads), we have one last road climb (6km at 7%) before descending into Taghazout and heading straight into the ocean before sunset!Ride Distance: 70km Ride Elevation: 2119m % Off Road: 55% Difficulty: 5/5ACCOMMODATIONLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.PACKING LIST1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.2. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.3. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.4. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.5. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.6. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.7. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.8. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.2. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.3. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.4. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.5. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.6. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.7. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.8. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.GETTING THERELorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.FLIGHTS FROM UKFlightsLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.INBOUND TRANSFERTransfersLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.OUTBOUND TRANSFEROutboundLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Your Guides Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.Rental Bikesgetting to MOROCCOFly Into: Marrakesh airport (RAK)Fly Out: Agadir airport (AGA)Flights From:There are regular direct flightsoperated by British Airways, Ryanair and Easyjet to Marrakesh and Agadir airports.Transfer Times: Note: transfer times are subject to change should flight times change. Final times will be confirmed and sent to you a month before your trip.Accommodation & MealsThe hotels in Slovenia are a good standard. We stay in a mix of superior 3* and 4* hotels. Choose between a single, shared twin or double room. You can add your preferred room mate in the booking notes.In Kranjska Gora & Bohinj the hotels overlook the mountains & lake. Our hotel in Lipica is world famous for its white horses and we finish overlooking the Adriatic. Luggage is transferred from hotel to hotel & bike boxes are transferred from Bled to Portoroz on the first afternoon.Evening meals are buffets with pasta, salads, meat & vegetables. Lunches at feed stops are local restaurants as we try some of the local delicacies. Vegan, gluten free and other dietary options are available.packing listCycling KitBibs/shorts | Jerseys/tops (consider LS t-shirts for cooler temperatures)Gilet | Waterproof jacket | Arm and leg warmersCycling shoes | Socks | MittsHelmet | Sunglasses2 bottles | Chamois cream | Sun creamGPS device with handle bar mountBike Spares2 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyreSpare tyre | Tyre levers1 x puncture repair kit (if running a tubeless set up, have a tubeless repair kit including plugs and spare sealant)Multitool | Chain link specific for your bike chain | Lube | Brake padsSpare rear mech hanger for your bikeSmall pump | Rear light | 2 Bottle cagesSpare batteries/charging cables for lightsPersonal Medical Kit1 x crepe roll bandage | Gauze or similar absorbent dressingSmall set of scissors | Tweezers | Pain Killers (paracetamol) | ImodiumSteri-Strips | Antiseptic (spray, cream or wipes)Assorted plasters | Rubber gloves | Prescribed medicationMust Pack ItemsPower bank | Head torch | Flip flops | Swimming kit | Shower gel | Hydration & Personal energy barsHotels & MealsAccommodation: Well stay in a mixture of hotels and local riads. You can choose between a private single room (limited availablity), shared twin (2 beds) or shared double (1 bed) room. All of our accommodation is hand picked and we have selected some really special places.PLEASE NOTE: due to the nature of this route, one night is in very basic accommodation at the top of Tizi nTest. Its an amazing location with the friendliest staff however rooms are basic and bathrooms are shared.We stay at:Lac Lalla Takerkoust Le Petit Htel du FloukaImlil Riad JnaneTizi NTest Hotel Cafe La Belle VueTaroudant Dar TourkiaTaghazout HiltonMeals 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches on the road, 5 dinners are included in the package. Drinks with lunch & dinner are excluded.DATES & PRICESSTARTFINISHSINGLE ROOMTWIN/DOUBLE ROOMDEPOSITMonday 3rd Nov 2025Saturday 8th Nov 202519991699pp399pp SOLD OUTMonday 10 Nov 2025Saturday 15 Nov 202519991699pp399pp Sold outMonday 24 Nov 2025Saturday 29 Nov 202519991699pp399pp BOOK NOWMonday 2 Nov 2026Saturday 7 Nov 202619991799pp399pp BOOK NOWSaturday 13 July 2024Friday 26 July 2024775775775BOOK NOWDATES & PRICESMonday 3 Nov 2025Saturday 8 Nov 2025Single1999Twin1699ppDeposit399pp SOLD OUTMonday 10 Nov 2025Saturday 15 Nov 2025Single1999Twin1699ppDeposit399pp Sold outMonday 24 Nov 2025Saturday 29 Nov 2025Single1999Twin1699ppDeposit399pp BOOK NOWMonday 2 Nov 2026Sat 7 Nov 2026Single1999Twin1799ppDeposit399ppBook NowSaturday 13 July 2024Friday 26 July 2024775775775BOOK NOWFAQsAM I SUITABLE FOR THIS RIDE?This gravel cyclng trip to Morocco is a very challenging route with plenty of climbing, long off road descents & some technical sections so it is suited to experienced off road riders.The route is extremely remote heading out on small gravel roads so riders need to be self-sufficient.Finally, please note the accommodation on night 3 at the top of Tizi nTest is very basic, with shared, more traditional bathrooms.HOW DO I GET TO MOROCCO?There are regular direct flightsoperatedby British Airways, Ryanair and Easyjet to Marrakesh and Agadir airports.WHAT TIME ARE THE AIRPORT TRANSFERS?On arrival day, we will have a transfer at 12.45 and 4.30 pm, from Marrakesh airport. The transfer time will be 45 min approx.On departure day, we will have a transfer at 11.00 am for flights after 1.20 pm , and 4.00 pm for flights after 6.20 pm. The transfer time will be 30 min approx.Note: transfer times are subject to change should flight times change. Final times will be confirmed and sent to you a month before your trip.WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN MOROCCO IN NOVEMBER?We ride in various different parts of Morocco, up high mountains, across deserts, to the coast.We expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s, with cooler temperatures in the evenings, and up Tizi nTest.DO I NEED A VISA?British citizens do not require a visa to enter Morocco.DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?Travel insurance is compulsory for our trips, and you are required to provide us with your policy information before departing. Its worth checking your policy, asnot all insurance covers cycling abroad, emergency medical treatment or your bike. We recommend it includes cancellation insurance, should you be unable to join the trip for specific reasons such as illness.Thats why weve partnered with Bikmo to offer a 10% discount* on their travel insurance, and offer a 5% discount* on their comprehensive cycle insurance. [Quick Quote]OTHER RIDES YOU MAY LIKEThe post Off:Roader Morocco appeared first on Glorious Gravel Off Road Adventures in Cycling.
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