Cycling in Morocco: Tours, Adventures, Tips and Trails

The best Cycling in Morocco

Cycling in Morocco is unique in many ways, and not entirely in the way most tourists would expect. While there are no doubt a few thorny portraits of the culture and politics of the country in the latest slew of films depicting adventurous cyclists pushing their bikes through dry Atlas passes, hoping to discover a paradisiacal place of authenticity to quench their thirst – sorry, this is not what we are putting forward here. This is not a standard model and what can we say after all about such a fragile balance of travel between exoticisation and discovery of others? What we offer, after reading between the lines of the stories, travel writings, and cinematographic views on the topic is a more realistic portrait, aware of the sociological issues and the geopolitics surrounding the idealisation of the exploration of the world off the beaten track. Cycling far from the urban hassle is nevertheless wonderful and we seize on the chance to tell you the best cycling trips in Morocco. The very very best.

Let’s start with our paddles (and pedals), so to speak: are you more inclined to embark on the traversées des hauts pays, to let yourself be captivated by the contours of the Atlantic coast or the perfumed sweetness of the Mediterranean? Let us reassure you, your answer does not impact in any way – nor will it – the (un)impact of Morocco’s landscape. Moons of Dunes propose for you three essays that will guide your steps along the way, because cycling in Morocco is a journey full of beauty and diversity; dwarf cedar trees on the peaks of the Moroccan Middle Atlas, argan trees in the rocky desert of the southwest, ochre-red rock walls at the foot of the High Atlas, and white marbles rising majestically across the Mediterranean coast.

Everything You Need to Know About Cycling in Morocco

If you are thinking about exploring Morocco by bicycle and are in doubt if this trip is for you, you are in the right place. After cycling for more than 2,300 kilometers in this magnificent country, here is our Cycling in Morocco Guide, where we share a lot of useful information, tips, and advice from our two trips made with touring bikes and bicycle trailers, one in 2018 and the other in 2020. We traveled with our little carrot, who was almost 5 years old at the time of cycling in Morocco. Nowadays, it is easy to find other travel reports of great cyclists who have traveled the world, but we know it is an enormous effort to travel with small kids. That’s why we try to share all the details of our tours, to help other families on kids’ bikes. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Why cycling in Morocco? But if the North is cold and rainy, why cycle in Morocco? Actually, that’s the main reason! The winter months in the North are too cold and rainy for a bike adventure, so we are usually at home. But in October, after eight months of working and traveling, the weather in the North is already winterish while in the South is still hot summer. Fall is the best time to visit Morocco, as spring is too windy. So we felt ready to face our first adventure in a Semi-desert country. There is also the budget aspect – Morocco is a cheap destination for those coming from Europe and especially for those coming from countries with a much higher currency exchange. Finally, all the photos and the stories of the travelers we follow were those that inspired us to cycle in Morocco.

Cycling in Morocco: The Complete Guide

Morocco has much to offer in such a diverse area in just a week by bike. Distinctive landscapes covered with palm trees then chains of snow-capped peaks, traditional Berber villages made of clay, English-style towns rich in history, flamboyant Kasbahs and Jewish cemeteries, hospitable populations, nestled around the fire sharing Berber pizzas and sweet mint tea after a beautiful day of cycling, smiling children, and strong but not exhausting climbs. Morocco, it is unique!

To make you discover this magnificent country and its rich landscapes, we have decided to share our experience and our best routes for a stay in Morocco. Since they will be very different, we propose you our selection of tracks to download and the information needed to prepare your bike tours in complete calm. Follow the guide!

Bike tours, bike routes, you don’t want to pedal in Morocco? What are you waiting for? Follow the guide! For the more adventurous, faced with the sand dunes, in the Thousand and One Nights circuits, Morocco offers beautiful possibilities to get lost for days and weeks with a bicycle, a tent, and a caravan of camels!

From the richness of the guided tours, we have decided to offer you our favorite bike tours in Morocco. You can freely download our GPS tracks and adapt them as you wish. So good preparation, good rides, and above all, do not hesitate to give us your feedback and comments, we are always delighted!

Morocco on Two Wheels: What Every Cyclist Should Know

Cycling is a great way to truly experience Morocco. It is one of the best destinations for bicycle travelers and Moroccan roads are made for cycling. Roads are generally good, and crossable by the most stupid car, while traffic is mostly light, making cycling conditions very enjoyable. The hills and the mountains inland can be challenging, but is a cycle touring destination where you can pedal along the shores of the Ocean, ride into the desert in the south, and explore beautiful historical cities such as Marrakech or Essaouira.

There are two important periods for cycling in Morocco which correspond to the school calendar: from February to the 11th of July, and from the 1st of September until the end of November. In the summer months, July and August, it is not recommended because, especially in the south, it gets really hot. Also, roads get crowded during these summer months as Moroccans are on vacation either in the North by the Mediterranean or in the South by the Ocean. Don’t miss it during Ramadan! It is completely weird and interesting at the same time. Expect hot days with exhausted people sleeping everywhere during the day. Most food spots are closed. And interesting evenings with Moroccans gathering all together to break the fast. In this period be extra careful respecting the customs and be especially polite.

Accommodation is never a problem. Cyclists are welcome to camp anywhere or the cheapest hotel is a maximum of 50 dirhams. At any time, a family is glad to invite you for tea. Eat what they share with you or offer to share the meal with them: You’ll enjoy it! Or, if you’re a vegetarian, just say so. Bring some fresh fruit, some bread, and jam. The only problem is that everyone is trying to feed you all the time and if you refuse too much, they’ll get offended.

How to Prepare for a Cycling Trip in Morocco

Morocco is a country in Northwest Africa with deep culture, warm hospitality, unique cuisine, and stunning landscapes – from the coast, through the Sahara, to rugged and remote mountains. In short, it’s a great place for a cycling trip. However, you do have to prepare for a cycling trip in Morocco, since it is not without its challenges. This essay will explore how to prepare for a biking trip in Morocco, including what to pack, what to expect, and what routes to take.

Consider Available Routes

For road touring, the coastline and the Atlas Mountains have a number of roads that are well-trafficked and have some options for food and lodging. The coast has sea breezes blowing in for most of the year, making it a great option in the winter. However, it can be quite cold and rainy. Be careful at both ends of May – they can be very windy and cold in the High Atlas.

The desert requires careful planning. The towns are sparse, the food can have high spice content or be difficult to digest, and there can be sandstorms. Make sure you stock up on supplies.

The Ait Bougamez “Happy Valley” is an awesome alternative to the crowded approaches of the Toubkal region. After the road ends, the abandoned village is home to the shepherds who herd sheep and goats over the passes connecting to the valley. The Ait Bouguemez Valley has some awesome hikes as well!

Consider Your Gear

Packing is important for any trip! Here are some tips. When backpacking, I would pack snacks and simple dinners. Oranges and apples can easily be purchased when you need something fresh!

From Atlas to Sahara: All You Need to Know About Biking in Morocco

Cycling in Morocco gives you the chance to explore varied and breath-taking landscapes, meet friendly Berber people, soak in the sun and lovely flavours from North Africa, and is guaranteed to give you lifelong memories of an unbelievable adventure. Explore the epic Atlas Mountains, Sahara desert, authentic Berber villages, pleasant coastal towns such as Essaouira or Agadir city, or the imperial cities. Ask us for routes and itineraries to adapt to your travel level and your cycling adventure. If you’re looking for a breathtaking and unforgettable travel destination, you’ve come to the right place: Morocco is a diverse land, with enchanting Berber villages, colourful souks, vast desert from sand dunes to stoned desert, huge traditional Kasbahs, and the high Atlas Mountains. The country is made of varied landscapes, and cycling in Morocco will allow you to explore all of its many facets. Its Berber people, especially in the mountainous areas, still live in a simple way, often untouched by the modern world. Here, family members, usually women, make pottery and textiles with age-old techniques. Summer and winter have even different ways of living; in summer, they live in the high mountains and pick mushrooms, kasbahs, and the sheep or goats, cows, and donkeys of the days gone to pasture. It’s on these colourful days, under the sun, that you will discover the most exotic side of Morocco. Cycling by bike in Morocco is a means of travel that is extreme because of the experiences you will live and it has the advantage of allowing you to discover this country. Explore the landscapes of dramatic natural contrasts, daunting cliffs, kasbahs, palm groves or the Moroccan desert, green valleys, high mountain passes, and rivers with magnificent waterfalls. The Berber villages, where you will meet people who always welcome you in a friendly manner, will enchant you.

The Ultimate Morocco Cycling Guide

Are you considering cycling in Morocco? Do you want to know where to go? What to do? Where to stay? Making a trip to Morocco is a dream for many because it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Cycling in Morocco is even more fun because of the friendly locals, the beautiful mountain roads, and the scenic mountain passes. Not to mention the astounding altitude difference in a relatively small piece of land.

Long story short, I think cycling in Morocco with a road bike is the ultimate cycling adventure if you have time. And of course, I want to share my thoughts about the country with you once you’ve made your trip there.

There’s so much to see in Morocco – it’s hard to know where to start. These travel tips will help you plan the perfect cycling vacation in Morocco. In addition, I share my personal experiences of cycling the Tour des Montagnes de l’Atlas, as well as climbs like the Col du Tizi n’Test, the Col du Tizi n’Ouano, the Col du Tizi Mzik, and more, and essential travel tips for cyclists traveling to Morocco. Traveling through Morocco, cycling, and climbing the mountains in the country is one of the best experiences of my life!

Morocco is generally well-known for its deserts, snakes, and camels. While it’s true that there’s a big amount of desert in the country, a small fraction is occupied by mountains. The Atlas mountains are home to some of the most beautiful mountain roads in the world. And unlike in the European Alps, you’ll often have the roads for yourself. Even small, steep descents usually are deserted.

Cycling Across Morocco: Tips, Routes & Must-Knows

With a spectacularly diverse landscape featuring the majestic Atlas Mountains and soaring, sprawling sand dunes, Morocco has long been a favorite of fans of mountain and desert adventure travel. However, this former bastion of European colonialism is also an exciting place to see with the wind in your hair on a bike. And as it gradually opens up to tourists again, there is no time like the present to explore Morocco by bike.

From leisurely cycling through the narrow alleys of ancient medinas to epic mountain and desert biking, Morocco is so easy, enjoyable, and safe to explore by bike! This is particularly true for the country’s northern, more verdant regions where the landscapes are a striking contrast of lush greenery nestled between rugged mountains and crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, the cycling route options seem to stretch on forever with highlights along the way, including the majestic blue of Chefchaouen, the lively squares of Fez, and the exquisite architecture of Marrakech.

Though the country’s southern desert landscapes are sparsely dotted with towns and people are few and far between, there are also vast swathes of winding mountain biking routes crisscrossing through these dry, desolate regions. Cycling through the Sahara Desert may at first glance seem daunting due to the soaring daytime temperatures and freezing nighttime temperatures. However, this region is mostly flat, has stunning photogenic red sand dunes, ancient kasbahs, nomadic Berber tribes, and delectable local dishes. As a result, biking in this region of Morocco is simply an other-worldly experience!

What to Know Before You Cycle Through Morocco

Morocco is a land of extremes, meaning that you should be prepared for an adventure. This relatively inexpensive country is a quick hop from Europe, yet is filled with sights and tastes that feel entirely different. From long stretches of pristine beach along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to vast deserts and jagged mountain peaks, it has it all. But traveling through Morocco is not without its challenges. The days can become hot and dry and your chosen road may have long stretches without anything resembling a village – especially if you head to the desert regions. On the flip side, winter can bring snow or mud, especially in the higher elevations.

The currency in Morocco is the dirham. Currency exchange operations can be done at banks, airports, travel agencies, and currency exchanges, which tend to be open from 8:30 to 12:00 and from 14:30 to 18:00. Some banks do not close during the lunch break. Before you go, it’s best to exchange some money into dirhams, but in cities, hotels and shops will accept euros. You may also withdraw dirhams with a credit card from ATMs that are available in most cities. However, do check with your bank as ATM withdrawals are often capped by your bank. Be warned that the withdrawal limits are often significantly lower in Morocco than in Europe or North America. Credit cards are accepted at many stores. Shopping in local souks is a serious challenge – you will probably have to barter for prices, and often the vendors do not speak much English – use your friendly charm or point to items. Plan on spending time in heavily populated, touristy areas or be prepared to spend a fortune on your own guided tour.

Morocco for Cyclists: Gear, Routes & Road Rules

Cycling in Morocco requires good gear and a clear understanding of the country’s road rules and cycling infrastructure. Bear in mind that, in some areas outside the main cities, you will find few bicycle shops, and most lack a good supply of spare parts, particularly for mountain bikes. Bring your bike to Morocco in good condition, with leaves and mud removed and tires inflated, to avoid the prospect of a strip search at the port of entry. As a rule, bike touring in Morocco is more reassuring with a road bicycle than a mountain bike, but on several itineraries, plus some detours, you will encounter rough tracks and even sometimes find it necessary to push your bike. As Morocco isn’t a huge place, it also makes sense to use your bike for day tours once in the bigger towns. And Morocco is a cycling paradise in some lesser visited regions, such as the North, just waiting for some rare adventurous souls to explore it. Roads are generally in good shape too – except in the area around Ouarzazate, they were, to our surprise and delight, often better than we found in many parts of France.

One-word reference guide to Morocco’s road rules: traffic. Which roughly translates into: take care! Traffic may seem chaotic at first sight, but actually the average Moroccan is just like you and me. He respects the rules of the game and wants to get there in one piece, even if the design of this game seems a bit unorthodox. The game principle is that the biggest vehicle has absolute priority. The more costly the better. So, either you are in a big car, or you get off the road as soon as possible when you see anything remotely bigger than yourself speeding up behind you. Other than that, riding on the main highways and inside towns, and the night rides are to be avoided. Such rational behavior will usually spare you heavy drama.

Planning a Cycling Adventure in Morocco? Start Here

Planning a biking adventure through an unfamiliar land is a daunting prospect. However, it’s also a thrilling opportunity for travelers to learn about traditionally relatively inaccessible countries, such as Morocco, and to see something more than is revealed by a photo in a coffee table book or the pages of the latest budget airline magazine. Cycling allows you to break free from the manufactured experiences waiting for you in hotels and restaurants. It holds the potential for far deeper and more personal experiences, those that come from sharing a minute of your time with a solitary shepherd boy, or being invited in for mint tea with a family in a small roadside house. As you cycle through Morocco, you’ll be able to appreciate not just the stunning scenery, from the mountains of the High Atlas to the coastal beaches, but also the rich tapestry of Moroccan life. Whether you consider that to be the food, the scenery, the local music, the friendly hospitality of the Berbers, or the skilled handiwork of the craftsmen, there’s something unique awaiting everyone. The combination of a glorious climate, a beautiful and varying landscape, a rich and welcoming culture, and the fact that it is relatively cheap and convenient to travel to and around makes Morocco an obvious destination for many cyclists. Add to this mix cheap flights to Spain, who share a border with Morocco, and certain parts of the southern Spanish coast and Morocco’s northern coast start to look like an obvious route for trips further afield, to southern Morocco or even Sahara.

Biking in Morocco: Your Full Preparation Guide

In case you are planning to ride a bike in Morocco but are not sure of the preparations needed, you have come to a right place. Riding a bike across Morocco may be an exhausting venture, and you probably have many questions regarding packing, your bike’s maintenance, sleeping and eating in Morocco, traveling infrequently, traveling alone or accompanied, reasoning and so on. Therefore, we decided to devote a whole section to.

Packing a bicycle to Morocco is a tricky job. We will not address here mountaineering and technical riding, nor road racing on racing narrow tires, that is not why we build a bike in Morocco. We invited several bicycle packers with long Moroccan experience to get their advice and compiled their advice with other resources.

First, we decided we will not take any special equipment other than what we need for daily travel and three weeks of adventure. We will start and finish in the city of Essaouira, famous for its hippies, surf and beaches and as a jump-off point to Agadir and the Sahara. In our travels, we have been quite jealous of travelers and trekkers who cycle for years from North to South on bicycles, dreaming of repeating the experience one day with new bikes and equipment.

There are many options for transporting bicycles or picking there, bicycle travelers who bought B&B in Morocco and decided to perpetuate the adventure. We finally decided on bike rental for a simple reason: We wanted lightweight bicycles for touring the Atlas mountains. Instead of normal touring bicycles that weigh over 20 pounds, we wanted bicycles with not more than 15 pounds that could bear a load of less than 10 pounds, in order to cross passes reaching 3,500 meters of altitude in our journey from Imlil to Toubkal.

Cycling in Morocco: Terrain, Climate & Local Tips

From dramatic mountains to sweeping vistas and craggy coastlines, Morocco is a land of contrasts and surprises, many best seen from the saddle of a bike. The varied landscape means you’ll tackle the lot: majestic northern coastal hills, the Rif mountains, the uplifting Tizi n’Tichka pass, the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, the Atlas range, and high desert that flanks it. In between you’ll cruise along lush river valleys, past hundreds of centuries-old kasbahs and through Berber villages, and have the chance to trek with camels, sleep in Berber tents, and take a dip in the surf on the Atlantic coast at Essaouira. But this is also Africa, and you’ll encounter all this without the hordes of tourists that flock to the ancient souqs and medinas.

Morocco, particularly in the warmer months, is more often than not unbearably hot, especially when cycling through desert regions. The coastal regions and Northern Morocco tend to be milder, while for the Atlas and desert areas, the best season for cycling is during the spring and fall. In winter, the Atlas region is prone to snow, while the daytime temperatures in the south may reach 30°C or more if the sun is shining. Weather can also change rapidly, but for the most part summer months should be avoided.

Moroccans are warm, friendly and welcoming, but Western customs may be considered strange. If you’re traveling alone, you may get many invitations to share a meal, which is quite charming. Dress modestly, especially for women – in rural areas, tank tops or shorts are considered provocative – and always greet people you come across. It’s also customary to shake hands with everyone when entering into a room and then again when leaving, no matter how many times you’ve done that. Video filming people is also considered rude, so always ask for permission in that case too. When cycling through the desert, watch out for sandstorm warnings, and avoid going out in a sandstorm.

Ride Smart: What to Expect When Cycling in Morocco

Cycling through Morocco is a mind-blowing experience for avid cyclists, especially when combining the meeting of ‘roads’ and cycling challenges with a rich and diverse culture. You ride mainly on tarmacked roads; however, riding dirt road or paths suddenly appears. Roads are not very busy outside the cities, although you might need and you will enjoy it or not sometimes the dedicated democracy lobby located at the edges. Access to rural areas is very common, and the villagers’ hospitality is sincere. Riding on some roads might be a bit tricky from a security point of view, but any research would clear that easily.

Morocco offers a nice trail almost all year long, every cyclist finds its favor; from flat to climbing, hot to freeze, crowded to lonely and this mix of unusual trails in the middle of the sublime Atlas with Berber villages and their people. Some typical trails bring you to discover French, Berber, or Spanish Morocco. Even if you miss some trails, there is always a road somewhere to get closer to the history of this country, its people, and its hospitality. Any chance to leave the path is good to meet a local who is sometimes surprised to meet a cyclo-tourist on the road.

Cycling even in low season still can be hot sometimes, normally there is very nice weather, but if you are unlucky it can be too cloudy or rainy for some days or freeze sometimes even in long May or mid-November. The Moroccan people are also very friendly. For the price of an afternoon chat, they accept to share your tea, offering you a meal with typical bread and some cheese, or sometimes they take you to their home.

Discover Morocco by Bike: Everything to Know

For tours focused on the communities and natural beauty of a country, cycling is a great way to discover Morocco. Structured around valleys, deserts and mountains, the infrastructure is vast, the climbs can be challenging, the traffic is minimal and the roads are quiet, particularly if you avoid the busy routes into towns. And a small-mountain bike can also open up Morocco’s adventurous heart, leaving behind the beaten paths of the crowds and taking you to places otherwise unreachable; dirt tracks follow water channels up to the oasis, zig-zag up to the plateau from the valleys, traverse the mountains through the Kasbahs until a village of goats appears. Cycling through the souks and back streets of the old cities, along the walls and rivers, from the coffee terrace or the roof-top is also a good way.

The first thing you might want to do to prepare your trip would be to acquire a good guidebook on cycling in Morocco. Actually, you’ll find an incredible amount of recently updated information on the Internet. These websites provide all sorts of practical details about camping spots, cheapest hotels, packing lists, routes, difficulties encountered by bikers and maps made by tour operators; everything you need while leaving with total peace of mind. Definitely the bike travels like no other in Morocco. If it had been mine, I would have slept back on her box in the hold. Here in Morocco are you there to take care of your bike or to travel? But it was impressive to see the quantity of cyclist on the roads: young people but mostly adults; adventurers, but also tourists coming from the surrounding big towns; all to discover the Red City, obvious capital of berber culture.

First-Time Cycling in Morocco? Here’s What to Know

Morocco welcomes cyclists with its hospitality, and it is a place intertwined with the experience of traveling. Cycling, after all, allows you to discover the culture, the people, the sounds, the smells, the little things you can miss in a car. On top of that, travel, if you do it right, opens the heart and the mind, and Morocco knows to teach these lessons well. Traveling for the love of palaces, puddles, hills – it doesn’t matter. You can find a reason and a desire in your own heart. And it might be a dusty road in Morocco leading to the edge of an orange-colored oasis that will seal the promise of adventure and future memories. Not because of Morocco’s spas or high fashion, but because of its hands-off culture and hospitality. Visit one of the many Berber tribal villages hoping to meet with a local who invites you to their fireside and sample their homespun hospitality.

The weather in Morocco is a gift and a curse for a cyclist. The high season for cycling is January – March, and September – October. Cyclists going late in the spring should be aware of the heat, especially in the south, and those going early in the winter should be wary of the cold, especially as there is some snowmelt from the high peaks. Also important when planning dates are school holidays in Morocco: expect the streets to be busy with family travel at the end of July and during the Christian Christmas holiday. In the coastal region, summer brings the tourists, causing the towns to be busier and lodging prices to increase. During these times it is best to find lodging ahead of time, especially with the influx of tourists in the summer.

Top Tips for a Safe & Stunning Ride in Morocco

Cycling through Morocco can be a hairy experience at times, since the roads are largely filled with mad drivers, and the road conditions can be somewhat precarious. However, don’t let that discourage you! Just follow these six top tips to have a safe and stunning ride across my favourite country.

1. Stay off the main roads as much as possible: The national roads are madly trafficked, and often have no hard shoulder. Opt for the alternative routes where you can. The scenic riverside bike path north of Fes is a great way to avoid the gnarly road, as is the series of smaller roads along the Oued Ziz south of Merzouga. The secondary roads are also generally in much better condition than the nationals!

2. Bring earplugs and music: A great way to block out the buzz of the road is with earplugs or music. I really don’t like to ride with music, but I couldn’t make it through cycling down the national roads without it! I recommend you use only one earbud (and on low volume), to stay aware of road noise, and in case someone is honking at you.

3. Wear bright coloured clothing: Many Moroccan drivers are simply oblivious to pedestrians, cyclists, and other small road users. Make sure you are highly visible, especially when riding on the national roads. Preferably start early or hit the road later in the morning to avoid riding during the hottest time of the day, and always have sunscreen on.

4. Watch for potholes, especially on the smaller roads: The potholes are bigger, badder, and nastier than anything you are used to at home. Some of them are huge and can completely take you by surprise if you don’t see them coming. I went full speed directly into one, only to jiggle back and keep going. Fortunately, my daughter who was behind me avoided the major crater, but got jolted hard as she hit the edge. So keep your eyes peeled!

Navigating Morocco on Two Wheels: A Cyclist’s Guide

Touring Morocco on two wheels can be a great way to experience the many facets of the country. Options of touring are limitless — you can do a short day-trip or a longer self-supported tour over a few weeks — and the places you can visit while touring on your bikes are endless. A reliable mapbook or touring guidebook is indispensable since road and trail conditions vary greatly. The scenic route of the Route du Littoral will take you along the coast towards Essaouira, while Route 1007 will challenge you with hilly terrain in the interior. Further along, Route 1005 from Smimou to Tiznit is ideal if you want to go off the beaten tracks. Serious mountain biking is more suitable for the wilderness immediately north of Marrakesh, whose dry, rocky mountains are dotted with villages.

The most popular time for cycling in Morocco is from April to June and from mid-September to mid-November, when the weather is warm but not too hot. The high mountains of the central Atlas and the Atlas Mountains should not be attempted between mid-October and mid-May, when there is likely to be snow and ice. Other areas in the south, especially the Sahara, can be enjoyed in the winter months. Cyclist first-timers will find tough conditions from mid-June to mid-September in the Atlantic Coastal region, where temperatures soar, making cycle touring an arduous task. Significant water bottles must be carried, and shade should be taken wherever possible. In the eastern region around Fes, however, high summer means pleasant and dry weather, so cycling can be enjoyed there too.

Essential Info for Cycling Through Morocco

Embarking on a cycling trip through Morocco requires careful consideration and planning. Your itinerary will inform most of the choices you need to make, but alongside that, these practicalities will prove useful in planning your time in Morocco. Throughout the country, all tourists who stay in hotels and other registered accommodations must pay a per-person, per-night tourist tax. Depending on the star level of the accommodation, this is 1–5 dirhams. Hotels will add this onto the final bill and pay it to the local authorities. In remote areas, there is no charge. Given the level of information available about the region, it is surprising how few tourists venture into the Anti-Atlas or southern High Atlas. We believe the area, and especially the northern Anti-Atlas, offers inspiring and adventurous travel in a semi-desert landscape less crowded by more commercial tourism.

The first and last few days of such trips usually involve travel from coastal cities, most often by train. Regular trains travel the route from Tangier to Marrakesh and on to Marrakech. Where these trains do not go, and where buses can be infrequent, hitchhiking along the route is a realistic option. Travelling with a tent and cooking equipment provides you with the most versatility. Electricity is less available in the south but is accessible at major stops in the north. The climate varies drastically in the different parts of the country. The riding possibilities, as well as the passing scenery, differ greatly from section to section. Visitors from other countries will soon discover areas and attractions that are justly famous, as well as areas of nomadic lifeways that have withstood the test of time. Although you are in a foreign country, the Moroccans are used to seeing visitors from other lands.

Morocco by Bicycle: Weather, Safety & Route Insights

Before you set off, you will need to plan your route in the country, where only a small part of the territory is really adapted to bike touring. Indeed, as a general rule, you will have the choice between going around the mountains of the Atlas, between the coast and the foothills, or going up and down the mountain passes, which often reach more than 2000 m, so that you can go and digress a little in the interior of the mountains, with an exception of the region of Ifrane where the wooded areas and small lakes are a little surprising. You will find open-air museums, fishing villages, and wild beaches for swimming and camping.

Alternatively, you can also ride closer to the Saharan Atlas mountains, discovering green valleys lined with palm trees and kasbahs, while sometimes staying on the dirt roads, which are the right level of difficulty. This region is however very hot in summer and late spring and not advisable for bike touring, with possible snow and cold in winter. For these reasons, practical bike touring takes place mainly between October and March. A last possible route is the Tizi-n-Test pass, as a way out of Marrakech, linking the plain of the Ourika to the southern valleys and their palm trees.

The Moroccan authorities are friendly, keen on tourism, and more and more lending themselves happily to the game of hospitality, especially in the Berber communities, giving a little bit of the house for the night. In case of trouble, you just have to show your Tourist Police stamp on the passport and you will be treated like the foreigners you are. No border post between the north and the south, however. By the way, prudence is rather advised in the big cities like Casablanca.

Pedal-Ready in Morocco: Know Before You Go

As much as we want, riding a bike in Morocco is not for everyone. It is not meant to deter you, just to prepare you: be ready for some traffic, workshop visits, and a broken bike occasionally. It may be your well-earned vacation, but you should expect no comfort. Don’t expect five-star hotels, gourmet meals, or a polite tourist service, this is still a developing country where tourism came only recently. It would be a perfect destination if there were not for some tough service; nevertheless, it is a small price to pay for witnessing the remains of traditional lives in harmony with an incredible landscape; if you are looking for the road less traveled, you found it. You’ll hardly use a fraction of your budget; you may even find it more affordable to travel as a tourist than a local, due to subsidies.

Morocco is not biking and tram-waiting friendly, but it is relatively easy to pedal through. Haute cycles stop when the sun goes down making nocturnal pedaling a sport for experienced cyclists. Your day should contain two-thirds riding your bike while the other third biking around, but despite the expense in time, the wonderful sights are worthy. The wind is usually behind you, halting your advancement until it begins to blow again, only to make you realize what a difference is the reverse wind. The towns and villages around your lodging will also determine how far you ride; some will force you to ride on dirt roads, but not too long; just far enough to lead you to a village where some sights men will be working, making you get very close to a traditional vista.