Single Track Heaven
8 Days Tour, 6 Days Singletrack Biking From 840.00 €
Level: Experienced
Activity : Mountain Bike (Enduro / Single Track) across the High Atlas south of Marrakech
Assistance : Guided & full support
Period : January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Activity : Mountain Bike (Enduro / Single Track) across the High Atlas south of Marrakech
Assistance : Guided & full support
Level : Experienced
Period : January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
The Atlas Mountains south of Marrakesh offer incredible opportunities for Gravity, Enduro and All Mountain XC riders.
This is amazing mountain biking terrain – hundreds of miles of flowing dusty singletrack trails that are peppered with technical rocky sections, switchbacks and fast freeride descents. Sure there are some testing climbs, but the scenery is incredible as are the ancient villages we pass through. These “natural” singletrack trails in Morocco are some of the best you will ever ride.
Actually, these trails are part of an incredible, and vast, network built hundreds of years ago and used almost exclusively by Berber villagers and nomads travelling between the valleys, high plateaus and villages in the region.
Highlights of this Tour
o Ancient city of Marrakech with its intriguing souks and palaces
o Spectacular landscapes of the Atlas Mountains
o Great riding on Singletrack trails "NO FIRE ROADS"
o Good accommodation on tour
o Berber hospitality
Marrakech
At your arrival to Marrakech Menara Airport, Maroc Nature Team will welcome you and take care of your luggage. After loading luggage and bikes, a short transfer will take us to our fully equipped bike shop in Marrakech so as to prepare your bikes and store your bike suitcases. If you have chosen to hire one of our bikes, you can then have your bike fitted, fix your pedals and saddle if your bring yours. The essential done, we will take to your hotel in the modern part of the city (not far from our bike shop) where you will have your room allocated. Dinner is free tonight and your guide can suggest some of the good restaurants around. Overnight 3* hotel (Meals: B)
Amizmiz
Meet your guide at your hotel, after a short briefing, the journey can start. We drive south towards the Atlas foothills and the city of Amizmiz. The road snakes up steeply to reach the high plateaus at 1900m where we will prepare bikes start our ride for a first 18 kms run mixing long playful portions on mule trails and some pleasant pedaling sections. The morning ride is punctuated by the traverse of few isolated Berber villages where we are always greeted by local population especially enthusiastic kids. Another rolling line before hitting a rather technical singletrack longing the wild and dry river bed. After few switchbacks and rocky portions we will reach the meeting point with our drivers for lunch pause on the edge of a blue turquoise dam. The afternoon stage starts with an hour transfer by 4x4 to get us back to the heights and begin a second single that will delight all fans of extreme flow... 12 km on an absolutely superb singletrack. Alternating large slabs of stone and faster passages on a delicate carpet of pine needles that will fill you with joy! We will meet our drivers on the plain for an ultimate 40 mn transfer to get us to our amazing lodge facing Mount Erdouz (Meals: B, L, D)
Transfer by road: 85km / Ride distance: 30km / Elevation Gain: 400m, Loss: 2170m / Physical difficulty: ▲▲▲▲▲ / Technical skills:▲▲▲▲▲
Amizmiz
After a hearty breakfast, we're off again on our bikes starting from our lodge riding a gentle climb for warm up leading to the first flowy singletrack of the day to reach the plateau of Toumlaline where local villagers graze their herds of sheep and goats. Another short climb will introduce us to another super trail of about 7 km ending at lunch spot where our assistance team are waiting for us with a yummy picnic. For the afternoon we'll be dropped by 4x4 at the beginning of another unexpected singletrack to ride 9 km of uninterrupted delight! At the end of stage we will be met by our drivers and transferred to another region for other adventures! On the way we can enjoy the stunning landscapes while discussing the highlights of the day (1h30 drive). Overnight in Ouirgane in a nice gite where you can have a traditional Hammam followed by a tasty cousscouss!
Transfer by 4x4: 45km / Mountainbike distance: 25km / Elevation Gain: 600m, Loss: 1840m / Physical difficulty: ▲▲▲▲▲ / Technical skills: ▲▲▲▲▲
Ouirgane
An epic day and another challenge, we start our journey with about 1h45 4x4 transfer deep into the Atlas where few foreigners have ever travelled! After a stunning show of landscapes, it is time to get back on the saddle. The 4x4 drop us over 2'000m altitude to ride a first mule trail that appears to be made for us bikers! We will then reach a superb Berber village stuck to the steep mountain hill side where we will have the opportunity to share an appetizing Tagine with the local family amongst the village. After sharing a privileged and simple moment with our hosts, time for some action! This afternoon mules and muleteers will join the team to give our bikes a lift to the next pass. Mules carrying our bikes, all what you have to do is walk and enjoy the scenery. On the highest point of the day (2160m) after two hours walk, we get hold of our bikes again and say good bye to our mules. From here, you will ride a memorable slope of slate and the then a superb Freeride line of dusty fine scree where you can try some carving till the bottom of the river bed, JUST EPIC!! But it is not over, a short uphill section and few wheel tours to reach the last portion of the day, an 8 kms of the best trails you would have ever imagined through a juniper and oaks forest! At the end of an outstanding day we reach our lodge where the Berber "Sauna" is awaiting with another delicious local meal right after.
Transfer by road: 50km / Ride distance: 32km / Elevation Gain: 350m, Loss: 2020m / Physical difficulty: ▲▲▲▲▲ / Technical skills:▲▲▲▲▲
Louka - Tahnaout
Oukaimden ski resort is our play ground for the two upcoming days starting at 2600m above the sea level! We leave by bike from Oukaimden from where a Maximum single track and flow is waiting for you throughout the day, taking advantage of the natural terrain to improve your techniques or show your skills on amazing switchbacks, natural bumps, grippy crests ... For lunch time, we will share a meal with a local Berber family accompanied with Moroccan mint tea in an authentic atmosphere. After a rewarding lunch, we continue our ride on superb flow trails that you risk to forget your brake levers! About half an hour descent on first class singles, that will suddenly stop. We will then have a 15 minutes peppered steep climb to add a little physical effort and enjoy an ultimate flow section behind to reach our meeting point with our 4x4 driver. A short drive will take us to our lodge on the banks of the luxurious Ourika Valley.
Transfer by road: 50km / Ride distance: 35km / Elevation Gain: 240m, Loss: 1900m / Physical difficulty: ▲▲▲▲▲ / Technical skills:▲▲▲▲▲
Louka - Ourika
Today's journey is highly promising where you will ride every type of terrain and cross some amazing Berber villages. After a short morning 4x4 shuttle, will take possession of our bikes and ride a cool hill side Djeep track to the beginning of a breath taking journey. A first very technical single track will require all your focus. After an intense quarter of an hour, you can release the brakes for a full speed section in the shade of pine trees. The second singletrack is pleasant pedaling allows us to extend this route until the next ridges that offer a nice compromise between technical, physical and flow, a superb 360 degree view of the High Atlas. The greatest way to finish the journey is a last exhilarating and full of flow trail will lead us to the valley where we will meet our 4x4 for a shuttle to our hotel near Ait Ourir.
Transfer by road: 50km / Ride distance: 35km / Altitude Gain Loss: +150m, -830m / Difficulty: ▲▲▲▲▲ / Technical skills:▲▲▲▲▲
Tikla Valley
For our last day ride we will drive south on one of the highest roads of Morocco linking Marrakech to Ouarzazate. Just before the Tichka Pass, we will be off again for another great biking day exploring the Tikla Valley. A superb mix of tracks & trails across remote Berber village where the cheerful locals are still amazed to see bikes on their paths. The last single track on a red clay crest line is just alluring! At Azgour, we will meet our 4x4 for a transfer back to Marrakech. We will first go to our bike shop to clean and pack our bike and get them ready for tomorrow's flight. Overnight in a nice Riad in the Medina, very closed to the main square Djenaa Lafna, on BB basis. Riad Bahia Salam or similar.
Biking Distance: 15 km Altitude Gain Loss: +150m, -830m / Difficulty:▲▲▲▲▲/ Technical skills:▲▲▲▲▲ / Transfer by road: 120km /
Return Flight
Depending on your schedule, transfer to the airport of Marrakech is organized to take your return flight.
Trip dates & Prices
Good to know
This tour is available for private as for shared groups, the tour can start with 4 participants. We can offer a personalized program for bigger groups or bikers who wish a more challanging ride or any specific requests.
The Area
This tour takes place in the western the High Atlas, cross the Berber Valley on the foothill of Mounta Toubkal. The altitude is between 900 m and 2500m high.
Your Guide
A Moroccan, english speaking, biking guide who will meet you at your arrival at the airport, he will be with you the whole biking trip. Before the bike stages, he will give you a briefing about safety and the use of your bike. All along the day, he will give you explanations about the traversed area and the way of life of the local population. He can also assit you in case of injury or mechanic issues on your bike.
Your Bike
For this tour, we recommand a full suspension bike (130mm/150mm travel) in perfect working condition! Wearing a helmet while riding is obligatory. We also recommand our bike hire options on spot.
The Food
You won't have to worry on food or drink, we take care of everything. Mineral water will be supplied all day with a mix of dry fruits to refuel. All meals are included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Loging
On this tour, you will be staying in a mix off accommodation: Hotel / Riad in Marrakech, small simple auberge during the tour in the Atlas Mountains.
Assistance
You will have a full back up during this mountain bike tour. 4x4 vehicle (s), with bike rack (s), will drive you to riding spots and shuttle you to your hotels every day.
Group Size / Price
The trip price is based on 6 riders and more. The maximum group size of the "Single Track Heaven" is 10 riders.
What's Included
o Arrival and departure transfer Marrakech airport by Minibus
o 2 nights on bed and breakfast basis at 3* hotel / Riad in Marrakech
o 1 night in Gîte (hikers accommodation)
o 4 nights in guest houses
o Full board on bike tour with mineral water
o 4x4 assistance on the whole MTB trip
o Moroccan MTB bike guide
What's not Included
o International flight to and from Marrakech
o Travel insurance [Compulsory!]
o Lunch and dinner in Marrakesh city
o Soft/alcoholic drinks & o Bar bills and laundry
o Optional trips and sightseeing tours
o Additional nights at the beginning or end of the trip
o Tips and personal expenses
o Mountain Bike hire (250 EUR per week)
They have biked with us
Enduro Biking Morocco
Mountain biking in the Atlas mountains is an absolute must for MTB lovers. We had an extraordinary 6 day trip through the backyard of Marrakesh. The donkey trails are perfect for enduro biking. Flow trails where you are going to enjoy the speed and also steep, technical parts where the adrenalin rush awaits you. All this you will find there for sure! Unfortunately crashes as well
Special thanks to our guide Redouan who showed us this great trails. The only drawback, the traditional Moroccan food did not match my taste and don't expect luxury overnight stays.
We had an extraordinary 6 day trip and we will surely come back again!
Raffi S
Truly A Trip Of A Lifetime
Having been a little apprehensive before the 6 day gravity assisted mountain bike tour of the Atlas Mountains I am delighted to report that this was a holiday of a lifetime.
Ten men, ten bikes, two guides, three drivers, three 4x4's and a mule - quite a combination for a 140 mile bike trip.
The guiding, riding, eating and resting was all spectacular in its own way. WIth a variety of accommodation over the 6 nights from a mountain top Gite to a top riad and even a ski resort, we got to experience many sides of Moroccan life that most tourists and even trekkers will never know exist.
The only problem is I don't know how another trip could live up to this one.
Morocco Single Track! Marocknroll!
I just came back from one of my best vacations. Riding the perfect small singletrack trails in the Atlas mountains on our enduro bikes. We were in perfect hands with our two guides, our two drivers, our two 4x4 toyotas, a great backup bikeshop in Marrakech, several very local "gites" for lodging and good food, and very nice hotels in Marrakech. We were 4 guys from Denmark, 1 from Slovenian and 4 from Spain, and our Spanish guide Jose did a great job connecting us. Atlas is designed for enduro and downhill experiences, and all I can think of right now is when to return for more. Maroc Nature is a very serious and service minded company, and I can only recommend it to my fellow earth citizens. Go Go Go Jalla Jalla
Atlas Mountain Bike Trip
My husband and I decided to do a side trip from Spain to ride some Atlas Mountains singletrack trails. We bike a tonne in the Rocky Mountains of Canada and were at first concerned that we would be on a 'tourist' type trail.... our guides listened to our request and supplied long sweeping cross country single track. We were blown away at our ride through the Valley, how much fun our guide was and that the terrain was everything we had hoped for.
It certainly was the highlight of our vacation to get into the Atlas Mountains and see an intimate portrait of Morocco that you wouldn't see otherwise.
If you like long sweeping trails, views and laughing all the way this trip is a must. Our guide (Redouan Bouaouyd) was beyond fantastic, supplying food after each ride that was part of the authentic experience. Also you absolutely MUST try the thyme tea... pure heaven after a long ride!
Mountain Biking Trip Of A Lifetime!
We booked a mountain biking trip in Morocco with Maroc Nature, based on their web site. We selected a ‘private tour’ which included a guide and driver for the full seven days. And what a trip! From the moment we were collected from the airport, everything ran smoothly and efficiently.
Maroc Nature clearly have an intimate knowledge of the Atlas mountains and were able to select trails to suit our experience and wishes. We came expecting an amazing cycling experience, but got so much more. As well as unbelievable landscapes, we also got to experience the ‘real’ Morocco – the advantage of having a local guide – who also spoke perfect English (and French, Berber and Arabic). Villager’s welcomed us with great excitement and we were often invited in to their home for tea – a real privilege and 100% authentic.
Each day our bikes were loaded onto the accompanying 4 x 4 before we had finished breakfast, having been fully prepared from the previous day’s riding, which left us to focus on the day’s trails. I learned more about mountain biking in our 7 days in the Atlas Mountains than I have in the past 7 years! The trails are just unbelievable. Our guide, who accompanied us for the full duration of the trip, was also an experienced mechanic, which was useful for a couple of minor incidents along the trail!
Maroc Nature arranged a variety of accommodation from good basic hotels to local gites. All were clean and comfortable, but we did indulge in a couple of upgrades along the way, just for a bit of comfort after a hard day’s riding – and I would absolutely recommend this option.
Although we took our own bikes, it is worth noting that the hire bikes on offer are of the very highest standard – how about a Cannondale Jekyll for €210 a week – this for a €8000 bike! All the bikes we saw in their workshop, whilst the mechanics were assembling our bikes after flight transport, were perfect and appeared well maintained.
I would absolutely recommend a visit to Morocco and the Atlas Mountains for any mountain biking enthusiast – and it would be hard to better Maroc Natur as trip specialists. Frankly, for what we paid and what we got in return – it was truly special.
"singletrack Heaven"
Excellent guides only for experienced mountain bikers lots of rocks, exposure, switchbacks, steeps.
Awesome views and takes concentration.
The best type of no frills freeriding not much climbing toyota assist, will definitely recommend!