17th October - 24th October 2015 - Cycle from the Moroccan High Atlas to the Atlantic Coast passing through the less visited parts of Morocco. Starting at the foot of Mt Toubkal North Africas highest mountain and finishing in the stunning Atlantic Coastal town of Essaouira. Atlas to the Atlantic ride requires no previous cycling experience just an appetite for adventure, with great mix of panoramic views, some great hill sections and plenty of mint tea in local tea houses, it makes for a truly Moroccan experience not to be forgotten.
Day 1: Marrakech ImlilArrive Marrakech and spend time exploring this amazing city and have lunch before our 1.5hr transfer by minibus to the Berber mountain village of Tamertet (1850m) which is at the base of Mt Toubkal North Africas highest mountain and the start point for our Atlas to Atlantic ride. Overnight Guest house.
Day 2:Imlil AmzimizToday we hit the road, descending 17km to the municipal town of Asni, stopping for a short break before continuing through the Toubkal National Park and onto our first big hill climb of approximately 4km ! As we slowly climb onto the plateau we pass through small Berber villages, once on the plateau summit we will be rewarded to stunning views across the Marrakech plain and the High Atlas behind.What goes up must come down with brilliant long descent to the town of Amzimiz.Overnight Camp.Approx 65km.
Day 3:Amzimiz Sidi Moumene - Leaving the small village of Amizmiz on the foothills of the High Atlas we make our way through a mainly agricultural area riding through small farming villages, with plenty of opportunities to stop of a mint tea and enjoy some Moroccan hospitality. We overnight with Mohamed and his family in the small Berber village of Sidi Moumene, where you have the unique opportunity to learn how to cook a traditional Moroccan Tajine, make mint tea and relax in the Hamman and experience the day in the life of a traditional Berber.Overnight Guest house.Approx 75km.
Day 4:Sidi Moumene Dar-Ciad- ZemzemOur route today takes us through the mountains that separate the Marrakech Plain and the Atlantic Coast, the route is undulating on good sealed roads with one big hill climb before lunch. This area sees very little tourism and offers some great bike exploring.Tonight we will camp near the grounds of an old Kasbah which offer stunning views of our route.Overnight Camp.Approx 75km
Day 5: Dar-Ciad-Zemzem Sidi KoukiToday begins with a long and fast 7km descent into the valley floor, where we begin our biggest hill climb of the ride! (The Beast) 450m of ascent over 6km. Finally reaching the top were rewarded with views of our end goal the Atlantic Coast. The final 18km of the ride takes a long the stunning Atlantic Coast road and finally into the relaxed surf village of Sidi Kaouki with a huge beach and a few scattered cafes to sit and relax watching the sunset over Atlantic the perfect way to end the day.Overnight Camping.Approx 65kmDay 6:Sidi Kouki EssaouiraOur final day is a short ride taking past Cap Sim and huge sand dunes to the village of Diabat before crossing Oued Ksob River to Essaouira.We arrive in Essaouira for lunch, then spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach, exploring the souks or just watching the world go by in one of the many coffee shops. Taking time out to enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean from the fort walls is must. Overnight Traditional Riad. Approx 30km.
Day 7: Essaouira U.K.Depending on our return flight times, we will have to explore Essaouria and have lunch in the local fish market. Transfer to Marrakech.Explorers Connect Discounted Price 600.00 excluding flights.Email: info@adventurousewe.co.uk