Mountain biking facts
- Recommended travel time
April to May and September to November
- Flight connections
Edelweiss tips:
The stunning scenery surrounding the majestic Atlas Mountains, the mild temperatures, and the fact that the cycle routes aren’t too crowded all make the area around Marrakesh a paradise for mountain bikers. However, the weather conditions can be extreme at times. It is advisable to check the forecasts before setting off on a trip. It is also advisable to carry cash, as there are almost no ATMs outside the major cities. And last but not least: you’re much better off speaking French than English. Whether you’d like to book a guided tour or simply pick up a few tips and tricks from a professional, former Swiss professional road cyclist Pierre-Alain Renfer has been organising mountain bike activities in Marrakesh for years.
Top mountain biking trails in the Marrakesh area
Cycling fun in the ski resort Difficult
The Oukaïmeden Valley, Africa’s highest ski resort, sits at an altitude of just over 2,700 metres. The valley winds its way through a high plateau between majestic peaks, captivating visitors with its charming, traditional mountain villages and famous prehistoric rock paintings. From December to March, winter sports enthusiasts flock here. In spring and autumn, hikers and climbers enjoy the magnificent scenery whilst mountain bikers relish the numerous trails and routes. For example, down into the Ourika Valley with views of snow-capped peaks, through red rocky and desert landscapes and into the lush green valley. By car, Oukaïmeden is just over an hour and 45 minutes from Marrakesh. It takes a good six hours to get there by bike.
- Tour duration 5 hrs 37 min
- Distance 78.6 km
- Ascent 1,440 m
- Descent -2,250 m
The only thing better than that is flying… Difficult
It’s not called the “Magic Carpet Trail” for nothing! The seemingly endless trail, which starts at around 2,500 metres on the Tizi n’ Tadmamt Pass and leads into the Ourika Valley, makes you feel like you’re riding on a flying carpet. The descent along the kilometre-long clay track, with its sweeping bends, is regarded as one of Morocco’s top cycling highlights.
- Tour duration 4 hrs 20 min
- Distance 61.7 km
- Ascent 580 m
- Descent -2,020 m
The pinnacle of the trip! Difficult
At 4,167 metres, Toubkal is Morocco’s highest mountain. Reaching the summit by bike is the ultimate challenge — and one only recommended for truly experienced mountain bikers. From the Berber village of Aroumd, you can reach the Toubkal mountain refuge at 3,200 metres (please note: you must bring your own food and cook for yourself). Depending on the weather and the time of year, it’s best to leave your bikes here and walk up to the summit, as there’s often snow at this altitude. If it’s clear, the tracks are quite easy to cycle on. It’s well worth it either way: the view across the Sahara is breathtaking. The descent to Imlil is also only recommended for experienced in downhill mountain biking. Incidentally, there’s a special spot here for any cyclists who are also film fanatics: scenes from Martin Scorsese’s “Kundun” were filmed at the Kasbah du Toubkal.
- Tour duration 6 to 10 days
- Distance 513 km
- Ascent 4,130 m
- Descent -7,160 m
Breathtaking views from the high plateau Medium
Moulay Brahim is a good hour and a half’s drive from Marrakesh. From there, you can reach the Kik Plateau, a rocky outcrop offering a magnificent view over the valley and the reservoir at Lalla Takerkoust. It’s worth bringing a pair of binoculars, as the area is well as a place to spot golden eagles, falcons and other birds of prey. This short tour ends in the village of Imsker, where it takes an hour and a half by car to get back to Marrakesh.
- Tour duration 2 hrs 15 min
- Distance 28.3 km
- Ascent 340 m
- Descent 980 m
From a Berber village to a film set Medium
The journey from Marrakesh to Telouet takes about two and a half hours by car. However, the 135 km route over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass is also a lovely cycling route. The mountain village of Telouet was the ancestral home of one of the most influential Berber clans in southern Morocco and is home to a famous fortress, known as a kasbah. From here, the route takes you through the picturesque Ounila Valley to Aït-Ben-Haddou. This fortified town at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains is a World Heritage Site and is arguably the best-preserved traditional mud-brick settlement in Morocco. It has been used as a film location on several occasions, for example in “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones”.
- Tour duration 3 hrs 20 min
- Distance 54.3 km
- Ascent 570 m
- Descent -1,090 m
Bike hire at the destination
- Atlas Sport
- Marrakech Mountainbike
- By Bike, Tangier
Sports baggage
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