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Cycling in Morocco takes you from snowy High Atlas passes to palm oases, red earth kasbahs and the dunes of the Sahara, often in a single week. Indeed, every year more cycling clubs, charity rides and race organisers bring their bikes to Morocco. This guide covers the best cycling routes, the big races held in the country, the best season to ride and how a fully supported cycling trip works, with accommodation, 4×4 support cars and a team that knows the roads.
Why go cycling in Morocco?
Few countries pack so much variety into a short distance. In one trip you can climb a mountain pass over 2,000 metres, ride through the gorges of the Dades Valley, follow the palm groves of the Draa and finish on the sand near Merzouga. Moreover, roads in the south are often quiet, the landscapes change every day, and above all the light at sunrise and sunset is perfect for riding. In fact, many international cycling tour companies, such as SpiceRoads, Bike Morocco and Skedaddle, run regular trips here, which shows how popular cycling in Morocco has become.
The best routes for cycling in Morocco
Tizi n’Tichka: the High Atlas classic
The road from Marrakech to Ouarzazate crosses the High Atlas at the Tizi n’Tichka pass. According to Climbfinder, the climb from Zerkten is 29 km long with 1,008 metres of ascent at an average of 3.5 percent, and the top sits at 2,260 metres. Alternatively, many riders turn off towards Telouet and the Ounila Valley to reach Ait Ben Haddou on a quieter road.
Dades and Todra: the road of a thousand kasbahs
East of Ouarzazate, the road follows a line of kasbahs and oases. The Dades Valley is known for its switchback road, and Bike Morocco’s Atlas to Sahara tour climbs to 1,820 metres in the Dades Gorges. Further east, the Todra Gorge is a short, spectacular ride between high walls of rock.
The Draa Valley and the road to the Sahara
South of the Atlas, the Draa Valley runs past palm groves to Zagora. Then, from there, riders head east towards Merzouga and the dunes of Erg Chebbi. However, on the sand itself, cycling stops and the 4x4s take over: Bike Morocco uses 4×4 vehicles for its desert days, and our own support cars do the same.
The Anti Atlas and the Atlantic coast
Finally, for a different landscape, ride west through the Anti Atlas to the ocean. SpiceRoads runs a 608 km route from Marrakech through Taliouine and Taroudant to Imsouane and Sidi Kaouki near Essaouira, with the Tizi n’Taghatine pass close to 1,900 metres. See our guide to the best beaches in Morocco.
Cycling races and rallies in Morocco
Morocco hosts some of the toughest cycling events in the world. In other words, they are a big reason why so many clubs and riders now plan cycling in Morocco:
- Titan Desert Morocco: a mountain bike stage race across the High Atlas and the Sahara. The 2026 edition ran from 26 April to 1 May, with about 600 km over six stages and 475 riders, according to Morocco World News. Stages passed through Boumalne Dades and Merzouga.
- Atlas Mountain Race: an unsupported ultra distance bikepacking race. The organisers, The Mountain Races, list the 2027 edition from 13 to 20 March, starting at Ouzoud and finishing in Essaouira, with 1,331 km and 24,688 metres of climbing.
- Private rallies and club tours: cycling clubs, charity rides and companies organise their own rallies, choosing the route and the pace. As a result, these groups need a local team on the ground for hotels, meals, vehicles and the desert.
In addition, Morocco is famous for motor rallies. Read about the Dakar and Morocco.
How a supported cycling trip in Morocco works
In general, most cycling tours in Morocco are supported. On the SpiceRoads tour, a support vehicle follows the group and meets riders at intervals with spares and tools. Likewise, Bike Morocco uses a minibus with a bike rack that follows riders for emergencies or tiredness. Similarly, the same idea works for a club or rally: the riders focus on cycling, and the support team handles the rest.
Cycling in Morocco with Navigate Morocco
We support cycling groups, rallies and races that bring their own bikes to Morocco. First, you choose the challenge, and then we organise the whole journey around it:
- Accommodation: riads, kasbah hotels and our desert camp in Merzouga, booked along your route.
- 4×4 support cars: our vehicles carry the bicycles, the luggage and any rider who is tired and needs a break.
- The whole journey: airport pickup, transfers and the logistics between stages, planned by our family team from the Sahara.
- The desert: where the road ends, our 4x4s take riders and bikes across the sand to camp.
Planning a group trip? Next, read our guide to planning a group trip to Morocco, see why a 4×4 matters in the south and find out about Errachidia airport, the closest airport to Merzouga.
Tips for cycling in Morocco
- Bring your own bike well packed: check your airline’s rules for bike boxes before you book.
- Spares: carry tubes, tyres, a chain tool and the parts your bike uses. Besides, specific parts can be hard to find outside the big cities.
- Water and heat: start early, drink often and also plan rest stops in the shade. Read is tap water safe in Morocco.
- Clothing: mountain passes are cold in the morning, even though the desert is warm. Therefore, pack layers, and see what to wear in the Sahara.
- Timing: check the best time to visit Morocco and plan around Ramadan, when some cafes on the road close during the day.
FAQ: cycling in Morocco
Is Morocco good for cycling?
Yes. Above all, mountain passes, quiet desert roads, oases and the Atlantic coast make cycling in Morocco very varied, and many international cycling tour companies run trips here.
When is the best time for cycling in Morocco?
Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November. However, summer is very hot in the south, and winter can bring snow on the High Atlas passes.
How high is the Tizi n’Tichka pass?
The top of the Tizi n’Tichka is at 2,260 metres. In addition, the climb from Zerkten is 29 km at an average of 3.5 percent.
Can you organise support for our cycling rally?
Yes. Groups bring their own bikes, and then we organise accommodation, 4×4 support cars for bikes, luggage and tired riders, and the whole journey from the airport to the desert.
Can you cycle in the Sahara desert?
On the roads to Merzouga, yes. However, on the soft sand of the dunes, bikes are carried by 4×4 to the camp.
Planning a cycling rally or club tour in Morocco? Tell us your route and dates, and we will organise the support.
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