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Atlas to Sahara Expedition

MOROCCO DAKAR CLASSIC TOUR

  • This journey doesn’t take much time, but it delivers intense experiences.
  • Route from Marrakech Across the Atlas to the Sahara and back. The total distance covered is 1,500 km.
  • 1500 KM
  • 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
  • MOSTLY ASPHALT, SOME GRAVEL AND SAND
  • INTERMEDIATE
  • €1,950–€2,350, Passenger: €700
  • BIG ADV 700 - 1300 CCM

Quick Route Overview

We begin in Marrakech and ride across the mighty Atlas Mountains straight into the Sahara. We will spend two unforgettable days in the desert, enjoying the sand and admiring the magical dunes that form Morocco’s largest sandy expanse. We then return along scenic, winding roads toward Ouarzazate and finish the journey back in Marrakech.

This is one of our favorite tours—a perfect escape from winter monotony. Morocco, with its natural beauty and rich culture, offers riders unique experiences all year round. We have been exploring its roads for over a decade, and we still discover new paths and hidden gems.

We would like to share this extraordinary journey with you. A perfect 6-day itinerary that immerses you in a world of palm trees, camels, and endless dunes. Join us for an unforgettable motorcycle adventure.

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ride from Marrakech across the High Atlas Mountains and legendary Tizi n’Tichka Pass
  • Experience the Sahara with two full days among the golden dunes of Merzouga
  • Follow scenic canyon roads through Todra Gorge and the iconic Dades Valley
  • Discover oasis towns, Dakar Rally routes, and authentic desert landscapes
  • Visit UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou and Morocco’s famous film locations
  • Enjoy a perfectly balanced adventure combining riding, culture, and comfort

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Agdz (280 km)

We start early in Marrakech after picking up the motorcycles and packing our luggage. We ride out of the lively and sometimes chaotic city toward the mighty Atlas Mountains. The first kilometers help us adjust to the cultural and temperature differences before the road begins to climb steeply.

Flatlands gradually give way to curves, and the scenery changes—date palms and eucalyptus are replaced by pine forests and low argan shrubs from which the famous argan oil is produced. At 2,260 meters above sea level, we are surrounded by high mountain peaks, with cooler temperatures that call for an extra layer of clothing. The reward: perfect asphalt and breathtaking views.

Our first longer stop is at the legendary Tizi n’Tichka Pass, from where the descent toward the Sahara begins. We cross vast plateaus and approach Ouarzazate—the famous film town where sets from blockbusters such as Gladiator and Troy still stand.

A highlight of the day is riding exceptional curves across smaller passes overlooking the magnificent Draa Valley canyon. In the late afternoon, we arrive in the Oasis of a Thousand Palms and stay in a luxurious traditional kasbah at the start of one of the longest oases in Morocco.

DAY 2: Agdz – Alnif – Merzouga (295 km)

The day begins with a ride along a legendary Dakar route once used by the biggest names in motorsport. This section recalls the golden era of the rally. We follow a winding paved road through canyon oases and then reach wide plains and vast palm groves.

At midday, we stop for lunch in Alnif, then continue toward Rissani. Just before reaching the town, enormous golden gates welcome us into the authentic desert environment. Before heading to Merzouga, we make a detour to the Gara Medouar crater—a striking natural formation used in the filming of James Bond: Spectre. Here we experience our first encounter with sand and dust under the wheels.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, where Morocco’s largest dunes rise before us. After checking into the hotel, we take a walk on the soft sand and watch the play of light that paints the dunes in shades of gold and orange.

DAY 3: Merzouga – Merzouga (180 km)

This day can feel like the early years of the Dakar Rally—full of adrenaline and unique experiences—or it can be completely peaceful by the hotel pool. It’s entirely up to you.

Before sunrise, we walk onto the dunes to greet the first rays of the sun. The spectacular play of light and shadows over the endless sea of sand fills us with energy before returning to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, we set off on quad bikes with experienced local guides and ride deep into the sandy kingdom. We begin on smaller dunes, and once we learn the basic techniques of riding in sand, we progress to the largest ones. Two hours of dune riding offer a true adventure to remember.

Erg Chebbi—the dune area—stretches 50 km along the Algerian border and is 5–10 km wide. The highest dunes reach 150 meters, offering incredible views and a real desert challenge.

After the morning adventure, we enjoy a relaxed lunch break. We then explore the town of Merzouga and experience the true rhythm of desert life. For those seeking even more adrenaline, optional motorcycle sand-riding training is available on smaller dunes.

To end the day, we take a calm and relaxing camel ride on one-humped dromedaries—an opportunity to experience the Sahara as nomads once did, surrounded by warm sunset colors and the silence of the desert.

DAY 4: Merzouga – Erfoud – Todra – Ouarzazate (500 km)

This will be a long day, so we start early. The route is filled with winding roads that lead us through spectacular canyons and across vast plains on the edge of the Sahara. Along the way, we pass towns that look like scenes from Arabian Nights—historic settlements, ancient fortresses, and abandoned ruins nestled between rocky massifs and palm oases.

As we approach the Atlas Mountains, we leave the main road and enter the Todra and Dades river valleys. These natural wonders have carved dramatic gorges over millions of years, with winding roads that every motorcyclist dreams of. Here, wild nature meets architectural formations shaped by time and water.

In the late afternoon, we visit the world’s largest solar power plant—an impressive example of modern technology in the heart of the desert. After the visit, we head back toward the area where this unforgettable adventure began.

DAY 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech (220 km)

We begin the final stage at an easy pace. Temperatures are pleasant, and we take time for stops, photos, and even crystal collecting on the high plateaus of the Anti-Atlas.

Climbing back toward the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, we take a lesser-known road to visit the magnificent Ait Benhaddou fortress, protected by UNESCO. This picturesque clay village is an architectural masterpiece and has served as a filming location for numerous movies.

We continue riding through stunning mountain scenery and serpentine roads, enjoying our last moments in the Atlas. In the early afternoon, we return to Marrakech and once again feel the energy of this magical and lively city. After returning the motorcycles, we check into a hotel in the heart of the city whose interior evokes the spirit of the iconic film Casablanca.

In the evening, we walk to the legendary Djemaa el-Fna square—a true cultural shock with crowds, street performers, food stalls, and vendors selling everything from spices to carpets and traditional crafts. We end the day with a traditional Moroccan dinner before heading to bed, filled with impressions of our motorcycle adventure.

DAY 6: Return Home

After breakfast, we head to the airport for the flight home, carrying unforgettable memories.

CONCEPT

The idea is to experience Marocco in all the glorry. We will enjoy fantastic views, nice roads, mouintain passes, valleys, green oasis and Sahara desert. We ride on paved roads and partially easy gravel. No offroad riding skill is required fort his trip. But you can learn how to navigate sand and small dunes on a motorcycle during our days in the desert.

Motorcycle: Big ADV motorcycle from 700 ccm to 1300 ccm, equiped with proper ADV tyres, suitable for riding solo or as couple.

Our team always includes two tour guides: an experienced guide who is also a paramedic and a certified motorcycle safety instructor.

The core idea is to offer a beautiful, round trip suitable for intermediate or very experienced riders. We combine riding, sightseeing, local food, and plenty of fun to help you experience authentic Morocco and create wonderful memories.

PRICE

€1,950–€2,350 (depending on motorcycle choice). Passenger: €700

Price includes:
  • Organization and guiding
  • Motorcycle rental
  • Fuel
  • All accommodations and meals
  • Assistance in Morocco
  • Photo and video material as a souvenir
  • Flights
  • Rental of quad bikes, buggies, or 450cc enduro bikes in the Sahara
  • Alcoholic drinks

WHAT'S ON THE MENU

  • Pleasant weather
  • Excellent seafood and beautiful accommodations
  • The Atlantic coast with fantastic curvy roads
  • Surfing or enjoying the waves — wetsuits available for rent
  • Sand dunes on two beaches where we will (hopefully) ride Dakar-style
  • Paradise Valley
  • Tizi n’Test Pass
  • Marrakesh with its lively atmosphere

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