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My Adventures in the Atlas: Hiking and Cycling in Morocco

A land of vibrant culture and stunning landscapes
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biking in morocco

Morocco, a land of vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, welcomed me with open arms for a hiking and cycling adventure that I will never forget. 

The diverse terrain, from bustling cities to serene valleys, provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable journey through the High Atlas Mountains. Read about my active vacation in Morocco here.

Chapter Trail

Day 1: Welcome to Morocco!

marrakech morocco
Photo by Paul Macallan on Unsplash

Touching down in the bustling city of Marrakech, the excitement for the days ahead was palpable. After a smooth transfer from the airport, I arrived at my comfortable 4-star hotel. The day was spent unwinding and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city, gearing up for the adventure to come.

Day 2: Marrakech to Imlil Valley

imlil valley morocco
Photo by alpha plus on Unsplash

The journey began in earnest with a hearty breakfast before setting off from Marrakech in a mini bus. The drive to Imlil, situated at 1700 meters, was a feast for the eyes. 

From there, the cycling adventure kicked off, taking me through the Tizi Ntamatrat pass at 2250 meters and into the picturesque Tachdirte Valley. The first night was spent in a cozy guest house in the Tachdirt village, surrounded by the serene beauty of the High Atlas.

Day 3: Imnan Valley – Oukaimden - Imnan Valley

atlas mountains
Photo by Maria Darii on Unsplash

The third day was a cyclist’s dream, pedaling through Berber villages and the majestic Atlas Mountains. The route took me through Tachdirt, Oukaimden, Ousratek village, and Imseker, offering breathtaking views and a deep dive into the local culture. The night was once again spent in the tranquil Tachdirt village guest house, a perfect end to a day of exploration.

Day 4: Imanan Valley - Azadan Valley Crossing Ait Mizan Valley

morocco village
Photo by Tobias Tullius on Unsplash

The journey continued towards Ait Ouzaden, passing through Imi Ouglad village and crossing the Tizi N’Tacht pass at 2300 meters. 

The day’s ride concluded in the charming Tizi Oussem village, where I spent the night in another welcoming guest house. With 28 kilometers covered and an elevation change of +525 meters and -100 meters, the sense of accomplishment was immense.

Day 5: Azdan Valley - Ouirgan

benefits of responsible tourism - baboo travel - morocco
Photo by Sergey Pesterev on Unsplash

Day five saw us cycling through the picturesque Azadan Valley towards Ouirgan, passing Ait Issa, Tizian, and Tassa Ouirgan along the way. The diverse landscapes and the ever-changing scenery kept the ride exhilarating. 

By evening, I found myself in Ouirgan, enjoying the hospitality of yet another delightful guest house. The day’s journey covered 27 kilometers with a descent of 500 meters, a perfect balance of challenge and reward.

Day 6: Ouirgan - Marrakech

trees in marrakech
Photo by Gunnar Ridderström on Unsplash

The final day of cycling took me from Ouirgan back towards Marrakech, traversing the Tizi Ouzla and Kik plateau Amizmiz. 

The 30 kilometers ride, with an elevation change of +220 meters and -500 meters, was a fitting conclusion to the cycling adventure. A mini bus ride brought me back to the vibrant heart of Marrakech, where I enjoyed a restful evening in my hotel or riad.

Conclusion

Fez Festival
Source: https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2018/06/248877/fez-festival-ancestral-knowledge | By Dana Leger

As my Moroccan adventure drew to a close, I reflected on the incredible experiences and the breathtaking beauty of the High Atlas Mountains. The blend of physical challenge and cultural immersion made this trip truly unforgettable. 

Saying goodbye to Morocco was bittersweet, but the memories and the sense of achievement will stay with me forever. If you’re seeking an adventure that combines stunning landscapes, rich culture, and the thrill of the great outdoors, Morocco is the place to be.

Check out the free itinerary to Morocco from Baboo Travel below:

Plan your next dream trip with one of our hand-picked, highly experienced, licensed, and insured Local In-destination Experts!

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