Cycling in Morocco: The Complete Guide to Gravel Biking Adventures

Few places pack as much into a week on the bike as Morocco, and you’ll share the roads with very few other cyclists. In a single week you can ride from snow-capped peaks in the High Atlas to palm oases, ancient kasbahs and the golden dunes of the Sahara. Quiet dirt roads, old caravan tracks and friendly Berber villages make cycling in Morocco a true adventure for gravel, mountain and e-bike riders alike.

In this guide, our local team at We Gravel Morocco shares what you need to know before you go: the best regions to ride, the ideal season, what bike to choose and how a guided tour works.

Why Choose Morocco for a Cycling Holiday?

• Huge variety of landscapes: high mountain passes, green valleys, rocky plateaus, oases and desert – often in the same day.
• Endless gravel roads: thousands of kilometres of dirt tracks with very little traffic, perfect for gravel bikes.
• Rich culture: Berber villages, kasbahs, souks and the famous Moroccan hospitality – a mint tea is never far away.
• Close to Europe: Marrakech is only a few hours’ flight from most European cities.
• Year-round riding: thanks to its different climates, there is always a region with good cycling conditions.

The Best Regions for Gravel Biking in Morocco

1. The High Atlas Mountains

The High Atlas is the backbone of Morocco, with peaks over 4000 m and legendary passes such as Tizi n’Tichka. Riders enjoy long climbs, spectacular descents and traditional villages built in red earth. It is the perfect terrain for experienced riders looking for a challenge.

2. The Draa Valley and Southern Oases

South of Ouarzazate, the Draa Valley is one of the largest palm groves in Africa. Gravel tracks follow the river past kasbahs and green gardens down to Zagora, the gateway to the Sahara. Our Morocco Cycling Tour: Atlas to Sahara rides this route all the way to the Chegaga dunes.

3. The Caravan Roads: Skoura, Dades and Saghro

For pure gravel riding, the ancient caravan roads between the Skoura oasis, the Rose Valley, the Dades Gorges and the volcanic Saghro Mountain are hard to beat. This is the land of nomads, with wide open landscapes and very few cars. Discover it on our Caravan Road Gravel Bike Tour.

4. The Happy Valley and M’Goun Geopark

In the Azilal region, the Ait Bouguemez – known as the Happy Valley – is a green, peaceful valley surrounded by high peaks. From here you can ride through the M’Goun Geopark to the Bin El Ouidane lake and the famous Ouzoud Waterfalls, as on our Morocco Hike & Bike Tour.

5. The Agafay Desert near Marrakech

Only 40 minutes from Marrakech, the rocky Agafay Desert offers easy rolling gravel with views of the Atlas – ideal for a short ride or to combine with a Toubkal trek, like our Hike and Bike: Toubkal and the Agafay Desert tour.

When Is the Best Time to Cycle in Morocco?

Most of our cycling tours run from March to November. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures across the country. In summer, the mountains are pleasant but the south and the desert can be very hot, so routes are adapted. In winter, the desert and the south are great for riding, while high passes can see snow.

Gravel Bike, Mountain Bike or E-Bike?

Most routes in Morocco are a mix of tarmac and dirt tracks, so a gravel bike with wide tyres (40 mm or more) is an excellent choice. On rockier tracks in the mountains or the desert, a mountain bike offers more comfort. An e-bike is a great option if you want to enjoy the climbs with less effort. You can bring your own bike or rent a gravel bike, mountain bike or e-bike locally through our company.

Why Ride With a Local Guided Tour?

• Local knowledge: our guides grew up in these mountains. They know the best tracks, villages and viewpoints, and the stories behind them.
• Daily 4×4 support: a support vehicle follows the group every day, so you can take a break whenever you need one.
• Everything organised: hotels, riads, guesthouses or desert camps, meals and airport transfers from Marrakech.
• Safety: a team that knows the terrain and the weather, and adapts the route when needed.
• Small groups: from 2 to 16 riders, or a private tailor-made tour for your group.

Practical Tips for Cycling in Morocco

• Bring padded shorts, gloves, a helmet, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen.
• Pack warm layers: mornings in the mountains and nights in the desert can be cold.
• Drink plenty of water – your guide will make sure mineral water is always available.
• Respect local customs: greet people with a smile and ask before taking photos.
• Learn a few words: “Salam” (hello) and “Shukran” (thank you) go a long way.

Ready to Ride Morocco?

Want to ride the Atlas, roll down to the Sahara dunes or follow a route of your own? Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll plan it with you. Explore all our cycling and gravel bike tours in Morocco or contact us for a tailor-made tour – we reply within 24 hours.