Photo: Hans-Jürgen Weinhardt ↗THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL
From Atlas snow to the dunes of Merzouga.
The classic Moroccan loop from Marrakech: the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the ksar of Aït Benhaddou, the Dadès and Todra gorges, a desert night by the Erg Chebbi dunes and back over Tizi n’Test. The roads are among the best in Africa, yet each day offers a dirt option. For riders who want desert, mountains and medina in one trip.
- The Tizi n’Test hairpins above the Souss valley
- A night in a Berber camp at Erg Chebbi
- Todra gorge with its 300-metre walls
- Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO site
With old friends or new ones
Join a group or arrange a separate departure for your own team. Before travelling, we get to know each other, discuss everyone's experience and find suitable dates. You can also prepare together.
DAY BY DAY
Your daily itinerary.
A provisional itinerary. Weather, group readiness and local conditions may change the order and length of the stages.
- DAY 1 · Briefing
Marrakech and the riad
Pick-up, a riad in the medina, bike set-up and briefing. Jemaa el-Fna square in the evening.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech - DAY 2 · 230 km, pass and dirt
Tizi n’Tichka and Aït Benhaddou
The N9 over the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, 2,260 m, the detour to Telouet kasbah and the old dirt road to Aït Benhaddou. Night in Ouarzazate.
Overnight: Kasbah hotel in Ouarzazate - DAY 3 · 180 km, tarmac
The Valley of Roses and Dadès gorge
The road of a thousand kasbahs through Skoura and El Kelaa M’Gouna to the Dadès gorge. The famous Tissdrine hairpins and a night in the gorge.
Overnight: Guesthouse in the Dadès gorge - DAY 4 · 280 km, tarmac and sand
Todra and the road to the dunes
Todra gorge, then via Tinghir and Erfoud to Merzouga. The last kilometres on tracks to a camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, up to 150 m high.
Overnight: Berber camp in the dunes - DAY 5 · 260 km, gravel or tarmac
Desert and the Draa valley
Sunrise over the dunes, then the gravel road via Taouz and Ramlia to Zagora, where the Draa palm valley begins. A tarmac alternative for those who prefer it.
Overnight: Hotel in Zagora - DAY 6 · 170 km, tarmac
The Draa valley and Ouarzazate
Along the Draa palm groves via Agdz and Tamnougalt kasbah, the Tizi n’Tinififft pass, 1,660 m, and back to Ouarzazate. A short day with time by the pool.
Overnight: Kasbah hotel in Ouarzazate - DAY 7 · 290 km, tarmac
The desert road to Taroudant
The empty road west through Taznakht and the Tizi n’Taghatine pass to Taroudant. Night inside the old town’s ramparts.
Overnight: Riad in Taroudant - DAY 8 · 200 km, mountain hairpins
Tizi n’Test
The big day for corner lovers: the narrow R203 to the Tizi n’Test pass, 2,093 m, the twelfth-century Tinmel mosque, and down the N’Fis valley. Night in the mountain village of Imlil beneath Toubkal.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Imlil, 1,740 m - DAY 9 · 70 km, tarmac
Back to Marrakech
A short descent to Marrakech with bikes returned before lunch. Free time in the medina and a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech - DAY 10 · Transfer
Flight home
Breakfast and transfer to Menara airport.
Overnight: —
Included in the estimated price
BMW F 850 GS / R 1250 GS / Honda Africa Twin hire
Support vehicle with mechanic
Local riding guide
Riads and kasbah hotels, one night in a desert camp
Breakfasts and dinners
Fuel for the whole route
Marrakech Menara airport transfers
Not included in the price
Flights to the meeting point
Personal travel insurance and visas
Personal equipment
Single-room supplements and personal expenses
Motorcycle deposit
Lunches
Single supplement
YOUR PREPARATION
Arrive ready for the route.
Category A licence and two or more years’ riding; the dirt options require gravel experience. Ivan prepares the group for heat, long days and the local driving style.
Prepare with IvanROUTE QUESTIONS
BEFORE WE MEET ON THE TRAIL
What to prepare in advance
- Full riding kit: helmet, protection, gloves and boots
- Rain gear and waterproof covers
- Documents and insurance for your chosen riding format
- Compact soft luggage without unnecessary weight
Once we choose a date, we agree on the equipment list, meeting point and transfer time. Please wait until the programme is confirmed before booking flights.