Grand Atlas Traverse

Suitable for those with mountain biking experience and a good level of fitness, this thrilling trip is perfect for those looking for a challenging adventure in Morocco.

The High Atlas mountains are a fantastic venue for a biking holiday, with mile upon mile of uninterrupted jeep tracks and trails. On this biking adventure we take on some challenging climbs and superb descents en route from the olive groves of the Demnate area, up through the green Nepalese-like valley of Ait Bougmez, before ending in the pine forests and towering rock faces Of the Ahansal River valley.

The riding explores remote mountain roads, ancient trading routes and livestock trails. While good bike handling skills are essential, the routes are generally not of a high technical level.

The Central High Atlas is one of the most unspoilt and beautiful mountain regions anywhere in the world. The variety of landscape here is staggering - from stark mountains, fertile valleys and rocky gorges, to rivers, pine forests and isolated windswept plateaux. There’s also a great challenge on the last day, a long day in the saddle but without doubt a highlight of this holiday.

Nights are spent in basic ‘gite’ accommodation – family houses converted into friendly, no-frills, village guest houses. This is a simple trip geared to those want to experience off-the-beaten-track Morocco in an authentic and adventurous way. In the evening we have the chance to sample Morocco’s cuisine, whilst lunches are normally taken picnic style, usually in beautifully remote places.

Highlights

• The winding and exhilarating descent to La Cathedrale
• Sharing freshly baked bread and olive oil with High Atlas Berbers
• The Ait Bougmez Valley – one of Morocco’s most picturesque spots
• Morocco’s most epic day of remote mountain trails
• The dazzling Ait Melloul river valley
• Traversing the wild plateau of the High Atlas where nomads roam