A must-see between the High Atlas and the Sahara Desert
The classic motorcycle tour in Morocco is the benchmark road trip for all bikers wishing to discover the essence of the country in a single adventure. It combines mythical roads, spectacular mountain passes, rolling tracks, pre-Saharan valleys and first turns of the wheel in the desert. A well-balanced itinerary, demanding just enough, ideal for fully experiencing the spirit of motorcycle raiding in Morocco.
This tour crosses the High Atlas range, a veritable natural barrier, before swinging towards the gates of the Sahara, passing through emblematic landscapes and world-famous sites. Motorcycles are rented on site, perfectly prepared for the long stages and Moroccan conditions.
Crossing the High Atlas: from mythical asphalt to high-altitude trails
Right from the start, the tour sets the tone. Leaving Marrakech, we head for one of North Africa’s most famous roads: the N9 and the Tizi n’Tichka pass, culminating at an altitude of 2,260 metres.
This ascent is a pure moment of driving:
- hairpin bends
- long, fast curves
- grip changes
- panoramic views as far as the eye can see
The engine breathes, the tires heat up, and every bend is a reminder of why Morocco is an unmissable motorcycle destination.
Kasbahs, pre-Saharan valleys and cinema
After the High Atlas, the road plunges towards Ouarzazate, a strategic crossroads between mountains and desert. The region is famous for :
- international film studios
- mineral landscapes
- valleys lined with kasbahs
The legendary kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, marks one of the major stages of the tour. The surrounding tracks allow you to leave the asphalt behind and ride through a raw, dusty landscape typical of the pre-Saharan valleys.
Then head for the Fint oasis, where you’ll alternate between tracks, rolling sections and breaks in the heart of the palm groves, between river, date palms and traditional villages.
Heading for the desert: Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes
Day by day, the terrain becomes drier and more open. From Tinghir, famous for its gorges and cliffs, the tour continues to Merzouga, gateway to the Saharan desert.
The arrival at Merzouga is always a highlight:
- first runs on sand
- clear horizon
- changing light on the dunes
The sunset over Erg Chebbi remains one of the highlights of the tour. Depending on the organization, it is possible to discover the desert in a different way, with a camel or 4×4 outing, before a night in a desert camp in the heart of the dunes.
Return through gorges and mythical trails
The tour then continues to :
- Boumalne Dades, with its spectacular roads and rugged terrain
- the Dades Valley, famous for its trails and rugged landscapes
- Telouet, an ancient strategic kasbah, accessible by little-travelled roads and tracks
These stages are ideal for bikers who like to alternate rhythm, technique and contemplation, with long days of riding.
Typical itinerary for a classic motorcycle tour
Day 1: welcome at Marrakech airport, transfer, motorcycle handover, briefing
Day 2: Marrakech – Ouarzazate (214 km)
Day 3: Ouarzazate – Tinghir (249 km)
Day 4: Tinghir – Merzouga (269 km)
Day 5: Merzouga – Boumalne Dades (330 km)
Day 6: Dades – Telouet (212 km)
Day 7: Telouet – Marrakech (149 km)
Day 8: rest, chill and transfer to the airport
Morocco in its purest form, handlebars in hand
The classic motorcycle tour in Morocco is a sure bet. It’s an adventure with mile after mile of dust sticking to your boots, and every pass you take bringing you a little closer to the desert. An authentic raid, designed by and for motorcyclists.
Organization, safety and professional support
With tours organized and supervised by morocco-rides.com, you can drive with complete peace of mind.
Framing
Lodgings
Every morning begins with a safety and route briefing, and every evening a debriefing to adjust pace, analyze difficulties and prepare for the next stage.