Palm groves, Saharan tracks and first tracks in the sand
The oasis and dunes motorcycle tour in Morocco represents the very essence of motorcycle travel in southern Morocco. It’s a raid that, in just a few days, concentrates everything that trail and adventure enthusiasts dream of: winding roads, dusty tracks, lush palm groves, deep gorges and, above all, an unforgettable encounter with the dunes of the Sahara. A progressive itinerary, demanding but accessible, that allows you to get a taste of the desert while discovering the country’s most beautiful oases.
Motorcycles are rented on site, prepared for the sand and the long stages, to guarantee reliability and riding pleasure.
A motorcycle raid in the heart of Saharan Morocco
This oasis and dunes tour is designed for bikers who want to feel the transition between the Atlas, the pre-Saharan valleys and the Sahara. The route alternates :
- technical asphalt roads
- rolling trails in the valleys
- passages through palm groves
- sandy sections requiring commitment and control
It’s an ideal itinerary for understanding the desert, learning to read the terrain and manage the sand without the pressure of a stopwatch.
From Marrakech to the oases of the South
The raid begins in Marrakech, the natural gateway to the South. The road soon rises and falls into mineral landscapes.
Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate
After crossing the Atlas Mountains, the route passes through the famous kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The trail then skirts the Ouarzazate film studios, before entering wilder areas.
Fint oasis
The Fint oasis marks the first highlight of the tour. Palm trees, wadis, adobe villages: a complete contrast to Marrakech. The tracks are rolling, ideal for getting into the rhythm of the raid.
Return to Ouarzazate for logistics, then head south.
Drâa Valley and Zagora
Head for Zagora, following tracks and roads along the Drâa Valley, one of Morocco’s largest palm groves. Here, navigation becomes more important, distances get longer and the desert gets closer.
Zagora is a key point for :
- refuelling
- material preparation
- anticipation of sandy stages
We gradually leave the “green” world to enter the Saharan domain.
Heading for Lake Iriki and Erg Chegaga
After Tagounite, things get serious. We head for Lake Iriki, a vast expanse of dry land where the tracks are fast but deceptive. The ground changes without warning, requiring attention and anticipation.
Then come the dunes of Erg Chegaga, one of Morocco’s largest ergs. Here:
- sand becomes ubiquitous
- smooth, precise steering
- couple management and balance are essential
Two days are devoted to this area, with nights spent in bivouacs or inns at the foot of the dunes. The experience is total: silence, immensity and starry skies.
For more experienced riders, some sectors around M’Hamid offer deeper sand, requiring real mastery of off-road driving.
Return via Foum Zguid and Taznakht
You leave the desert at Foum Zguid, on fast, mineral tracks. The contrast is striking after the dunes. The return journey to Taznakht, famous for its carpets and plateaus, takes you back to more rolling tracks before heading back up to Marrakech.
Typical tour schedule
On arrival: welcome at Marrakech airport, transfer, collection and adjustment of motorcycles.
Next days: Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Oasis de Fint – Zagora – Tagounite – Lac Iriki – Erg Chegaga – Foum Zguid – Taznakht – Marrakech
Last night: hotel in Marrakech, departure the next day
A Saharan adventure, handlebars in the sand
The oasis and dunes motorcycle tour in Morocco is a powerful, sensory and unforgettable experience. Every kilometer brings you a little closer to the desert, every track left in the sand tells the story of an adventure. A tour designed for bikers who want to experience the Sahara, not just ride through it.
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.