Biking in Morocco
Join the Journey Beyond Travel Bike Morocco Tour 2008!
Download the packet here: Bike Morocco Brochure (pdf)
More than anything else these days, travelers are looking to include a little adventure to their Morocco itinerary. They might not be looking to jump out of planes or ski down mountains, but they are looking for a way to really connect with the place, its culture, language and people. Yes, travelers are taking a step back to a simpler time; a time without gasoline engines or even horses. These adventurous folks are straddling their bikes to cycle and bike Morocco and consider it an advantageous view.
Though the country is considered third world, many of the roads are in great condition (the French practically paved their way through the whole country in the early 1950s). So, it is possible and quite comfortable to cycle and bike Morocco without ever cycling an unpaved path. Though stoic travelers might spend a month or more doing this, it might be better to make it at two goes, rather than all at once.
Those not wanting to do all the logistics—or learn French or Arabic—might consider a guided bike tour through the country. If starting from the North, a trip will take you through different towns and regions. Starting from the most ancient medina town of Fez, a bike traveler could pedal to Meknes and onward to Moulay Idriss—a town set on a hill in the shape of a sleeping camel, where it is now legal to spend the night. Then onward to Volubilis, the ancient Roman Ruins scattered among weeds and overgrowth where you really can become Indiana Jones.
After traveling from Volubilis, the savvy bike Morocco traveler could go north to the Rif Mountains, where much of the country’s cannabis is grown. One of the most surreal towns nestled quietly among the mountains is Chefchaouen, a town known for its serenity and hospitality where the pastel blue walls painted by Jewish settlers in the 1930s calm you as you lose yourself in the medina-like maze. The areas surrounding this town are great for hiking, biking, and scenery. After a couple days to soak it all in, it would be wise to head north for Al-Hoceima National Park, or out west to Asilah and Moulay Bousselham. Though this would take the independent Morocco traveler some time, a guided bike tour always uses support vehicles so you really can bike and relax at your convenience.
If you prefer a dryer, hotter, more arid route, perhaps the south of Morocco would best fit your fancy. Most Morocco bike tours start in Marrakech, where the architecture, medina, and heat are almost too much to take in at once. Heading west of Marrakech, a cycling trip in Morocco would most likely take you to Imlil and south to Ait Ben Haddou, a cherished UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for handfuls of famous movies.
Heading farther west, it may be possible to swing by Ouarzazate to see the Atlas Movie Studios and retrieve a well-deserved lunch of chicken and prune tagine or sweet vegetable couscous. After this point, most tour groups cycling or biking Morocco head to the Dades Gorge and farther to the Todra Gorge, known for it’s stunning rock faces and steep canyons.
Traveling in this manner is a fantastic way to see a country. With bike shops being sparse throughout the countryside, it’s best to hire a tour guide with knowledge and support vehicles to make sure your vacation is a lively and injury free. With towns like Chefchaouen, Marrakech and Ait Ben Haddou, you’ll want no pain with your pleasure.
Journey Beyond Travel is proud to present our Cycling in Morocco tour 2008!
Download the brochure here: Bike Tour Brochure (pdf)
By: Contributor Terry Hollowell with Journey Beyond Travel
2 Responses to “Biking in Morocco”
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October 1st, 2007 at 3:31 pm
[…] is no public transport, the best way to reach Tazzeka is by renting a car for a day or two from Fez. If it’s too late or not possible, then gather some friends together and hire a grand taxi (plus […]
March 27th, 2008 at 11:31 am
[…] choosing to embark on a biking in Morocco trek with a guided tour or going at it solo, the picturesque views afforded by this method of […]