Ride the volcanic Saghro
Explore the rugged volcanic landscapes of the Djbel Saghro, from high passes to the dramatic rock formations around Bab n’Ali.
Ride The Atlas / Mountain biking
Southern Morocco · Saghro Mountains
Saghro
Mountain Biking
An eight-day off-road journey through volcanic mountains, remote Berber villages and the green oases of southern Morocco.
Explore the itinerary 8 days / Short & long rides
Duration
8 days · 7 nights
Ride format
Short or long options
Region
Saghro Mountains · Southern Morocco
Terrain
Mostly unpaved roads and trails
The expedition
Wild terrain.
A different Morocco.
This eight-day Saghro Mountains mountain biking tour travels through the southern Atlas and its surrounding valleys, linking high passes, volcanic scenery, remote settlements and palm-filled oases.
Starting with a ride from Telouet towards Aït Benhaddou, the route moves through the Rose Valley and Talouite Valley before reaching the Dades Gorge and the rugged Djbel Saghro. Along the way, expect unpaved tracks, demanding climbs, long descents and a challenging single-track section on the approach to Nkob.
Most riding days offer a choice between a shorter and a longer route. That flexibility lets you shape each day around the distance and climbing you want to take on, while still sharing the journey through the landscapes and villages of southern Morocco.
The experience
What defines
the ride.
Choose your day’s distance
On most stages, choose between a shorter ride and a longer option, with distances and climbing that vary by day.
From the High Atlas to the oases
Link mountain valleys, desert plateaus and palm-filled oases on a journey through the southern part of Morocco’s Atlas region.
Traditional villages and kasbahs
Pass through remote Berber villages and cultivated valleys, with overnight stays in local guesthouses and a traditional kasbah.
Long descents and varied terrain
Ride unpaved tracks, challenging climbs and single-track sections, with a route designed around off-road riding.
Finish through the Draa Valley
Close the riding with a final stage through a green oasis corridor lined with traditional villages before returning to Marrakech.
Beyond the paved road
Find your line in Saghro.
Day by day
The itinerary
Eight days from Marrakech into the southern Atlas, with short and long ride options on most stages.
01
Day
Marrakech
Arrive in Marrakech
Airport welcome · Settle into the city
Arrive at Marrakech airport, meet the team and transfer to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy the first evening in the city before the journey south. Dinner and breakfast are included in the hotel stay described for this day.
Overnight: 3-star hotel in Marrakech
02
Day
Tizi n’Tichka · Telouet · Aït Benhaddou
Telouet to Aït Benhaddou
The first ride · High Atlas foothills
Leave Marrakech early by minibus or Land Rover and cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Turn towards Telouet, where the mountain-bike journey begins. Follow a track through a changing landscape of colours, traditional villages and green oases, finishing at the famous ksar of Aït Benhaddou. Load the bikes for the transfer to Ouarzazate.
Long tour
80 km · +853 m
Short tour
35 km
Overnight: Not specified in the supplied itinerary
03
Day
Kelaa Mgouna · Talouite Pass
The Rose Valley to Talouite Valley
Desert plateau · Talouite Pass · Valley of the Birds
Transfer to Kelaa Mgouna, known for its annual rose festival, then set out across a desert plateau towards the first pass of the High Atlas. A sustained climb leads to Talouite Pass and views over the Valley of the Birds, where red earth contrasts with the green oasis below. Descend into the quiet Talouite Valley for lunch beside the river. In the afternoon, cross the river and follow the El Hot Valley, passing traditional kasbahs.
Short tour
35 km · +600 m
Long tour
42 km · +922 m
Overnight: Lodging with local residents
04
Day
Dades Gorge · Boumalne Dades
Dades Gorge to the Saghro Mountains
Oases · Open plateau · First views of Saghro
Follow the Dades Gorge towards Boumalne Dades. The longer route crosses the M’Goun River and climbs several passes, with views across the oases after the ascent from Boumalne Dades. Continue over a broad desert plateau, where nomadic herders and their animals may be encountered, before reaching a small village at the foot of the Saghro Mountains.
Short tour
40 km · +400 m
Long tour
55 km · +1,000 m
Overnight: Lodging with a local resident
05
Day
Tazazarte Pass · 2,500 m
Across Tazazarte to the Afourar Canyons
Volcanic mountains · High pass · Big descent
Ride into the volcanic Saghro Mountains and climb towards Tazazarte Pass at approximately 2,500 m. Stop for lunch with wide views across the surrounding peaks, then enjoy a long descent towards the area of Bab n’Ali, known for its striking rock formations. There may also be time for an optional one-hour walk to the cascades of Iminougoulize.
Short tour
40 km · +800 m
Long tour
59 km · +1,375 m
Overnight: Local guesthouse near Bab n’Ali
06
Day
Bab n’Ali · Amguis Valley · Nkob
Bab n’Ali to Nkob
Mule path single-track · Amguis Valley
Leave the unpaved road and follow a single-track mule path through a scenic and increasingly challenging landscape. The support vehicle does not accompany riders on this section. Continue past the impressive rock formation of Bab n’Ali and into the arid Amguis Valley, arriving in Nkob for lunch. An additional ride of approximately 45 km is possible in the afternoon, climbing two passes.
Short tour
35 km · +600 m
Long tour
80 km · +1,068 m
Overnight: Traditional kasbah in Nkob
07
Day
Draa Valley · Tizi n’Tichka
The Draa Valley and return to Marrakech
Final ride · Transfer north
After breakfast, load the bikes and drive to the Draa Valley. Unload for a final, shorter ride through one of Morocco’s most beautiful valley landscapes, following green oases and traditional villages. After lunch, continue by road to Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and check into your hotel.
Final ride
Approx. 30 km
Overnight: 3-star hotel in Marrakech
08
Day
Marrakech Menara Airport
Departure from Marrakech
Airport transfer
Transfer from your hotel to Marrakech airport according to your departure schedule. Your eight-day mountain biking journey through the southern Atlas, Saghro Mountains and oases comes to an end.
Overnight: Departure
Ride character
A route built
for variety.
Riding style
Off-road first
The itinerary follows unpaved roads for most of the journey, with a technical single-track mule path on Day 6.
Daily choice
Short or long
Most stages have two route options. Check the detailed distances and climbing above when planning your ride.
Plan your ride
Trip details
A multi-day mountain biking journey through the southern Atlas, connecting the High Atlas foothills, valleys and the volcanic Saghro range. The route combines transfers with off-road riding and local overnight stays.
At a glance
- Duration
- 8 days
- Start and finish
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Main riding region
- Southern Atlas and Saghro Mountains
- Route character
- Mostly unpaved roads and tracks
- Ride options
- Short and long options on most days
- Key landscapes
- Oases, valleys, volcanic mountains and villages
Accommodation & logistics
The itinerary names a 3-star hotel in Marrakech, stays with local residents, a guesthouse near Bab n’Ali and a traditional kasbah in Nkob. It also describes transfers by minibus or Land Rover and vehicle support on the route, except for the Day 6 single-track section.
The source programme does not specify a full package inclusions list, bike provision or a complete accommodation breakdown for every night. These details should be confirmed directly before booking.
Booking information
Let’s plan your Saghro ride
Tell us when you would like to travel, what kind of riding you enjoy and whether you prefer the shorter or longer options. We’ll help clarify the route, logistics and arrangements for your trip.
Ask about this tripOn the trail
The route has more than one rhythm.
Most riding days offer a shorter and a longer option, but distances, climbing and terrain vary significantly. Day 6 includes a single-track section without the support vehicle. Review the stage details with the Ride The Atlas team to understand the riding and support arrangements before confirming your place.
On the trail
Saghro in pictures
Keep exploring
More ways to ride Morocco.
Explore two other multi-day mountain bike journeys with different landscapes and riding character.
Before you go
Frequently asked
questions.
Find out more about the Saghro Mountains mountain biking itinerary, route options and logistics. For your dates and riding experience, contact the Ride The Atlas team.
Ask us a question01How many days of riding are included?
The trip is an eight-day itinerary. The supplied programme includes riding on Days 2 to 7, with the final Day 7 stage described as approximately 30 km. Confirm the exact riding schedule and any transfer-only sections with the Ride The Atlas team before booking.
02Can I choose between a short and a long ride?
The source itinerary offers a short and a long option on most riding days. The distances and climbing differ by stage. Day 7 is described as a final ride of approximately 30 km, and Day 6 includes an optional additional ride after lunch.
03What kind of terrain should I expect?
The route is described as mostly unpaved, with dirt roads, mountain tracks and a challenging single-track mule path on the way to Nkob. The itinerary also includes sustained climbs and long descents.
04Is the support vehicle available throughout the ride?
The itinerary specifically states that the support vehicle is not present during the single-track section on Day 6. Ask the Ride The Atlas team for the detailed support plan for each stage.
05Where do we stay during the trip?
The programme mentions a 3-star hotel in Marrakech, lodging with local residents, a local guesthouse near Bab n’Ali and a traditional kasbah in Nkob. The exact accommodation arrangements for every night should be confirmed before booking.
06What is included in the price?
The supplied itinerary does not provide a complete inclusions list. Contact Ride The Atlas to confirm accommodation, meals, guiding, transfers, vehicle support, bike arrangements and any other services included in the package.
Ride The Atlas
Ready to ride
the Saghro?
Tell us your preferred dates, riding style and whether you would choose the short or long routes. Let’s start planning your mountain biking journey in southern Morocco.