About this trip.
Across the High Atlas and into the Anti-Atlas
The Tizi-n-Tichka is one of the highest paved passes in Morocco, and on the second morning of this trip you're driven to the top of it before unclipping the bikes and rolling south. That sets the tone. The Atlas ranges run for hundreds of kilometres in the shadow of snow-capped summits, and over the past decade the network of quiet, well-surfaced roads through them has expanded to the point where road cyclists have a serious case for going. Rural life across much of the interior has barely shifted in generations — mud-brick villages, terraced fields, mules on the verges — and the tarmac threads through it without disturbing much.
This is a challenging tour rather than a gentle one. Days run 70-90km on average, with mountainous profiles and proper climbs to match the descents.
The route from Marrakech to Immouzer
Ten days in total, starting and finishing in Marrakech. From the High Atlas the route drops south through the Ounila Valley, past the earthen kasbah at Ait Benhaddou, then crosses the Souss Valley and climbs into the Anti-Atlas — a drier, more lunar landscape where the painted blue rocks around Tafraoute are the unlikely set piece. The 100km ride from Tafraoute back towards the Atlantic coast is the standout day for many riders: long, exposed, with the gradient eventually working in your favour.
After a night in Agadir, the resort town on the coast, the cycling moves up to quiet country lanes around the mountain village of Immouzer — the terrace there, with a cold beer at the end of a hard day, is one of the trip's small fixtures. A minibus then takes everyone back to Marrakech for a last night in the Red City, with time to wander the souk before flying out.
Bookings, meals and what to expect
The tour is ten days from £1,895 per person and sits at the harder end of Skedaddle's grading — challenging climbs, fast descents, and very little traffic for most of it. Riders are met at Marrakech airport and transferred to a 3-star hotel in the centre of the city for the first night, with a short briefing and a Moroccan meal before the riding starts. Bikes can be assembled that evening or the following morning, depending on flight times.
Accommodation across the rest of the tour mixes tourist-class hotels, guesthouses and basic rural gîtes — the gîtes are simple but well placed, and worth the trade. Almost all meals are included; lunches tend to be picnics in remote spots, dinners are taken at the accommodation. Food is one of the genuine pleasures here. Skedaddle also donates to World Bicycle Relief for every booking on this trip, with the option to add a further contribution at checkout to fund a Buffalo Bicycle.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
