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The tour starts at our hotel in Agadir. Depending on arrival time you can go for a wander around the town, spend some time relaxing by the hotel pool or take a walk down to the beach which is just 5 minutes from the hotel. The trip briefing will either take place this evening or on the morning of Day 2, depending on arrivals times of all clients. *Tulip Inn Oasis or similar – Agadir*
Setting off from Agadir in our four wheel drive vehicles, we drive across the plains of the Souss Valley. We climb into the heart of the Anti Atlas range, reaching the high mountain Pass of Tizi Mlil, above the old garrison town of Tafraoute (3 hour transfer). From here we get on our bikes and descend on a rocky, vehicle width track down to Aguerd Oudad where we meet the vehicles before heading on to the gritty pistes through the extraordinary boulder strewn moonscape to the famous painted blue rocks. Following non-technical gravel tracks across the high altitude plains, we return to Tafraoute on a mix of good tarmac and sections of sweeping singletrack through the beautiful palmeries. Today's ride is a relatively easy introduction to prepare us for the days to come. *Auberge Chez Amaliya or similar – Tafraoute*
Distance in Km: 35
Distance in Miles: 21
Today's ride follows a spectacular route through impressive gorges and lush palmeries around Ait Mansour. After a short transfer high into the mountains behind Tafraoute to Tizi Tasrite, we begin our 75km ride descending through the landscape that contrasts so dramatically with what we saw yesterday. The scenery is breathtaking as the ride descends through impressive gorges, following dry river beds in places and passing through small berber villages. 25km is off road and 50km is on tarmac, including some massive downhill sections (and one long optional climb on tarmac) we return to the hotel on bikes. Back in Tafraoute we can relax by the hotel bar and pool or go for a walk into town where we can visit a local carpet shop before dinner at the hotel. *Auberge Chez Amalia or similar – Tafraoute*
Distance in Km: 75
Distance in Miles: 46
A short transfer takes us back to the high pass of Tizi Mlil (start of day 2 ride). From here we take a 20km high mountain trail above Tafraoute leading to Tizi Tasrite. Stunning views of our previous ride are clearly visible far below. Before the village of Tasrite there is a short optional single track section which leads onto the start of a superb 10km switchback off road descent. The first 4km of the trail are rough and rocky (and ridden without a support vehicle), then the trail gets smoother and the flowing gritty pistes return. After lunch we take a short section of tarmac to the village of Fisli and then ride on an old piste over the plains back to Tafraoute where we re join our single track through palmeries back to the hotel. Once back in Tafraoute there will be time to visit the town or relax by the hotel pool. *Auberge Chez Amalia or similar – Tafraoute*
Distance in Km: 55
Distance in Miles: 34
We drive for about an hour southwest from Tafraoute to the start of today’s ride. After a short off road climb to a high col, there is a choice of a steep technical singletrack descent (followed by a short climb), or a more leisurely piste trail with stunning views. We then take a superb switchback piste trail, nearly 20km down off the mountain and pass a number of traditional villages en route to Anezi. A short tarmac stretch offers a break from the stony terrain, but the piste soon returns winding its way through a scenic valley and crossing riverbeds. At the end of the ride, we transfer approx 30 minutes to Tiznit, an old walled medina town famous for its silver markets. There is a traditional hammam (steam bath) here that we can visit in the late afternoon, explore the town or you can relax by the hotel pool. *Hotel Idou Tiznit or similar – Tiznit* * *
Distance in Km: 45
Distance in Miles: 27
After an early breakfast and morning transfer (approx. 3.5 hours) we arrive at the small village of Tiqqi in the foothills of the High Atlas. The landscape here is very different, with pine and cedar forests and remote mountainside villages dominating the area. Initially, our track leads past several untouched Berber villages. Mud houses are perched precariously under cliff edges, with locals looking on as we cycle through. After lunch the track becomes slightly rockier as we come to a spectacular gorge, there is time to admire the views and contemplate the two afternoon climbs, before our final fast flowing cross-country ride down to tarmac. Rejoining the tarmac we cycle downhill for the last few kilometres to our hotel in Immouzer. *Hotel des Cascades Ecolodge or similar – Immouzer* * *
Distance in Km: 35
Distance in Miles: 21
The ultimate off road trail and a fitting finale to this biking adventure! Riding directly from the hotel, we take the short scenic tarmac road through the village of Immouzer, before ascending a rough track which gradually climbs for 6km onto a high mountain pass. From here the blast down to the coast begins with a spectacular 40km mountain descent. The trail is rough and rocky in places as it contours and gradually descends, offering amazing views over the mountains and to the coastline. Poor weather may make this particular route impassable, in which case we will make our way out of the mountains through the Paradise Valley. This route follows a spectacular winding tarmac road, dropping from the ridges around Immouzer, deep into a narrow gorge, abundant with palm trees and small oases. After a swim or stroll on the beach, we load the bikes onto the support vehicles for the last drive into Agadir (approx. 30 minutes), arriving in time for an optional, relaxing Berber massage and a farewell dinner. *Tulip Inn Oasis or similar– Agadir*
Distance in Km: 55
Distance in Miles: 34
* 7 nights hotels
* 6 days cycling with full vehicle support
* 75% off road, 25% paved roads
* Mountainous terrain with 6000m of exhilarating descents
* Group normally 4 to 12 plus leader, maximum 12 pax from 2019
* Min age 16 yrs
All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners are included.
Moroccan food is excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts
usually consist of bread, croissants and jam with tea or coffee and freshly
squeezed orange juice. Lunch will be prepared by the drivers and served on
the bonnet of a 4x4, it normally consists of pasta, rice, bread, salad, tuna
and Nutella for desert. The meal on the last night will be eaten out in
Agadir, there is a good selection of restaurants including French, Italian
and of course Moroccan. The guide can recommend the best ones, dinner will
normally cost between 200 – 300 Dirhams per person (about 15 - £20). The
hotels in Tafraoute, immouzer and Agadir all have bars serving alcohol, a
beer will cost about 20 Dirhams (£1.50) and a bottle of wine will be around
120 Dirhams (£9).
* 7 nights hotels
* 6 days cycling with full vehicle support
* 75% off road, 25% paved roads
* Mountainous terrain with 6000m of exhilarating descents
* Group normally 4 to 12 plus leader, maximum 12 pax from 2019
* Min age 16 yrs
This trip is classified Off Road. Activity Level: 5 (Challenging).
6 days cycling with an average daily distance of 50km/day (31 miles),
Full vehicle support (except on sections of days 2 and 4 and optional
singletrack sections).
The trails we follow are mostly vehicle-width with singletrack options
available on some days. Trails are generally good dirt and gravel tracks,
though sometimes they are rough and rocky, particularly some sections on days
4, 6 and 7. There are some big climbs (500m+), though these are all optional,
with the support vehicles available to give lifts whenever people wish, and
of course masses of downhill. A good level of fitness and off road experience
is highly recommended.
*Please note Ramadan runs from 23 April to evening of 22 May 2020 (evening
of 13 April to evening of 12 May 2021) *- During Ramadan, our local guides
and drivers choose to work and so we continue to run trips in this period.
However, the energy levels of our staff and some local guides may be a bit
lower and some restaurants may be closed during the day. Ramadan is a
special time to visit a Muslim country - each evening the streets empty for
an hour while everyone breaks their fast, and there's a feeling of festivity
in the air at sundown.
Hotels
We stay in a good selection of well-located hotels, all of which are lavishly
decorated in traditional Moroccan style. We spend three nights in Tafraoute;
our hotel has a well-stocked bar and a swimming pool on the terrace with
fantastic views over the Ante Atlas Mountains.
There will be a local leader and support drivers.
All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners are included.
Moroccan food is excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts
usually consist of bread, croissants and jam with tea or coffee and freshly
squeezed orange juice. Lunch will be prepared by the drivers and served on
the bonnet of a 4x4, it normally consists of pasta, rice, bread, salad, tuna
and Nutella for desert. The meal on the last night will be eaten out in
Agadir, there is a good selection of restaurants including French, Italian
and of course Moroccan. The guide can recommend the best ones, dinner will
normally cost between 200 – 300 Dirhams per person (about 15 - £20). The
hotels in Tafraoute, immouzer and Agadir all have bars serving alcohol, a
beer will cost about 20 Dirhams (£1.50) and a bottle of wine will be around
120 Dirhams (£9).
Your luggage will be carried by the support vehicle (long-wheelbase four
wheel drives), which will be following the group at all times. Please note
that if you decide to ride the singletrack trails, the support vehicle
can’t follow, however it will never be too far away. You may ride as much
or as little of the route as you like. The only things you need carry with
you on the bike are your valuables, sun cream, camera and water bottle, etc.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London; 8 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of EasyJet (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly werecommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent
to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later
date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*UK Regional Flights*
The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy
to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit
www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures [1] for a useful overview of the options
available, and contact our sales team for expert advice.
*Travelling land only; 8 days starting and ending in Agadir*
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to
you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these
at least a week before departure, or require
them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
If your arrival or departure date is different to that of the main tour, a
private transfer can be arranged at a cost of £15 (approx. US$25) per
person. Please ensure you provide us with all relevant information at least 2
weeks before departure. The cost of a taxi locally is likely to be about £18
(approx. US$30)
should you decide to make your way independently.
[1] http://www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
Mountains can always make their own weather and as a result we may
occasionally be forced to amend the itinerary for part of the trip,
particularly on days that involve river crossings. On the plains, the days
are usually warm to hot (above 25c) but the nights are cooler. In the higher
areas and the mountains, days should be warm or even hot in October and
April, with clear skies, but the nights are often cold. On the high ridges of
the High Atlas there is sometimes snow, but not normally enough to affect the
areas we cycle in - in the event of a track being closed we will arrange a
suitable alternative ride. Rainfall in the areas we visit is relatively low
though there is a chance of rain particularly on trips in December, January
and February. Although unusual, there is also the possibility of much colder
weather during these times and average temperatures can be as low as 10c.
We recommend you bring the following items:
Normal daily clothes
Padded cycling shorts
Cycling gloves
Breathable cycling top
Cycling helmet
A couple of warm layers
Sunglasses, sun cream and sunhat
Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling
Cleated shoes and pedals if you use them
We would strongly recommend a Camelbak or other bladder style water systems
for this trip, but you are welcome to bring a water bottle instead if you
prefer
Energy cycling gels offer a quick form of carbs replenishment. Most
contain the simple carb sugar, which is the fastest form of energy to
replace glycogen. It's suggested that people who cycle at a moderate
intensity for more than 90 minutes, need to replace between 30g and 65g of
carbohydrates per hour and we would thoroughly recommend bringing some of
these with you, as well as some energy bars.
(It is customary for women to have their shoulders covered at all times in
Morocco)
This trip goes above 2000m altitude so it can get very cold at times,
especially on the winter departures (February – March). We strongly
recommend packing warm cycling kit if traveling at this time. For example;
overshoes, thick full finger gloves, a warm winter cycling jacket and full
length padded cycling tights.
Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to
time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are
going to undertake.
You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or
gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your
preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own
equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot
guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.
*Local Bike Details:* Genesis Mantle 30 mountain bikes with front suspension
and 29" wheels.
*Discount for bringing your own bike:* £90.
We suggest you take your personal spending money in good condition notes,
either in GBP £, Euros or US$. Euro cheques are not accepted in Morocco. No
Moroccan currency may be imported or exported. There is no limit on the
amount of foreign currency that may be imported provided it is declared on
arrival. When changing your money, ensure you keep hold of your exchange
receipt as you may need to show it at the airport bank at the end of your
holiday where it is possible to change any unspent Dirham notes back into
Euros and Sterling. We recommend changing your money to Dirham in the
arrivals area of local airports, as the exchange rates tend to be better than
currency conversion desc's in the baggage collection area and the uk.
At the start of the trip, the leader will ask for contributions towards a
kitty (approximately 300MAD) that will cover items such as drinks, snacks and
other expenses.
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly
appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of between EUR15 and
EUR20 per client per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for any
additional local staff who support your holiday – for example drivers,
cooks and hotel staff. This can be handed in to your leader at the end of the
week to distribute accordingly. In total for the leader to distribute to all
relevant staff, we recommend to budget approx. EUR20-EUR25 per person per
week.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.