Atlas Descent

• 7 nights hotels
• 6 days cycling with full vehicle support
• 75% off road, 25% paved roads
• Mountainous terrain with 6000m of exhilarating descents
• E-bikes available to hire
• Group normally 4 to 12 plus leader. Minimum age: 16

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. Where meals are not included budget for the following approximate prices. Lunches: 60 to 100 Dirham (US$6-10) Dinners: In cities 80 to 200 Dirham (US$8-19) and in small towns villages 60 – 100 Dirham (US$6-10) Soft drinks in restaurants : 10 to 20 Dirham (US$1-1.90) Alcohol: Beer 30 to 50 Dirham (US$2.85-5)– Wine 150 Dirham (US$14) and more Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform the Exodus Office prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (e.g. coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.

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.

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 that Ramadan is expected to run from 22 March 2023 to 21 April 2023 and 10 March 2024 to 10 April 2024. Ramadan is a special time to visit Morocco as it is one of the most important periods in the Muslim calendar. Each evening the streets empty while people return home to break the fast and then there is an air of festivity every evening. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips however please be aware their energy levels may be slightly lower. Tourist sites are still open although closing times may be earlier than usual. Your leader will know how the timings for each day need to be adapted in order to still experience all the inclusions on this trip. Restaurants may close during the day and this is also accounted for in planning meal arrangements for your group. Shops are usually open though their hours may vary and they will definitely be closed during the breaking of the fast. To fully enjoy your holiday experience at this unique time of year we suggest patience and flexibility (in fact these are useful at any time of year on any overseas holiday).