If you’re looking for a thrilling experience, there’s one that’s especially close to my heart: cycling tours in Morocco. After all, Morocco offers breathtaking landscapes and an incredible variety of environments, perfect for exploring on a mountain bike.
Of course, keep in mind that organizing a bike trip in Morocco takes a bit of planning. But I promise it’s absolutely worth it!
Let’s plan it together!
The best time for a cycling trip in Morocco
The first thing to consider when planning a cycling trip in Morocco is the best time to go. Personally, I recommend spring or fall, when temperatures are milder and the weather is ideal for riding, especially if your route includes the imperial cities, the coast and the High Atlas.
If, on the other hand, your goal is to cycle in the desert, my advice is to go in winter. Avoid summer, though, because the heat is scorching throughout the country, which would make your trip exhausting.
Where to go cycling in Morocco
Once you’ve chosen your dates, you need to decide which part of Morocco you want to explore by bike.
As I mentioned a few lines above, the country offers an incredible variety of landscapes: you can explore the Atlas Mountains and the desert dunes, the imperial cities and the Atlantic coast. Each of these areas has its own irresistible charm and offers a different cycling experience.
If it’s your first cycling trip in Morocco, I recommend starting by exploring a few of the imperial cities. If you love the sea, you can plan a beautiful ride along the Mediterranean coast, for example between Tangier and Nador.
How to prepare for a cycling trip in Morocco
Once you’ve settled on dates and routes, all that’s left is to get your bike ready. Try to get a sturdy mountain bike, suited to different kinds of terrain and to roads that aren’t always in great condition. Make sure you give it a full check-up before you leave, and bring a basic repair kit.
As for what to pack, the gear depends mainly on the type of trip, the season and the destination. In general, food and water, suitable technical clothing and a good helmet are a must.
How to approach a cycling trip in Morocco
Once you’re ready to go, try to make the most of the experience and of the exploring that comes with it, especially when it comes to the local culture. Morocco is a country full of fascinating traditions and customs: to immerse yourself in them with the right respect, it’s a good idea to read up on local habits before you leave. That way, your trip won’t just be a sporting adventure, but also an incredibly enriching personal experience!
Where to stay on a cycling trip
As for accommodation, keep in mind that Morocco offers a wide range of options. In the cities, for example, you’ll find charming traditional riads, while rural areas have campsites. Almost everywhere you’ll find bed and breakfasts or guesthouses set up for travelers. The choice will of course depend on your itinerary and personal preferences.
How dangerous is it to travel around Morocco by bike?
Many people ask me how dangerous it is to travel around Morocco by bike. Well, my experience tells me that Morocco is a much safer country than you might think, and probably the least risky in all of North Africa, even if you want to cross it by bike.
Petty crime in the country is generally low, except in a few areas such as the outskirts of big cities, much as you’d find in some Italian or other European cities.
The same goes for areas far from urban centers, such as the High Atlas: here it’s very common for Berbers, shepherds and children to ask cyclists for something (like a cigarette or a dirham), but the requests are never too pushy and, above all, always respectful. In fact, you might even be offered hospitality and a place to stay with a local family.
In any case, don’t underestimate the importance of taking out good travel insurance that also covers sports activities. It’s always better to be prepared for anything, especially when you’re setting off on a bike adventure in a foreign country.
All in all, I want to remind you that organizing a bike trip in Morocco isn’t the impossible task many people imagine: with a little planning and awareness, you can enjoy a thrilling experience. Riding through breathtaking landscapes, meeting new people and immersing yourself in a fascinating culture will more than repay all your efforts.
I always recommend being open to new experiences, respecting the local culture and being ready to adapt to the unexpected: with these few basic requirements, Morocco will surely reward you with its beauty and the warm hospitality of its people.
Let me know how it goes!
Lisa
