Plan your Trip
Explore the different trail sections on our Explore Page and make the right choice for you, depending on your level of fitness, preferences in comfort, technicality and season. Do not underestimate the tours. Statistics in terms of kilometres or altitude might be considerably lower than the tours you are used to.
It is important to consider:
Disclaimer: The Atlas Mountain Trails project is the compilation of our experiences over the last years, presented to inspire other MTB enthusiasts to embark on their individual journeys. We do not take any responsibility for the provided information that might have changed, nor the doings of the individuals we are referencing on this page. The mountains are dangerous and wild territory and you need to make your own judgements based on the analyses of a multitude of factors.
It is important to consider:
- All tours are self-supported and you need to plan time and effort in navigation and wayfinding as well as carrying weight for several days
- Some tours require considerable effort and time to communicate with locals and to find accommodation
- Several tours include rough and steep terrain that force you to hike and carry your bike
- The Atlas mountains are wild and you cannot expect professional support in case of an emergency or technical problems. Always plan enough time in case something goes wrong on the way.
Disclaimer: The Atlas Mountain Trails project is the compilation of our experiences over the last years, presented to inspire other MTB enthusiasts to embark on their individual journeys. We do not take any responsibility for the provided information that might have changed, nor the doings of the individuals we are referencing on this page. The mountains are dangerous and wild territory and you need to make your own judgements based on the analyses of a multitude of factors.
Getting There
International travel: Most major airlines accept bikes as checked luggage. Air Maroc charges you around 50 EUR for domestic flights, 70 EUR from and to Europe and 150 EUR from and to the US.
In Morocco: travelling with public transport is possible but it will be difficult to take your bike along. Trains have no storage compartments and do not transport bicycles. In contrast, the extension of the train system called Supratours which is also operated by the national railway company ONCF does transport bikes. It operates between Rabat, Fès, Marrakech and Agadir. Within the Atlas there are plenty of informal and formal taxis and buses that will transport your bike even if they have to fix it on the roof. Often the most feasible option is to rent a white “taxi collective”. They always have roof racks that allow you to fix your bikes and up to six seats.
Rental Cars are always an option and you will find a diverse offer of companies offering deals for regular family cars. Specific bike racks will however not be available in local car rentals. Rather explore the option of renting a car with a driver and big enough vehicles to transport your bikes. Contact the AMT network to help you find a driver and organise your transport. A specialized MTB transport service in the High Atlas is: Omar (Asni), +212 662-660447.
In Morocco: travelling with public transport is possible but it will be difficult to take your bike along. Trains have no storage compartments and do not transport bicycles. In contrast, the extension of the train system called Supratours which is also operated by the national railway company ONCF does transport bikes. It operates between Rabat, Fès, Marrakech and Agadir. Within the Atlas there are plenty of informal and formal taxis and buses that will transport your bike even if they have to fix it on the roof. Often the most feasible option is to rent a white “taxi collective”. They always have roof racks that allow you to fix your bikes and up to six seats.
Rental Cars are always an option and you will find a diverse offer of companies offering deals for regular family cars. Specific bike racks will however not be available in local car rentals. Rather explore the option of renting a car with a driver and big enough vehicles to transport your bikes. Contact the AMT network to help you find a driver and organise your transport. A specialized MTB transport service in the High Atlas is: Omar (Asni), +212 662-660447.
seasons
The best time of the year for MTB Tours is early spring (end march - beginning of june) when the temperatures are less extreme and in spring the valleys are green after the winter rains. Expect temperatures between 15-25 °C during the day, depending on the region and the altitude. Nights can still get quite cold (5 to 15 °C), very much depending on the altitude. Rain and some snow on the peaks is not unusual particularly in March and April. Late autumn (October to beginning of December) is also recommended, but water can be scarce and the vegetation in the valleys is less green.
During the summer months, temperatures can soar to well over 40°C, especially in the lower valleys. In contrast, winter in the Atlas Mountains brings about a dramatic shift in weather patterns and the over 2.000m altitude snow is common during the winter. Rainfall distribution in the Atlas Mountains varies greatly depending on the location and elevation. The northern slopes of the mountains receive more rainfall than the southern slopes, resulting in lush vegetation and fertile valleys. The rainy season in the Atlas Mountains typically occurs during the winter months. The summer months are generally drier, with limited rainfall and hot, arid conditions. In late summer, lightning is very common in the afternoons, another very important reason to start riding early and always check weather conditions.
During the summer months, temperatures can soar to well over 40°C, especially in the lower valleys. In contrast, winter in the Atlas Mountains brings about a dramatic shift in weather patterns and the over 2.000m altitude snow is common during the winter. Rainfall distribution in the Atlas Mountains varies greatly depending on the location and elevation. The northern slopes of the mountains receive more rainfall than the southern slopes, resulting in lush vegetation and fertile valleys. The rainy season in the Atlas Mountains typically occurs during the winter months. The summer months are generally drier, with limited rainfall and hot, arid conditions. In late summer, lightning is very common in the afternoons, another very important reason to start riding early and always check weather conditions.
Bike and repair
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Along the different tours there is no professional MTB bike repair service. Travel prepared and take spare parts. In major cities you can find almost all kinds of support, particularly Marrakech has a range of professional bike services (see contacts). You also might find solutions to send needed spare parts deep into the mountains in case of a technical problem during the trip, through a chain of local buses and taxis. However be prepared that a damaged bike that you can not repair by yourself on the spot is possibly the end of the tour.
Useful contacts Marrakech: Maison VTT, Mustafa: +212662659514 / +212 671346347, Maps Atlas Sport https://rent-bike-morocco.com/, +212 5244-47019 Pikkala Bikes https://pikalabikes.com/ Rabat/Temara: Hamza Bike Temara, Rue Moulay Ali Chérif, +212 664-279624, Maps Middle Atlas/Tazekka Bike rental (basic) Tazekka Park - Tazzeka Park Club |
Packing
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As light as possible: even if there are some genuinely clever ways to store tools and stuff on your bike, you will need an old fashioned MTB backpack for your Atlas tour. Choose one with storage space sectioned in various pockets for best organisation and room for a camel bag. In our experience a 42 litre backpack with space for a 2.5-3 litre camelback, plus small tool bags and bottle holders on the bike, are the best combination. Heavier bike bags will considerably limit your fun on the single trails and be very challenging during hiking and carrying passages.
What to wear: Be prepared for big changes in temperature during your trip from very hot to very cold. Even in spring you should bring clothes for cold weather and proper rain protection, even if most of the time you will be able to ride with shorts and a short-sleeved bike jersey. Bike spare parts and tools: We highly recommend using your own bike if transportation allows. You will depend on your bike and your capacity to fix any issues that might arise. A broken bike you can not fix by yourself is most likely the end of the tour, essential spare parts are therefore crucial. Nutrition: Most provisions we buy on the way on a day to day basis. However you might want to bring some light snacks for a bit of extra energy and comfort. We recommend a few power bars, magnesium tablets and a nut-dried fruit mix. First aid and body care: Make sure your First Aid Kit is complete, and contains emergency blankets (one per person), anti-inflammatory and antihistamine for allergic reactions. Keep sun protection, shampoo and necessary body care in pre-packed micro doses for the trip which should be prepared for the group in advance to reduce weight. | ||
safetyDo not underestimate the Atlas. You are in a high mountain environment with perils such as sudden weather changes, rockfall, water-scarcity or difficult navigation. The sun might be violent and in some plateaus and rocky stretches you might simply not find a drop of water.
Rescuing in the Atlas is organised through the troopers #177 and the fire brigade #15. Police #19; Note their numbers for any emergency knowing that they are not specialised in mountain sports and that help might take time. Know your ways: Make sure you have studied and understood the terrain on the maps to avoid being trapped between steep slopes or even crevasses or other difficult situations. Share your whereabouts: you should avoid riding alone at all times, but even in a group, make sure someone knows your route. Share your plans for the next day with the people you spent the night at. The safest is to share your position through the live tracking option of your navigation device with someone who could organise help in the worst case. |
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