Sahara Experience
A supported bicycle journey with a support car.
Explore the Sahara Experience, a cycling adventure tracing the legendary Paris-Dakar rally routes through the dunes of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga. Ride through remote Riads and along unpaved roads, discovering the nomadic spirit and their culture. This journey goes beyond cycling; it’s a cultural exploration through the heart of the Sahara.
Highlights
The dunes of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, some pistes from the legendary Paris-Dakar rally, traversing remote Riads, and unpaved roads.
Essentials
You will travel light accompanied by the support vehicle, which will carry your luggage to the places where we will stay overnight. During the stages, you can choose to cycle alone and go at your own pace or together with other participants.
- Duration: 9 days
- Difficulty: moderate
- Bike: gravel or mtb, we recommend 47mm tire and wider
- Bike rental: you bring your own bike or you can rent a bike
- Route: Merzouga to Foum Zguid on Paris-Dakar rally pistes, 443km / +1814m -1863m, about 50km on paved roads
- Daily pensum: about 70km till 130km, 4 till 8 hours on the bike
(you can join the car for the whole stage or a section, if a stage is too long for you) - Group size: max. 6 person
What’s included
- Full board: breakfast, dinner and snacks, sandwiche during the day
- Drinks: tea and water
- Support car
- Transport of your luggage between the accommodations
- Transbike-Adventure bike guide with knowledge of the route, fluid speaking english, polish and other languages
- Transbike-Adventure travel guide with knowledge of the area speaking german, english and french
- 8 nights in a single room in hotel, riad and tent camp, some places have a swimming pool
- Transfer from Marrakech to Merzouga and Foum Zguid to Marrakech
What’s not included
- Flight to Morocco and bike transport or rental bike (from Euro 300.- for 9 days)
- Any drinks beside tea and water
- Annulation insurance, assistance insurance, health and accident insurance
Dates
April 2023
Price
Sahara Experience: Euro 3900.-
Cycling Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Arriving in Marrakech
Commence your journey in Marrakech, a vibrant city known for its bustling medinas, historic palaces like the Bahia Palace, and the lively Jemaa el-Fna square with its street performers and markets. Spend time in Marrakech on your own or with a local guide who will show you the city. Finish the day by meeting your crew over dinner to hear all about the adventure. Evening: briefing and material check, bikes set up.
Day 2: Transfer to Merzouga
Immerse yourself in the Sahara with a full-day transfer to Merzouga.
Explore the Cárcel Portuguésa volcanic crater, famously featured in James Bond – Spectre (2015) and The Mummy (1999) films.
Day 3: Merzouga to Riad Nomade (90km)
Cycle from the golden dunes of Merzouga to the hidden riad, offering a unique desert experience.
Day 4: Riad Nomade to Sidi Ali (25km)
Cycle over the dry salt lake to Sidi Ali. Take a break in this picturesque village near the Algerian border and experience the nomadic spirit.
Day 5: Sidi Ali to Tagounite (134km)
Explore Sidi Ali’s tranquillity before cycling to Tagounite, a town on the edge of the Sahara.
Day 6: Tagounite to M’hamid (30km)
Cycle from Tagounite to M’hamid, a gateway to the Sahara. Enjoy the hospitality where the paved road ends.
Day 7: M’Hamid to Erg Chigaga (50km)
Traverse the dunes from M’Hamid to Erg Chigaga, where you’ll camp under the stars.
Day 8: Erg Chigaga to Foum Zguid (123km)
Conclude your desert cycling adventure by riding from Erg Chigaga through a beautiful palm oasis to Foum Zguid, a charming village and the natural border between the Anti-Atlas and the desert. Stay at the riad and enjoy local specialities.
Day 9: Transfer to Marrakech
Bid farewell to the desert as you transfer from Foum Zguid to Marrakech, capturing the essence of Morocco’s diverse landscapes. Arrive in Marrakech around 15:00.
Please note that any changes to the itinerary are subject to circumstances and require advance reservation.
Booking
From December 2nd 2023.