[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f24s3msjb0viuj":3,"$f31sn9vuitxibj":116,"country-posts-MA":170,"$f9tod6sxznpp9":398,"mdc-okplzf-key":402,"mdc--rrowev-key":413,"mdc--aojdrf-key":421,"mdc--virbfw-key":445,"mdc--h9bo46-key":453,"mdc--rq14bm-key":467,"mdc-wfkouf-key":475,"mdc--29h9mi-key":483,"mdc--vgibpz-key":491,"mdc-50blkp-key":499,"mdc-rd6d1i-key":513,"mdc-lzde6w-key":521,"mdc-wuk6a6-key":535,"mdc--86fvgu-key":543,"mdc-5fi8yo-key":557,"mdc--k35a53-key":565,"mdc--t577oo-key":656,"mdc-xbgyur-key":664},{"code":4,"slug":5,"name":6,"continent":7,"flagUrl":8,"location":9,"zoom":12,"boundingBox":13,"borders":20,"schengen":24,"flags":25,"quickFacts":26,"sections":35,"resources":78,"counts":112,"legacyKey":6,"migratedAt":115},"MA","morocco","Morocco","Northern Africa","https:\u002F\u002Ffirebasestorage.googleapis.com\u002Fv0\u002Fb\u002Fcycle-planet-292f5.appspot.com\u002Fo\u002Fflags%2FFlag_of_Morocco.svg.png?alt=media&token=9168f4ee-2993-4f03-bb7a-7bae5f7d0f51",{"lat":10,"lng":11},31.791702,-7.09262,4,[14,17],[15,16],21.4207341578,-17.0204284327,[18,19],35.7599881048,-1.12455115397,[21,22,23],"DZ","MR","ES",false,{"dangerous":24,"island":24,"openBorders":24,"visaFree":24},{"capital":27,"languages":28,"currency":29,"callingCode":30,"climate":31,"religion":32,"simCard":33,"region":34,"subregion":7},"Rabat","French, Arabic, local languages","Dirham (2019: €1 = MAD 10)","+212","Sahelian","Islam","Maroc Telecom","Africa",{"about":36,"visa":40,"sleeping":43,"safety":51,"transport":60,"foodDrink":66,"people":69,"health":72,"other":75},{"body":37,"updatedAt":38,"updatedBy":39},"I do think a lot of people agree with me if I say that Morocco is a paradise for cyclers. And then I’m talking about the real Morocco, not the crowded touristic places. Come in touch with the incredible hospitable local people, who easily share their food with you. Having a huge diversity in landscapes, a cycle trip can be adjusted to any wishes. The outstanding Atlas ranges are the pearl, while the remote and dull Sahara has its charm.","2020-12-06T20:42:03.130Z","ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2",{"body":41,"updatedAt":42,"updatedBy":39},"In the below overview you can see which countries need a visa for Morocco. The green countries can enter Morocco for 90 days (Singapore and Hong Kong only 30 days).\n\nSource: [Wikipedia](https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FVisa_policy_of_Morocco).","2021-03-13T16:31:51.000Z",{"updatedAt":44,"updatedBy":45,"parts":46},"2021-06-02T16:30:06.000Z","01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3",{"couchsurfing":47,"formalCamping":48,"hostels":49,"wildCamping":50},"WS is not very common, in the big cities you can find CS hosts.","There are campsites in various places, but rarely within cycling distance. For safety, a wall has often been built around it and the security is in the hands of a policeman or soldier. Gerben Lovink (2006): \"In South Morocco you will find more and more campsites. Although most are geared to large campers, there is always a place for your tent. Average price is 10 dirhams per person and 10 dirhams for your tent.\" The problem with many campsites is that the ground is rock hard and that you cannot get herring into the ground. The price has also gone up considerably, 25-50 per person with a small tent, sometimes even more.\n\nFormal camping is a great way of meeting locals and sleeping in your own comfortable bed. Ask anyone in a village and they will search a spot for you.","There are cheap hotels in the cities and larger towns. The quality is not always directly proportional to the price. It is recommended to see the room in advance. Sometimes there is no shower","Quite easy, although especially in the North there are many people everywhere, so it might be difficult to find a spot without being seen. It's easier in the desert where you often don't even need a tent. If you go on unpaved roads, it is necessary to bring a tent, the villages there are remote and have no hotel accommodation.",{"body":52,"updatedAt":53,"updatedBy":54,"parts":55},"Morocco is generally a safe country with strong social control. In the poorer regions, and of course in the cities, pay close attention to your belongings.","2021-06-02T16:34:25.000Z","RYFRjpH3DfdWPpRfG9MIFBSPzH33",{"traffic":56,"criminality":57,"corruption":58,"nature":59},"Some through roads are too tight for all traffic, which puts you under pressure as a cyclist. Drivers following behind expect you to leave the road if necessary to make room. A rear-view mirror is highly recommended. You even see Moroccan cyclists regularly riding it, although bicycle lights and helmets are unknown.","Local market days are known to attract scum from outside, so be careful. As a tourist you stand out and a westerner is rich by definition.\n\nThe Rif Mountains are considered a poor region where the trading of hashish (locally called 'kif') is very common. Especially in Chefchaoune, many tourists come especially for the hash. As in the Netherlands, smoking is tolerated. Traders will try to get you to buy by the roadside, sometimes in an obtrusive way, but usually a simple 'non merci' is enough to get rid of them. The route to Ketama was notorious in the past. Nowadays it is quiet like the rest of the Rif where you simply don't encounter many tourists. The people are friendly and even begging children don't bother you much.","Police officers seem to take their jobs seriously, and are not corrupt. Even the soldiers at the many soldierposts in the Sahara are not corrupt, and rather share their food with you than to ask something from you.","It can be hot in the center of the country. In the sahara, you will have the cool wind from the ocean. At the highest mountain, it can be very snowy and cold, so be prepared if you go there. Some dogs can frighten, but normally don't bite.\n\nIn the desert, be prepared for sandstorms. Think of goggles (ski goggles or something similar) and a cloth for your face and make sure you have enough water!!! Otherwise you run the risk of drying out.",{"updatedAt":61,"updatedBy":54,"parts":62},"2021-06-02T16:02:44.000Z",{"train":63,"bus":64,"boat":65},"There are trains in Morocco with the exception of the south. The bike can go with you.","There are several bus companies in Morocco that run long-distance lines with coaches. The bicycle can usually be taken in the luggage compartment or on top of the bus. Make sure it is properly positioned without a heavy load on top. The best thing you can do is go and see for yourself.\n\nThe companies CTM and Supratours told the counter that taking bicycles is allowed, but the driver determines whether the bicycle is actually included. A bus ticket has a fixed price, but for the price of the bike you have to negotiate. 40 to 50 dirhams seems normal. Paul: \"I was neatly shown the number of kilos of weight with the price on it, negotiation was not an issue at CTM or Supratours.\"","There are several ferry services from Spain: Algeciras-Ceuta, Algeciras-Tanger or Almeria-Melilia.",{"body":67,"updatedAt":68,"updatedBy":45},"Onroad: Bread with tuna Local food: Tajine, harira, kebab, couscous Local drink: Tea (liquid sugar…)\n\nThere are sufficient supply points in villages and towns. It really depends on the region how good the supply points are. For example, you don't get fresh vegetables, bread or groceries for dinner everywhere. We usually take some pasta, lentils, cereal and hard vegetables with us for off road trips because some shops have very scant supplies such as just cookies. Because Morocco is quite densely populated, water is never a problem. We tap at the last village just before wild camping. Please note that in very dry regions you do not take water with people who have had to lug around for a long time every day.\n\nTajine is a stew with or without meat and very tasty, stewed in delicious herbs (rash el hanout). Most tajines are with meat, along the coast also with fish. The special herbs for this are for sale on the markets. Harira (soup) is made from chickpeas and is an excellent bicycle food. Fried fish (sardines) is especially cheap, sometimes served with fried chips. You are often offered couscous at people's homes.\n\nBread comes in flat round format or in the form of baguettes. In somewhat larger towns there are bakeries, often hidden in alleys, where you can buy delicious fresh bread in the morning. In remote villages in the High Atlas, where there is no shop, you can ask people for Khobz (bread), Elmah (water).\n\nFor vegetarians it is a bit more difficult. In the eateries people are usually prepared to make dishes without meat. In addition, lots of chickpeas, couscous and the small baguettes with fries and raw vegetables.\n\nFor sale in local shops: fresh fruit and vegetables (often minimal choice); sardines; biscuits; long-life milk, cheese spread (la vache qui rit) etc. In the far south, the Sahara region, there are far fewer opportunities on the way. Prepare for that and make sure you have enough food and especially drink with you.\n\n**Drinks**\n\nDrinking water in the desert often comes from deep wells and you often have to rely on it along the unpaved roads. In the cities the water is chlorinated, this does not have to be a problem for drinkability as long as you give it time to let the chlorine evaporate, possibly add a dash of lemon juice against the bad taste. In the mountains there is wonderfully fresh water that is easy to drink without purification (watch out for contamination downstream!) In the less populated areas it is advisable to take enough water with you at the start. (Mineral) water in bottles is widely available everywhere, with the exception of the small remote places. Wilbert drank the water everywhere from the tap or from wells without filtering. This is not wise but has not caused any problems. Cola and other soft drinks are very cheap. Tea is the national drink, it contains an unimaginable amount of sugar. Sometimes mint or other herbs are added. Offering hospitality is always accompanied by offering tea. If it is elaborate, then they serve in three courses that you are supposed to sit out completely. Sometimes it takes more than an hour to drink. In more and more places and above all in Marrakech you will find freshly squeezed orange juice. According to the average Moroccan that is very sour ... with \"a little\" sugar much better! And beware, some people add sugar and water to earn more money.\n\nIn many places you can buy delicious fresh fruit juices in all kinds of flavors. Many shops also have delicious cooled yogurt, milk and Lban (kind of buttermilk) in all kinds of variants for 5 DH.\n\n**Cooking fuel**\n\n(Unleaded) petrol is easily available at the pump. In Marrakech, the Marjane Menara CV 470 Camping Gaz sells cartridges in the Hypermarket. Can be found when entering Marrakech on the road to Casablanca. Alternative address (selling CV 270 cartridges: Bouargane Mohamed, Drougerie 3, Rue Bab Agnaou (Imm. Tazi) Marrakech Medina Tel 044 44 20 73 The shop is located in a side street of Jema el Fna square, near the Grand Hotel.\n\n**Markets**\n\nIf you find it you are in a place when the weekly market is held. It's nice to sit somewhere and watch Moroccans trade.\n\n**Supermarkets**\n\nIn the larger towns you can come across signs for \"Super Marche\". This means that you can take your goods yourself. Don't expect a huge range. The stores are still mainly organized in clusters. So all hardware stores together, all butchers together, all greengrocers together and so on.","2021-06-02T16:33:32.000Z",{"body":70,"updatedAt":71,"updatedBy":39},"The Moroccan people are incredibly kind, especially in remote places. They like to make new friends and they offer you food, drinks and places to sleep quite regularly. It's hard to not fall in love with the people.","2020-12-06T21:03:38.818Z",{"body":73,"updatedAt":74,"updatedBy":45},"Hygiene is not always taken very seriously. The risk of diarrhea is quite high if you are not careful. There are no mandatory vaccinations. Vaccinations against DTP and hepatitis A are recommended.","2021-06-02T16:34:01.000Z",{"body":76,"updatedAt":77,"updatedBy":45},"**Nice routes**\n\n-   The Sous Valley is busy with cars and flat, try to avoid it.\n-   The part between Ouarzazate and Tinerhir is very busy with many coaches and it is a narrow road.\n-   The route from Ceuta in the far north through the Rif Mountains over Meknes, Fez and Beni-Mellal to Marrakech is easy to do; staying overnight in hotels en route is no problem.\n-   Last stretch of desert run to sand dunes at Merzouga is passable but poor signage, there are many tracks here that are barely distinguishable from the main route. An alternative is to take the new asphalt road from Risani, this takes a 15 km detour.\n-   The Atlas about is very beautiful. The Tizi N test is a very nice mountain pass to take with a long run-up and beautiful views\n\n**Best time to cycle**\n\nIn December to February there is a chance of snow in the Central and parts of the High Atlas and it is often very cold in the mornings. It is much more moderate along the coast in winter, when temperatures can rise to 25 degrees in the south. October to mid-May is the most suitable for cycling, along the coast all year round. The rest of the year it is very hot in the interior, with often exceptions in the mountain areas.\n\n**Spare parts**\n\nSpare parts are for sale but usually not of good quality. In Casablanca it is possible to find modern (Shimano) parts after a good search. The locals also say that Agadir is possible there, but don't count on it. It is recommended to bring your own. Workshops can be found in many villages and towns.","2021-06-02T16:11:57.000Z",[79,86,93,100,106],{"id":80,"type":81,"title":82,"url":83,"description":84,"createdAt":85,"createdBy":39},"-MB8_gfLXjpvfDbkWnPg","route","North to South","https:\u002F\u002Ffirebasestorage.googleapis.com\u002Fv0\u002Fb\u002Fcycle-planet-292f5.appspot.com\u002Fo\u002Fuploads_gpx%2Fcycleplanet-Morocco-1593593747617.kml?alt=media&token=47a24a18-1865-4941-8127-fa1597ef1b5b","This route starts in Tangier, goes via Chefchaouen, Fes, towards the Middle Atlas, High Atlas, Anti Atlas and then the long, dull but interesting stretch through the Sahara.","2020-07-01T10:55:54.000Z",{"id":87,"type":88,"title":89,"url":90,"imageUrl":91,"createdAt":92,"createdBy":39},"-MB0f1Vo8NOy_tmDEJ_W","video","The Atlas ranges and the Sahara desert","https:\u002F\u002Fyoutu.be\u002FLxK1BEd6FUQ","https:\u002F\u002Ffirebasestorage.googleapis.com\u002Fv0\u002Fb\u002Fcycle-planet-292f5.appspot.com\u002Fo\u002Fvideo_placeholder%2F1593460927834.null?alt=media&token=e98b85e1-7959-48a2-aabe-f0b74e6d6df9","2020-06-29T22:02:09.000Z",{"id":94,"type":95,"title":96,"url":97,"imageUrl":98,"createdAt":99,"createdBy":39},"-MB0dGSjPVVAJYOrPoKj","blog","Reaching heaven","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.basidsinga.com\u002Fround-the-world\u002Fblogposts\u002Fpage\u002F2\u002F","https:\u002F\u002Ffirebasestorage.googleapis.com\u002Fv0\u002Fb\u002Fcycle-planet-292f5.appspot.com\u002Fo\u002Fblogs%2F1593460465477.null?alt=media&token=0163adf6-50eb-4000-9932-d8a3e272908c","2020-06-29T21:54:26.000Z",{"id":101,"type":95,"title":102,"url":103,"imageUrl":104,"createdAt":105,"createdBy":39},"-MB0d371sulNUVSUmBST","Cycling the Middle Atlas Range","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.basidsinga.com\u002F05-cycling-the-middle-atlas-range\u002F","https:\u002F\u002Ffirebasestorage.googleapis.com\u002Fv0\u002Fb\u002Fcycle-planet-292f5.appspot.com\u002Fo\u002Fblogs%2F1593460410984.null?alt=media&token=c117038b-77b2-4a99-8616-44d71adfd67e","2020-06-29T21:53:31.000Z",{"id":107,"type":95,"title":108,"url":109,"imageUrl":110,"createdAt":111,"createdBy":39},"-MB0cgsYwMBCQvB9BJLW","A dive into Morocco’s culture","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.basidsinga.com\u002F04-a-dive-into-moroccos-culture\u002F","https:\u002F\u002Ffirebasestorage.googleapis.com\u002Fv0\u002Fb\u002Fcycle-planet-292f5.appspot.com\u002Fo\u002Fblogs%2F1593460315592.null?alt=media&token=7b198fbb-416c-4566-bbb6-de4d6acdde0f","2020-06-29T21:51:56.000Z",{"pois":113,"users":113,"hosts":114},6,3,"2026-11-06T11:25:25.554Z",[117,126,134,141,148,155,164],{"id":118,"type":119,"title":120,"countryCode":4,"location":121,"likes":124,"toCountryCode":22,"excerpt":125},"57bf2085-2624-4e75-baed-d38694207819","border-crossing","Guerguerat (Morocco) – Boulenoir (Mauritania)",{"lat":122,"lng":123},21.333725,-16.947112,2,"Warning: Between Morocco and Mauritania is a no mans land, claimed by Polisario. Between the 2 borders, you shouldn’t go off the gravel road. The gravel road…",{"id":127,"type":128,"title":129,"countryCode":4,"location":130,"likes":124,"excerpt":133},"-MB0Z4xYLGADiVHTx8N3","see-and-do","High Atlas1",{"lat":131,"lng":132},30.864461,-8.378534,"This is not one activity, but can easily be marked as an entire trip. Get lost in the beautiful mountains. There are hundreds of roads, but where ever you go…",{"id":135,"type":128,"title":136,"countryCode":4,"location":137,"likes":124,"excerpt":140},"-MB0ZH1cMhQmOwMKxhLN","Marrakesh",{"lat":138,"lng":139},31.632134,-8.011293,"There are plenty of cities drenched in culture to be found, but Marrakesh, Fes and Chefchaouen are probably one of the ones worth a visit the most.",{"id":142,"type":119,"title":143,"countryCode":23,"location":144,"likes":124,"toCountryCode":4,"excerpt":147},"68dd403a-f687-4008-9fc0-53e5698003c4","Melilla (Spain) – Beni Ansar (Morocco)",{"lat":145,"lng":146},35.26990042695617,-2.935027673988804,"IMPORTANT AWARENESS: Land border currently closed until at least end of May 2021, probably longer. Land border between Spain and Morocco. Melilla is the…",{"id":149,"type":128,"title":150,"countryCode":4,"location":151,"likes":124,"excerpt":154},"-MB0ZCF5ZIU0UD2KXlwc","Sahara",{"lat":152,"lng":153},24.58654,-14.986382,"Cycling here in the Sahara can be dull, boring, though and mind killing, but it truly is an awesome experience to cover the largest desert on earth by bicycle…",{"id":156,"type":157,"title":158,"countryCode":4,"location":159,"likes":162,"excerpt":163},"5b4fe005-26bb-4c78-808f-3e205b280b6e","bike-shop","Bikeshop Atlas sports",{"lat":160,"lng":161},31.634913049739477,-8.004291057586672,1,"I work in this bike-shop and it dedicated for mountain bikers , road and cycling tourist , it can provide many services like bike box and transport to the…",{"id":165,"type":128,"title":166,"countryCode":4,"location":167,"likes":168,"excerpt":169},"-Om7LsmTdPvXntDBeYUG","New Marker Name",{"lat":131,"lng":132},0,"Your marker description here",[171],{"id":172,"title":173,"body":174,"categories":378,"category":379,"cover":379,"coverAlt":379,"coverStyle":379,"description":380,"extension":381,"faq":382,"filters":383,"meta":384,"navigation":385,"ogImage":379,"order":379,"path":386,"publishedAt":387,"readingTime":388,"relatedLinks":389,"robots":379,"schemaOrg":379,"seo":390,"seoTitle":391,"sitemap":392,"stem":393,"steps":394,"takeaways":395,"translationKey":379,"usps":396,"__hash__":397},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fbicycle-touring-in-morocco.md","Bicycle touring in Morocco - routes, seasons and what to expect on the road",{"type":175,"value":176,"toc":358},"minimark",[177,181,186,189,192,196,199,204,207,211,214,218,221,225,228,232,235,238,242,245,248,251,255,258,293,301,305,309,317,321,329,333,336,340,343,347],[178,179,180],"p",{},"Bicycle touring in Morocco gives you high mountain passes, desert edges, green valleys and some of the most hospitable people you will meet on a bike, all within a few days' ride of Europe. It is not always easy: the climbs in the Atlas are long, the heat can be intense and main roads can be busy. With the right season and route, though, Morocco is one of the most rewarding countries for a cycling trip.",[182,183,185],"h2",{"id":184},"why-go-bicycle-touring-in-morocco","Why go bicycle touring in Morocco?",[178,187,188],{},"Variety is the big draw. In a single trip you can ride through the Rif mountains in the north, cross the High Atlas, follow palm oases and river valleys on the southern side and reach the edge of the Sahara. Small villages, markets and roadside cafés mean you are rarely far from tea and bread on the main routes.",[178,190,191],{},"Cyclists who have travelled here often mention the hospitality, especially away from the tourist centres. Invitations for tea or a meal are common in rural areas. At the same time, you will get attention everywhere you go, and in some places children may run alongside you or ask for things. A friendly, relaxed attitude goes a long way.",[182,193,195],{"id":194},"which-routes-are-best-for-cycling-in-morocco","Which routes are best for cycling in Morocco?",[178,197,198],{},"There is no single classic route, but a few areas come up again and again.",[200,201,203],"h3",{"id":202},"the-high-atlas","The High Atlas",[178,205,206],{},"The High Atlas is the heart of most cycling trips. Mountain passes such as the Tizi n'Tichka, the main road between Marrakech and Ouarzazate, climb to well over 2,000 metres. That road carries a lot of traffic, so many cyclists look for quieter alternatives over smaller passes and through side valleys. Expect long climbs, rough sections and big temperature differences between valley and pass.",[200,208,210],{"id":209},"the-middle-atlas-and-the-north","The Middle Atlas and the north",[178,212,213],{},"The Middle Atlas around Ifrane and Azrou has cedar forests and cooler air, and it links the imperial cities of Fez and Meknes with the south. From the ferry ports in the north you can ride through the Rif mountains towards Fez; this region is greener and hillier than many people expect.",[200,215,217],{"id":216},"the-south-valleys-and-desert-edges","The south: valleys and desert edges",[178,219,220],{},"South of the High Atlas you find the Dades and Todra gorges, the Draa valley and the road towards the dunes near Merzouga. This is spectacular riding, but distances between villages grow, shade is scarce and some stretches carry many tour buses. Plan your water carefully.",[200,222,224],{"id":223},"the-atlantic-coast","The Atlantic coast",[178,226,227],{},"The coast between Essaouira and Agadir and further south is often milder in temperature, though the wind can be strong. Busy, flat stretches near the big cities are less attractive by bike.",[182,229,231],{"id":230},"when-is-the-best-time-to-cycle-in-morocco","When is the best time to cycle in Morocco?",[178,233,234],{},"Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable seasons. Summer in the interior and the south can get extremely hot, which makes long climbs and desert stretches risky. Winter is mild on the coast and in the south during the day, but nights in the mountains are cold and high passes can get snow, which sometimes closes roads.",[178,236,237],{},"Weather varies a lot with altitude, so check forecasts for the passes you plan to ride, not just for the nearest city. Ramadan also affects daily life: cafés and shops may keep different hours during the day. It is good to know when it falls during your trip.",[182,239,241],{"id":240},"food-water-and-supplies-on-the-road","Food, water and supplies on the road",[178,243,244],{},"On the main routes you will find small shops and cafés in most villages. Bread, eggs, tinned fish, tomatoes, olives and dates are easy to buy, and a tajine or bowl of harira soup in a roadside restaurant is a good way to refuel. On remote mountain tracks and in the south, supplies can be limited, so carry food for at least a day.",[178,246,247],{},"Many cyclists treat or filter tap and well water, and stomach problems are a common complaint among travellers. Carry enough water capacity for long, hot stretches. For health questions and vaccinations, ask your doctor or a travel clinic before you leave.",[178,249,250],{},"Bike shops exist in the larger cities, but parts for touring bikes, such as specific tyres or derailleur parts, can be hard to find. Bring the spares you are likely to need.",[182,252,254],{"id":253},"where-to-sleep-when-cycling-in-morocco","Where to sleep when cycling in Morocco",[178,256,257],{},"You have several options:",[259,260,261,269,275,281],"ul",{},[262,263,264,268],"li",{},[265,266,267],"strong",{},"Guesthouses and small hotels"," are found in most towns and along popular routes, and often allow you to keep your bike inside.",[262,270,271,274],{},[265,272,273],{},"Campsites"," exist in tourist areas and along the coast, though quality varies.",[262,276,277,280],{},[265,278,279],{},"Wild camping"," is something many cyclists do in remote areas. Ask permission when you are near houses or farmland; it is often given, and sometimes turns into an invitation. Rules and local attitudes can differ per region, so check the current situation.",[262,282,283,286,287,292],{},[265,284,285],{},"Staying with people."," Through Cycle Planet you can find cyclists who host each other; ",[288,289,291],"a",{"href":290},"\u002Fregister","sign up for an account"," to connect.",[178,294,295,296,300],{},"Good guesthouses, water points and camping spots shared by other cyclists are on the ",[288,297,299],{"href":298},"\u002Fmap","Cycle Planet map",". Found a place worth sharing? Add it to the map so the next cyclist can find it.",[182,302,304],{"id":303},"frequently-asked-questions","Frequently asked questions",[200,306,308],{"id":307},"do-you-need-a-visa-to-cycle-in-morocco","Do you need a visa to cycle in Morocco?",[178,310,311,312,316],{},"That depends on your nationality. Many travellers can enter visa-free for a limited period, but rules differ and can change. Check with the Moroccan embassy or your government's travel advice, and see the ",[288,313,315],{"href":314},"\u002Fcountries\u002Fmorocco","Morocco country page"," for notes from other cyclists.",[200,318,320],{"id":319},"how-do-you-get-to-morocco-with-a-bike","How do you get to Morocco with a bike?",[178,322,323,324,328],{},"The most common way for cyclists coming from Europe is a ferry from southern Spain to northern Morocco, which makes it easy to combine with a ride through ",[288,325,327],{"href":326},"\u002Fcountries\u002Fspain","Spain",". You can also fly into a major city with your bike in a box or bag; check your airline's bike policy.",[200,330,332],{"id":331},"is-morocco-safe-for-cycling","Is Morocco safe for cycling?",[178,334,335],{},"Many cyclists ride through Morocco without problems, but traffic on main roads, heat and petty theft in cities are real concerns. Women cycling alone may get more unwanted attention. Read your government's travel advice before you go and check the safety section on the country page.",[200,337,339],{"id":338},"how-difficult-is-cycling-in-the-atlas-mountains","How difficult is cycling in the Atlas mountains?",[178,341,342],{},"The Atlas has long climbs, sometimes on rough or unpaved roads, and passes at high altitude. With a loaded touring bike, plan short days and give yourself time to get used to the climbing.",[182,344,346],{"id":345},"start-planning-your-morocco-tour","Start planning your Morocco tour",[178,348,349,350,352,353,357],{},"Bicycle touring in Morocco rewards you with mountains, desert and genuine hospitality, as long as you pick the right season and plan your water and sleeping spots. For visa basics, safety and tips from other cyclists, head to the ",[288,351,315],{"href":314},", and browse the ",[288,354,356],{"href":355},"\u002Fcountries","other country pages"," if you are planning a longer trip.",{"title":359,"searchDepth":124,"depth":124,"links":360},"",[361,362,368,369,370,371,377],{"id":184,"depth":124,"text":185},{"id":194,"depth":124,"text":195,"children":363},[364,365,366,367],{"id":202,"depth":114,"text":203},{"id":209,"depth":114,"text":210},{"id":216,"depth":114,"text":217},{"id":223,"depth":114,"text":224},{"id":230,"depth":124,"text":231},{"id":240,"depth":124,"text":241},{"id":253,"depth":124,"text":254},{"id":303,"depth":124,"text":304,"children":372},[373,374,375,376],{"id":307,"depth":114,"text":308},{"id":319,"depth":114,"text":320},{"id":331,"depth":114,"text":332},{"id":338,"depth":114,"text":339},{"id":345,"depth":124,"text":346},[],null,"Bicycle touring in Morocco - Atlas mountain routes, the best season, food and water, where to sleep, safety and how to get there with your bike.","md",[],{},{},true,"\u002Fblog\u002Fbicycle-touring-in-morocco","2026-10-23","6 min",[],{"title":173,"description":380},"Bicycle touring in Morocco - a practical guide",{"loc":386,"lastmod":387},"blog\u002Fbicycle-touring-in-morocco",[],[],[],"e6O00aCFkgXZcfSf0tSFA-CQk6rpeGHsF6CmG5-Cxe4",{"ieMGYdJeX6ZyKgKeeGhMXPFZkax2":399,"01dRgHcnFiTSprDGCEB4Jxq7iDH3":400,"RYFRjpH3DfdWPpRfG9MIFBSPzH33":401},"Bas Idsinga","Wereldfietser.nl \u002F Vakantiefietser.be","Cycle Planet",{"data":403,"body":404},{},{"type":405,"children":406},"root",[407],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":409,"children":410},"element",{},[411],{"type":412,"value":37},"text",{"data":414,"body":415},{},{"type":405,"children":416},[417],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":418,"children":419},{},[420],{"type":412,"value":70},{"data":422,"body":423},{},{"type":405,"children":424},[425,430],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":426,"children":427},{},[428],{"type":412,"value":429},"In the below overview you can see which countries need a visa for Morocco. The green countries can enter Morocco for 90 days (Singapore and Hong Kong only 30 days).",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":431,"children":432},{},[433,435,443],{"type":412,"value":434},"Source: ",{"type":408,"tag":288,"props":436,"children":440},{"href":437,"rel":438},"https:\u002F\u002Fen.wikipedia.org\u002Fwiki\u002FVisa_policy_of_Morocco",[439],"nofollow",[441],{"type":412,"value":442},"Wikipedia",{"type":412,"value":444},".",{"data":446,"body":447},{},{"type":405,"children":448},[449],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":450,"children":451},{},[452],{"type":412,"value":47},{"data":454,"body":455},{},{"type":405,"children":456},[457,462],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":458,"children":459},{},[460],{"type":412,"value":461},"There are campsites in various places, but rarely within cycling distance. For safety, a wall has often been built around it and the security is in the hands of a policeman or soldier. Gerben Lovink (2006): \"In South Morocco you will find more and more campsites. Although most are geared to large campers, there is always a place for your tent. Average price is 10 dirhams per person and 10 dirhams for your tent.\" The problem with many campsites is that the ground is rock hard and that you cannot get herring into the ground. The price has also gone up considerably, 25-50 per person with a small tent, sometimes even more.",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":463,"children":464},{},[465],{"type":412,"value":466},"Formal camping is a great way of meeting locals and sleeping in your own comfortable bed. Ask anyone in a village and they will search a spot for you.",{"data":468,"body":469},{},{"type":405,"children":470},[471],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":472,"children":473},{},[474],{"type":412,"value":49},{"data":476,"body":477},{},{"type":405,"children":478},[479],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":480,"children":481},{},[482],{"type":412,"value":50},{"data":484,"body":485},{},{"type":405,"children":486},[487],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":488,"children":489},{},[490],{"type":412,"value":52},{"data":492,"body":493},{},{"type":405,"children":494},[495],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":496,"children":497},{},[498],{"type":412,"value":56},{"data":500,"body":501},{},{"type":405,"children":502},[503,508],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":504,"children":505},{},[506],{"type":412,"value":507},"Local market days are known to attract scum from outside, so be careful. As a tourist you stand out and a westerner is rich by definition.",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":509,"children":510},{},[511],{"type":412,"value":512},"The Rif Mountains are considered a poor region where the trading of hashish (locally called 'kif') is very common. Especially in Chefchaoune, many tourists come especially for the hash. As in the Netherlands, smoking is tolerated. Traders will try to get you to buy by the roadside, sometimes in an obtrusive way, but usually a simple 'non merci' is enough to get rid of them. The route to Ketama was notorious in the past. Nowadays it is quiet like the rest of the Rif where you simply don't encounter many tourists. The people are friendly and even begging children don't bother you much.",{"data":514,"body":515},{},{"type":405,"children":516},[517],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":518,"children":519},{},[520],{"type":412,"value":58},{"data":522,"body":523},{},{"type":405,"children":524},[525,530],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":526,"children":527},{},[528],{"type":412,"value":529},"It can be hot in the center of the country. In the sahara, you will have the cool wind from the ocean. At the highest mountain, it can be very snowy and cold, so be prepared if you go there. Some dogs can frighten, but normally don't bite.",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":531,"children":532},{},[533],{"type":412,"value":534},"In the desert, be prepared for sandstorms. Think of goggles (ski goggles or something similar) and a cloth for your face and make sure you have enough water!!! Otherwise you run the risk of drying out.",{"data":536,"body":537},{},{"type":405,"children":538},[539],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":540,"children":541},{},[542],{"type":412,"value":63},{"data":544,"body":545},{},{"type":405,"children":546},[547,552],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":548,"children":549},{},[550],{"type":412,"value":551},"There are several bus companies in Morocco that run long-distance lines with coaches. The bicycle can usually be taken in the luggage compartment or on top of the bus. Make sure it is properly positioned without a heavy load on top. The best thing you can do is go and see for yourself.",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":553,"children":554},{},[555],{"type":412,"value":556},"The companies CTM and Supratours told the counter that taking bicycles is allowed, but the driver determines whether the bicycle is actually included. A bus ticket has a fixed price, but for the price of the bike you have to negotiate. 40 to 50 dirhams seems normal. Paul: \"I was neatly shown the number of kilos of weight with the price on it, negotiation was not an issue at CTM or Supratours.\"",{"data":558,"body":559},{},{"type":405,"children":560},[561],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":562,"children":563},{},[564],{"type":412,"value":65},{"data":566,"body":567},{},{"type":405,"children":568},[569,574,579,584,589,594,599,607,612,617,625,630,638,643,651],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":570,"children":571},{},[572],{"type":412,"value":573},"Onroad: Bread with tuna Local food: Tajine, harira, kebab, couscous Local drink: Tea (liquid sugar…)",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":575,"children":576},{},[577],{"type":412,"value":578},"There are sufficient supply points in villages and towns. It really depends on the region how good the supply points are. For example, you don't get fresh vegetables, bread or groceries for dinner everywhere. We usually take some pasta, lentils, cereal and hard vegetables with us for off road trips because some shops have very scant supplies such as just cookies. Because Morocco is quite densely populated, water is never a problem. We tap at the last village just before wild camping. Please note that in very dry regions you do not take water with people who have had to lug around for a long time every day.",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":580,"children":581},{},[582],{"type":412,"value":583},"Tajine is a stew with or without meat and very tasty, stewed in delicious herbs (rash el hanout). Most tajines are with meat, along the coast also with fish. The special herbs for this are for sale on the markets. Harira (soup) is made from chickpeas and is an excellent bicycle food. Fried fish (sardines) is especially cheap, sometimes served with fried chips. You are often offered couscous at people's homes.",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":585,"children":586},{},[587],{"type":412,"value":588},"Bread comes in flat round format or in the form of baguettes. In somewhat larger towns there are bakeries, often hidden in alleys, where you can buy delicious fresh bread in the morning. In remote villages in the High Atlas, where there is no shop, you can ask people for Khobz (bread), Elmah (water).",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":590,"children":591},{},[592],{"type":412,"value":593},"For vegetarians it is a bit more difficult. In the eateries people are usually prepared to make dishes without meat. In addition, lots of chickpeas, couscous and the small baguettes with fries and raw vegetables.",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":595,"children":596},{},[597],{"type":412,"value":598},"For sale in local shops: fresh fruit and vegetables (often minimal choice); sardines; biscuits; long-life milk, cheese spread (la vache qui rit) etc. In the far south, the Sahara region, there are far fewer opportunities on the way. Prepare for that and make sure you have enough food and especially drink with you.",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":600,"children":601},{},[602],{"type":408,"tag":265,"props":603,"children":604},{},[605],{"type":412,"value":606},"Drinks",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":608,"children":609},{},[610],{"type":412,"value":611},"Drinking water in the desert often comes from deep wells and you often have to rely on it along the unpaved roads. In the cities the water is chlorinated, this does not have to be a problem for drinkability as long as you give it time to let the chlorine evaporate, possibly add a dash of lemon juice against the bad taste. In the mountains there is wonderfully fresh water that is easy to drink without purification (watch out for contamination downstream!) In the less populated areas it is advisable to take enough water with you at the start. (Mineral) water in bottles is widely available everywhere, with the exception of the small remote places. Wilbert drank the water everywhere from the tap or from wells without filtering. This is not wise but has not caused any problems. Cola and other soft drinks are very cheap. Tea is the national drink, it contains an unimaginable amount of sugar. Sometimes mint or other herbs are added. Offering hospitality is always accompanied by offering tea. If it is elaborate, then they serve in three courses that you are supposed to sit out completely. Sometimes it takes more than an hour to drink. In more and more places and above all in Marrakech you will find freshly squeezed orange juice. According to the average Moroccan that is very sour ... with \"a little\" sugar much better! And beware, some people add sugar and water to earn more money.",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":613,"children":614},{},[615],{"type":412,"value":616},"In many places you can buy delicious fresh fruit juices in all kinds of flavors. Many shops also have delicious cooled yogurt, milk and Lban (kind of buttermilk) in all kinds of variants for 5 DH.",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":618,"children":619},{},[620],{"type":408,"tag":265,"props":621,"children":622},{},[623],{"type":412,"value":624},"Cooking fuel",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":626,"children":627},{},[628],{"type":412,"value":629},"(Unleaded) petrol is easily available at the pump. In Marrakech, the Marjane Menara CV 470 Camping Gaz sells cartridges in the Hypermarket. Can be found when entering Marrakech on the road to Casablanca. Alternative address (selling CV 270 cartridges: Bouargane Mohamed, Drougerie 3, Rue Bab Agnaou (Imm. Tazi) Marrakech Medina Tel 044 44 20 73 The shop is located in a side street of Jema el Fna square, near the Grand Hotel.",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":631,"children":632},{},[633],{"type":408,"tag":265,"props":634,"children":635},{},[636],{"type":412,"value":637},"Markets",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":639,"children":640},{},[641],{"type":412,"value":642},"If you find it you are in a place when the weekly market is held. It's nice to sit somewhere and watch Moroccans trade.",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":644,"children":645},{},[646],{"type":408,"tag":265,"props":647,"children":648},{},[649],{"type":412,"value":650},"Supermarkets",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":652,"children":653},{},[654],{"type":412,"value":655},"In the larger towns you can come across signs for \"Super Marche\". This means that you can take your goods yourself. Don't expect a huge range. The stores are still mainly organized in clusters. So all hardware stores together, all butchers together, all greengrocers together and so on.",{"data":657,"body":658},{},{"type":405,"children":659},[660],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":661,"children":662},{},[663],{"type":412,"value":73},{"data":665,"body":666},{},{"type":405,"children":667},[668,676,704,712,717,725],{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":669,"children":670},{},[671],{"type":408,"tag":265,"props":672,"children":673},{},[674],{"type":412,"value":675},"Nice routes",{"type":408,"tag":259,"props":677,"children":678},{},[679,684,689,694,699],{"type":408,"tag":262,"props":680,"children":681},{},[682],{"type":412,"value":683},"The Sous Valley is busy with cars and flat, try to avoid it.",{"type":408,"tag":262,"props":685,"children":686},{},[687],{"type":412,"value":688},"The part between Ouarzazate and Tinerhir is very busy with many coaches and it is a narrow road.",{"type":408,"tag":262,"props":690,"children":691},{},[692],{"type":412,"value":693},"The route from Ceuta in the far north through the Rif Mountains over Meknes, Fez and Beni-Mellal to Marrakech is easy to do; staying overnight in hotels en route is no problem.",{"type":408,"tag":262,"props":695,"children":696},{},[697],{"type":412,"value":698},"Last stretch of desert run to sand dunes at Merzouga is passable but poor signage, there are many tracks here that are barely distinguishable from the main route. An alternative is to take the new asphalt road from Risani, this takes a 15 km detour.",{"type":408,"tag":262,"props":700,"children":701},{},[702],{"type":412,"value":703},"The Atlas about is very beautiful. The Tizi N test is a very nice mountain pass to take with a long run-up and beautiful views",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":705,"children":706},{},[707],{"type":408,"tag":265,"props":708,"children":709},{},[710],{"type":412,"value":711},"Best time to cycle",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":713,"children":714},{},[715],{"type":412,"value":716},"In December to February there is a chance of snow in the Central and parts of the High Atlas and it is often very cold in the mornings. It is much more moderate along the coast in winter, when temperatures can rise to 25 degrees in the south. October to mid-May is the most suitable for cycling, along the coast all year round. The rest of the year it is very hot in the interior, with often exceptions in the mountain areas.",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":718,"children":719},{},[720],{"type":408,"tag":265,"props":721,"children":722},{},[723],{"type":412,"value":724},"Spare parts",{"type":408,"tag":178,"props":726,"children":727},{},[728],{"type":412,"value":729},"Spare parts are for sale but usually not of good quality. In Casablanca it is possible to find modern (Shimano) parts after a good search. The locals also say that Agadir is possible there, but don't count on it. It is recommended to bring your own. Workshops can be found in many villages and towns."]