Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains offer a spectacular setting for this cycling challenge. Beginning in bustling Marrakech, the route travels 220kms over a mixture of dirt and paved roads and steep inclines into the heart of this remote and culturally detached region.
8 days | Morocco | Challenging
What to expect
What you will do
Ways to pay
All you need to know
This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.
There will be an English-speaking challenge leader who will be responsible for the logistics and co-ordination of your challenge. There will also be numerous local support guides and staff to assist them. The challenge leader will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.
There will be an English-speaking challenge leader who will be responsible for the logistics and co-ordination of your challenge. There will also be numerous local support guides and staff to assist them. The challenge leader will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
Full back-up support (by 4WD vehicles) will be close by and can be brought in should there be an emergency, or if you need to stop for any reason. The challenge is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s cycling abilities. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that no one is left behind and can take things at your own pace.
Full back-up support (by 4WD vehicles) will be close by and can be brought in should there be an emergency, or if you need to stop for any reason. The challenge is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s cycling abilities. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that no one is left behind and can take things at your own pace.
WiFi and mobile phone reception will be available at the hotel in Marrakech. There is Wi-Fi at the guesthouses while on the challenge but it might not be very reliable. Mobile signal is possible in the Atlas Mountains.
WiFi and mobile phone reception will be available at the hotel in Marrakech. There is Wi-Fi at the guesthouses while on the challenge but it might not be very reliable. Mobile signal is possible in the Atlas Mountains.
Currency: The national currency is the Dirham, which is divided into 100 centimes.
For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com.
Currency regulations: The Dirham is officially designated as a closed currency meaning it can only be traded within Morocco; however, Dirhams are being sold and bought in travel agencies and at major airports in several countries (notably the UK). The import and export of the currency is tolerated up to a limit of 1000DH. Currency purchased during a visit to Morocco should be converted back before departing the country, with the exception of the 1000Dh level.
ATMs: There are ATMs available at the airport and near to the hotel in Marrakech. This is the best source of obtaining currency whilst you are in Morocco.
Credit Cards: Although you should bring one in case of emergencies, we do not recommend you rely on a credit card in the rural area of your challenge.
How much to bring: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip as most expenses are covered. However, approximately £200 is recommended for gifts, souvenirs, alcohol & tipping. GBP, Euros and US$ can all be exchanged on arrival.
Tipping: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. £12 per person per challenge day and this should be given to the challenge leader who will distribute it evenly among the support team, cook, drivers & accomodation.
Currency: The national currency is the Dirham, which is divided into 100 centimes.
For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com.
Currency regulations: The Dirham is officially designated as a closed currency meaning it can only be traded within Morocco; however, Dirhams are being sold and bought in travel agencies and at major airports in several countries (notably the UK). The import and export of the currency is tolerated up to a limit of 1000DH. Currency purchased during a visit to Morocco should be converted back before departing the country, with the exception of the 1000Dh level.
ATMs: There are ATMs available at the airport and near to the hotel in Marrakech. This is the best source of obtaining currency whilst you are in Morocco.
Credit Cards: Although you should bring one in case of emergencies, we do not recommend you rely on a credit card in the rural area of your challenge.
How much to bring: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip as most expenses are covered. However, approximately £200 is recommended for gifts, souvenirs, alcohol & tipping. GBP, Euros and US$ can all be exchanged on arrival.
Tipping: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. £12 per person per challenge day and this should be given to the challenge leader who will distribute it evenly among the support team, cook, drivers & accomodation.
You will be served a variety of Moroccan food. All meals are healthy and nourishing. Lunches will be either in the form of light snacks suitable for biking, or picnics. There will be plenty of food to satisfy hungry appetites, but please let Charity Challenge know if you have any specific dietary requirements.
NB. You will only be expected to carry water & any essentials you would carry on a day ride – our support team will take care of the rest of your luggage.
You will be served a variety of Moroccan food. All meals are healthy and nourishing. Lunches will be either in the form of light snacks suitable for biking, or picnics. There will be plenty of food to satisfy hungry appetites, but please let Charity Challenge know if you have any specific dietary requirements.
NB. You will only be expected to carry water & any essentials you would carry on a day ride – our support team will take care of the rest of your luggage.
Accommodation
During the challenge you will be staying in village guesthouses, some with en-suite rooms and some with shared toilets/shower facilities. You will be in a centrally located hotel in Marrakech.
If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with please ensure that you note this where appropriate when booking or email challenges@charitychallenge.com.
Toilets
During the actual cycling day, you will have to make use of the bushes, trees and rocks for privacy if you are not close to villages for public toilets. Please ensure you have a supply of nappy bags/ziplock bags to dispose of used toilet roll, as well as wet wipes and hand sanitiser. During the challenge you will be staying in village guesthouses, with shared toilets/shower facilities. You will be in a centrally located hotel in Marrakech with western style toilets.
Accommodation
During the challenge you will be staying in village guesthouses, some with en-suite rooms and some with shared toilets/shower facilities. You will be in a centrally located hotel in Marrakech.
If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with please ensure that you note this where appropriate when booking or email challenges@charitychallenge.com.
Toilets
During the actual cycling day, you will have to make use of the bushes, trees and rocks for privacy if you are not close to villages for public toilets. Please ensure you have a supply of nappy bags/ziplock bags to dispose of used toilet roll, as well as wet wipes and hand sanitiser. During the challenge you will be staying in village guesthouses, with shared toilets/shower facilities. You will be in a centrally located hotel in Marrakech with western style toilets.
The mountain bikes that we use are Cannondale Hard Trail 4 & 5. They are available in XS, S, M, L and XL and you will have plenty of time to select the right bike for you and make all the adjustments you need. They will come fully equipped with off-road tyres (29" and 27.5"). All bikes have disc brakes and come with water bottle holders. There is a possibility to fit your own pedals and you may bring your own saddle if you wish. We have plenty of spares and our helpful mechanics are on hand at all times to help with repairs or adjustments. If you would like further information on the bikes, please contact challenges@charitychallenge.com.
The mountain bikes that we use are Cannondale Hard Trail 4 & 5. They are available in XS, S, M, L and XL and you will have plenty of time to select the right bike for you and make all the adjustments you need. They will come fully equipped with off-road tyres (29" and 27.5"). All bikes have disc brakes and come with water bottle holders. There is a possibility to fit your own pedals and you may bring your own saddle if you wish. We have plenty of spares and our helpful mechanics are on hand at all times to help with repairs or adjustments. If you would like further information on the bikes, please contact challenges@charitychallenge.com.
Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For your cycle challenge, padded cycling shorts and comfortable footwear are essential, and helmets are compulsory throughout. Training with your cycling shorts is definitely advised! You can bring equipment like clip-in pedals or a gel seat, if desired, in order to adapt your bike in country, and we would also recommend technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. A full kit list for this challenge can be found in your account area and once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners The Outdoor Shop, Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.
Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For your cycle challenge, padded cycling shorts and comfortable footwear are essential, and helmets are compulsory throughout. Training with your cycling shorts is definitely advised! You can bring equipment like clip-in pedals or a gel seat, if desired, in order to adapt your bike in country, and we would also recommend technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. A full kit list for this challenge can be found in your account area and once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners The Outdoor Shop, Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.
Each group is intended to be a minimum of 21 people in order to run and a maximum of approximately 30 people due to the wilderness environment in which the challenge takes place.
Each group is intended to be a minimum of 21 people in order to run and a maximum of approximately 30 people due to the wilderness environment in which the challenge takes place.
The High Atlas Mountain Bike Ride is graded as Challenging and as such it is suitable for participants who have previously done some long distance cycling but who want to get out of their comfort zone, and challenge themselves. A good level of training is strongly advised to take part in this challenge. During your High Atlas Mountain Bike challenge you will be:
The High Atlas Mountain Bike Ride is graded as Challenging and as such it is suitable for participants who have previously done some long distance cycling but who want to get out of their comfort zone, and challenge themselves. A good level of training is strongly advised to take part in this challenge. During your High Atlas Mountain Bike challenge you will be:
Try to keep luggage to an absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your kit list. Your rucksack/duffel bag (suitcases are not appropriate) must not exceed the maximum weight limit of the airline you are flying with (usually 20kg, however do check this with the airline or contact our flights team if in doubt).
Each day when you begin to ride, your main bag will be transported to the next nights accomdation. You will only need to have a daybag, handle bar bag or bum bag with you during the day and you will be able to access your day pack at rest stops.
While we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times.
Try to keep luggage to an absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your kit list. Your rucksack/duffel bag (suitcases are not appropriate) must not exceed the maximum weight limit of the airline you are flying with (usually 20kg, however do check this with the airline or contact our flights team if in doubt).
Each day when you begin to ride, your main bag will be transported to the next nights accomdation. You will only need to have a daybag, handle bar bag or bum bag with you during the day and you will be able to access your day pack at rest stops.
While we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times.
Training and fitness is definitely required. It is important that you work specifically on your stamina, leg and joint strength, core and balance in order to get as much out of the challenge as possible. You will be cycling everyday on varied terrain so get out on your bike as often as you can! You need to be able to sustain around 4-7 hours of cycling for 5 continuous days, so if you can then replicating this over a weekend would be fantastic training. In your Charity Challenge account you will find more comprehensive Fitness Training Notes. You can also look to join one of our training weekends.
Training and fitness is definitely required. It is important that you work specifically on your stamina, leg and joint strength, core and balance in order to get as much out of the challenge as possible. You will be cycling everyday on varied terrain so get out on your bike as often as you can! You need to be able to sustain around 4-7 hours of cycling for 5 continuous days, so if you can then replicating this over a weekend would be fantastic training. In your Charity Challenge account you will find more comprehensive Fitness Training Notes. You can also look to join one of our training weekends.
Climate
Early mornings will immediately warm as soon as the sun rises, and the days will be warm and bright around 10°C - 18°C. As soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops radically and is often well below zero degrees. It is good practice to always pack for all weathers, but in general your challenge should be warm and dry, with cold evenings. In the valleys the temperatures will be warmer but as soon as you start climbing you will feel the temperature drop and the breeze pick up.
Terrain
The challenge is a combination of dusty, dirt roads and paved roads.
Climate
Early mornings will immediately warm as soon as the sun rises, and the days will be warm and bright around 10°C - 18°C. As soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops radically and is often well below zero degrees. It is good practice to always pack for all weathers, but in general your challenge should be warm and dry, with cold evenings. In the valleys the temperatures will be warmer but as soon as you start climbing you will feel the temperature drop and the breeze pick up.
Terrain
The challenge is a combination of dusty, dirt roads and paved roads.
For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro page.
Charity Challenge are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your GP may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting, and as such it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.
Medication
N.B. Some medications are banned abroad so please check. You can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad
For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro page.
Charity Challenge are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your GP may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting, and as such it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.
Medication
N.B. Some medications are banned abroad so please check. You can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad
Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenges is our main concern which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy that will cover you for the adventurous nature of your challenge. We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities. Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge. Full details including costs may be found by clicking here.
For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.
Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenges is our main concern which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy that will cover you for the adventurous nature of your challenge. We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities. Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge. Full details including costs may be found by clicking here.
For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.
For UK passport holders a full passport is required but no visa. You must have at least six months to run on your passport from the end of the challenge. Ensure your passport is stamped on arrival. Non UK passport holders should consult their nearest Moroccan embassy regarding visa requirements.
For UK passport holders a full passport is required but no visa. You must have at least six months to run on your passport from the end of the challenge. Ensure your passport is stamped on arrival. Non UK passport holders should consult their nearest Moroccan embassy regarding visa requirements.
You will be flying from London to Marrakech and returning via the same route. Your flight tickets will be e-mailed to you before departure. If you choose to book your own flights you must confirm with the Flights Team before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance).
You will be flying from London to Marrakech and returning via the same route. Your flight tickets will be e-mailed to you before departure. If you choose to book your own flights you must confirm with the Flights Team before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance).
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £500,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the projects that we currently support.
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £500,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the projects that we currently support.
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. In a nutshell, Our Challenge Safe brand formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount!
In terms of your High Atlas Mountain Bike Challenge, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. In a nutshell, Our Challenge Safe brand formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount!
In terms of your High Atlas Mountain Bike Challenge, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
You will wake early (around sunrise), in time for a hearty breakfast. Cycling days will last between 4-8 hours, including breaks and snacks. You will have a leisurely, longer break for lunch around noon (picnic or cooked lunches will be provided). You will arrive at your accommodation each day before sunset.
You will wake early (around sunrise), in time for a hearty breakfast. Cycling days will last between 4-8 hours, including breaks and snacks. You will have a leisurely, longer break for lunch around noon (picnic or cooked lunches will be provided). You will arrive at your accommodation each day before sunset.
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We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6546. Many of the flight-inclusive challenges on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This ATOL protection only covers challenges that include flights booked by Charity Challenge and that originate in the UK. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate
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