Forget about enjoying the scenery, there just isn't time. The mountains were stunning, but I... Alan Thompson, 2018 See more reviews
The last week of March 2018, I met with 10 other cyclists and 2 Exodus cyclists. ... S H, 2018 See more reviews
A fantastic way of getting to know Morocco from a saddle. The holiday was far better than... Ania Sroka, 2017 See more reviews
A great mountain biking trip, nothing too technical but loads of fun ups and downs. The scenery... Sarah Walker, 2017 See more reviews
Good mixture of cycling - predominantly off road on double width tracks, some smooth, some not so... Robert Oakeshott, 2016 See more reviews
The Atlas descent is all 'ups'. Up the heart rate, up the adrenaline and up the... Jacquelyn Newman, 2016 See more reviews
My third cycling trip with Exodus in Morocco, this MMA trip was to some of the same regions as... Richard Relf, 2015 See more reviews
This trip has something for everybody, Everyday offers something different. Breath taking views... Anonymous, 2015 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all Day 1 Fly to Agadir; transfer to hotel. Fly to Agadir, transfer to our hotel. Depending on arrival time we can go for a wander around the town, spend some time relaxing by the hotel pool or take a walk down to the beach which is just 5 minutes from the hotel. In the evening we will be met by our tour leader and will have a trip briefing over dinner. Hotel Aferni or similar – Agadir Day 2 Transfer to Tafraoute in the heart of the Anti Atlas Mountains. Introductory ride through a lunar landscape, passing the famous painted Blue Rocks. Setting off from Agadir in our four wheel drive vehicles, we drive across the plains of the Souss Valley. We climb into the heart of the Anti Atlas range, reaching the high mountain Pass of Tizi Mlil, above the old garrison town of Tafraoute (3 hour transfer). From here we get on our bikes and descend on a rocky, vehicle width track down to Aguerd Oudad where we meet the vehicles before heading on to the gritty pistes through the extraordinary boulder strewn moonscape to the famous painted blue rocks. Following non technical gravel tracks across the high altitude plains we return to Tafraoute on a mix of good tarmac and sections of sweeping singletrack through the beautiful palmeries. Today's ride is a relatively easy introduction to prepare us for the days to come. Hotel Les Ammandiers or similar – Tafraoute Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Spectacular ride through impressive gorges and lush palmeries around Ait Mansour. A rough and rocky day with 35km descent and optional tarmac climb towards the end. Today's ride follows a spectacular route through impressive gorges and lush palmeries around Ait Mansour. After a short transfer high into the mountains behind Tafraoute to Tizi Tasrite, we begin our 75km ride descending through the landscape that contrasts so dramatically with what we saw yesterday. The scenery is breathtaking as the ride descends through impressive gorges, following dry river beds in places and passing through small berber villages. 25km is off road and 50km is on tarmac, including some massive downhill sections (and one long optional climb on tarmac) we return to the hotel on bikes. Back in Tafraoute we can relax by the hotel bar and pool or go for a walk into town where we can visit a local carpet shop before dinner at the hotel. Hotel Les Ammandiers or similar – Tafraoute Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Transfer to Tizi Mlil Pass for an exhilarating descent and a great ride back to Tafraout. A short transfer takes us back to the high pass of Tizi Mlil (start of day 2 ride). From here we take a 20km high mountain trail above Tafraoute leading to Tizi Tasrite. Stunning views of our previous ride are clearly visible far below. Before the village of Tasrite there is a short optional single track section which leads onto the start of a superb 10km switchback off road descent. The first 4km of the trail are rough and rocky (and ridden without a support vehicle), then the trail gets smoother and the flowing gritty pistes return. After lunch we take a short section of tarmac to the village of Fisli and then ride on an old piste over the plains back to Tafraoute where we re join our single track through palmeries back to the hotel. Once back in Tafraoute there will be time to visit the town or relax by the hotel pool. Hotel Les Ammandiers or similar – Tafraoute Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Ride down to the old walled town of Tiznit. Optional visit to silver markets and traditional Hamman. We drive for about an hour southwest from Tafraoute to the start of today’s ride. After a short off road climb to a high col, there is a choice of a steep technical singletrack descent (followed by a short climb), or a more leisurely piste trail with stunning views. We then take a superb switchback piste trail, nearly 20km down off the mountain and pass a number of traditional villages en route to Anezi. A short tarmac stretch offers a break from the stony terrain, but the piste soon returns winding its way through a scenic valley and crossing riverbeds. At the end of the ride, we transfer approx 30 minutes to Tiznit, an old walled medina town famous for its silver markets. There is a traditional hammam (steam bath) here that we can visit in the late afternoon, explore the town or you can relax by the hotel pool. Hotel Idou Tiznit or similar – Tiznit Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Drive into High Atlas Mountains where the landscape is very different; ride through pine forests and mountain villages of the Tiqqi Gorge to Imouzzer. After an early breakfast and morning transfer (approx. 3.5 hours) we arrive at the small village of Tiqqi in the foothills of the High Atlas. The landscape here is very different, with pine and cedar forests and remote mountainside villages dominating the area. Initially, our track leads past several untouched Berber villages. Mud houses are perched precariously under cliff edges, with locals looking on as we cycle through. After lunch the track becomes slightly rockier as we come to a spectacular gorge, there is time to admire the views and contemplate the two afternoon climbs, before our final fast flowing cross-country ride down to tarmac. Rejoining the tarmac we cycle downhill for the last few kilometres to our hotel in Immouzer. Hotel Les Cascades or similar – Immouzer Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 The ultimate off road finale, through remote villages down to the Atlantic Ocean for a swim; drive to Agadir. The ultimate off road trail and a fitting finale to this biking adventure! Riding directly from the hotel, we take the short scenic tarmac road through the village of Immouzer, before ascending a rough track which gradually climbs for 6km onto a high mountain pass. From here the blast down to the coast begins with a spectacular 40km mountain descent. The trail is rough and rocky in places as it contours and gradually descends, offering amazing views over the mountains and to the coastline. Poor weather may make this particular route impassable, in which case we will make our way out of the mountains through the Paradise Valley. This route follows a spectacular winding tarmac road, dropping from the ridges around Immouzer, deep into a narrow gorge, abundant with palm trees and small oases. After a swim or stroll on the beach, we load the bikes onto the support vehicles for the last drive into Agadir (approx. 30 minutes), arriving in time for an optional, relaxing berber massage and a farewell dinner. Hotel Aferni or similar– Agadir Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 8 Transfer to airport, fly to London. After breakfast the trip ends in Agadir. Meals included: Breakfast
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Hotels We stay in a good selection of well-located hotels, all of which are lavishly decorated in traditional Moroccan style. We spend three nights in Tafraoute; our hotel has a well-stocked bar and a swimming pool on the terrace with fantastic views over the Anti Atlas Mountains.
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Reviewed April 2018 Alan Thompson Trip: Atlas Descent Atlas Descent Forget about enjoying the scenery, there just isn't time. The mountains were stunning, but I couldn't observe a lot until the rest stops. The downhill biking was run at an incredible pace and probably surprised most of us at what we tackled and achieved. The Exodus guys were prepared to go at a pace with which we could all cope and that was amazingly fast. l think I'm still high on adrenaline. There was quite a range of biking confidence and styles but I'm pretty sure everyone had a great time. Radu and John couldn't have done a better job of looking after us, our welfare, our safety and the bikes. My only issue, and that of my fellow travellers, Exodus don't appear to do any more trips quite as good as this. Take you life in your hands, get on the bike and go for it, you won't regret it. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Day 3 a 20k downhill in the most rugged terrain, and at the lunch stop, the overwhelming feeling of what we had achieved. What did you think of your group leader? Great - see note above Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't hesitate, sign up now Is there anything else you would like to add? The accommodation was very good but perhaps the room quality could be better in the first hotel in the mountains
Reviewed April 2018 S H Trip: Atlas Descent Absolutely Brilliant! The last week of March 2018, I met with 10 other cyclists and 2 Exodus cyclists. Weather was great all week. Mountain biking was just that - real mountains, middle of nowhere, old rocky tracks; most just about capable of 4x4 - which is just as well as we had two Toyota Landcruisers as back up along with a transit minibus leapfrogging. Day 1 - Straight into a long and exciting descent - a real test of skill set - shale surface to huge rocks, all just about manageable by all of us. Excellent - Exodus guides and back up drivers Good - Hotels and food - as described in brochure/web - cleanliness with food handling a major factor throughout Excellent - choice of routes, camaraderie, bikes, excitement, social evenings, views and natural scenery. Excellent - leadership and cycling knowledge by both guides; both at the very top of MTB cycling but not bragging or showing off. Really mature characters. Climbing - yes there was plenty of uphill cycling - if you wanted to - there was always a choice of a back up vehicle if you didn’t fancy a particular climb. All aspects were clearly explained - the distance of the climb, the steepness and the choice of cycle or not. Never an issue at all. Other positives - evening meals, small cycle challenges (ride on the blue rocks, ride a single v steep rock) It was such great cycling that I’m going to return - not something I normally would consider. It was a truly exciting, seat of the pants, on the edge cycling experience. By the way - everyone was tucked up in bed before 2230 - happily worn out! Well done Rad and John. Stuart What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? . What did you think of your group leader? . Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Plenty of factor 50 Is there anything else you would like to add? .
Reviewed March 2017 Emma Dart Trip: Atlas Descent Fantastic Trip Plenty of uphills in this Atlas Descent!! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Being immersed in the hugely diverse scenery which changed daily from red rock sandstone to barren mountains to lush palm oases to alpine meadow. What did you think of your group leader? Jon was excellent; unflappable, organised, hardworking, always going the extra mile, down to earth, approachable, knowledgeable and spending time with each member of the group. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We went on the trip in February and were glad of our layers, thermals and waterproofs!! It rained some days and the temperature felt near zero at some of the higher altitudes. Some of the sections were muddy and some of the descents / ascents were fairly technical, some parts were similar to red graded UK trails. The bikes all seemed to be tubeless and were very well maintained. None of the group had a puncture so we wouldn't have bothered bringing spare inner tubes in hindsight. We did bring bags with platypus type bladders but in hindsight bottles are better because you can then leave your bag in the jeep. Is there anything else you would like to add? Try to visit the souk in Agadir, sights / sounds / smells were amazing. Also don't miss the walk to the Cascades in Immouzer.
Reviewed January 2017 Ania Sroka Trip: Atlas Descent Atlas Descent A fantastic way of getting to know Morocco from a saddle. The holiday was far better than anticipated and has reignited my sense of adventure. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Retracing routes that in some cases have been used for years. Feeling the support of everyone both guides, drivers and fellow holiday goers. Feeling part of a great team. Feeling included regardless of ability or age. What did you think of your group leader? Radu was wonderful and I loved the fact that he was sooooooo patient and answered most of my very curious questions with enthusiasm. John was such a support both on and off the bike. Both guides filled the holiday with fun and laughs. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you have a solid pair of cycling shorts that can withstand all sorts of cycling both on and off road. Some people used buffs to cover their faces especially on the off road downhill sections as it could get quite dusty. Be prepared to get a couple of bruises preferably on the bike. Is there anything else you would like to add? I loved the holiday and the atmosphere was great. I thought that we would all be spread out and never see each other because we all had different abilities. As it happened, everyone was supportive of everyone else which made the holiday for me.
Reviewed January 2017 Sarah Walker Trip: Atlas Descent Great trip with stunning mountain views A great mountain biking trip, nothing too technical but loads of fun ups and downs. The scenery is just epic, huge mountains as far as you can see. Combined with blue skies and great guiding a perfect new year start! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The variety of inspiring scenery we cycled through - all in the middle of nowhere. And amazing stars at night. What did you think of your group leader? Great Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't forget to change money back before you go through passport control on your way home.
Reviewed January 2017 Keith Hunt Trip: Atlas Descent atlas descent Great trip Challenging off road cycling with great scenery. Pretty basic accommodation much of the time. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The fantastic scenery in the Atlas mountains. What did you think of your group leader? Radu was excellent. Always thinking ahead,He had great attention to detail and understanding of the preferences of the individual group members. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It is very cold in the mountains so bring enough warm clothes - the sort of things you'd wear cycling on a winters day in the UK.
Reviewed October 2016 Robert Oakeshott Trip: Atlas Descent Morocco in the sun Good mixture of cycling - predominantly off road on double width tracks, some smooth, some not so much. A little bit of fun single track from time to time. Average may be descent, but a good bit of climbing in there too for those of us who enjoy it. Lots of long stretches of cycling between stops to make sure everyone is going the right way. Lots of great views over the landscape. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Cross country stretch back towards Tafraoute crossing river beds with hardly any sign of the old piste to be found. What did you think of your group leader? Liz is a really good leader - second to none at making sure everyone knows what the plan is. Both Liz and our second leader Jon did a tireless job keeping the bikes in order. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Come with electrolyte tablets or similar: it may be hot. Come soon before someone tarmacs a piste you would rather they had left alone.
Reviewed February 2016 Jacquelyn Newman Trip: Atlas Descent Great biking on the Atlas Descent The Atlas descent is all 'ups'. Up the heart rate, up the adrenaline and up the enjoyment. A technical mountain bike trip with rocky ascents and descents, some fast switch back trails and lots of interesting undulations. Exodus have not wimped out by reducing the the risk factors, this is proper mountain biking. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Highlights for were the fast long descents through valleys and gorges, having to stay totally focused as well as managing some of the rockier ascents. I was totally in awe of those who completed the 10k climb on day 2 with a strong headwind (I opted for the support vehicle). What did you think of your group leader? Having been on many group trips around the world, I have to say that Rad was the best tour leader I have ever experienced. He was so cheerful and skilful - he made the job look easy, which I know it isn't. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get some mileage in before the trip and practice those technical skills on rocky ground! I also took a gel seat cover (along with the padded shorts) made a huge difference on the last couple of days. Is there anything else you would like to add? The bikes provided were excellent, 29ers with tubeless tyres - no punctures all week!
Reviewed December 2015 Richard Relf Trip: Atlas Descent Atlas Decent in November My third cycling trip with Exodus in Morocco, this MMA trip was to some of the same regions as the MMI road trip last year - this time with near-perfect weather and conditions - to experience the villages, rocks, people, rocks, food, rocks, and stunning views of the region and sand, cacti and rocks. The title of the trip is not the entire story; there is a little climbing to do, and although Strava with a phone is prone to exaggeration, it recorded 5km of ascent over the six days. The trip marks out the difference between Jebel Sahro's "Off Road" and this trip's "Mountain Biking". I suspect it requires a similar level of fitness but prepare for, learn and enjoy more technical riding. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It was the good following the not-so-good. Having bounced onto a rock (did I mention there are a few there?) on a decent on the third day I wisely, I think, and for the first time on any trip, took a ride in the support vehicle to the next village. The inspirational moment was, having ridden down the remainder of the trail, found myself, with others in the group, sporting one of those unstoppable grins that you get after skiing down a fast long snowy piste. What did you think of your group leader? Excellent. Tirelessly maintaining bikes; fixing punctures in flesh and egos and tyres (is there no alternative to conventional pneumatic tyres on this punishing terrain?) and always giving guidance and advice about the next section of dried-up riverbed to be ridden. Liz often gave the opportunity to push a bit harder and was disappointed, I think, that none in the group - even the resident triathlete - was prepared to get up the extra hour and a half earlier to climb the 600m to the start of the day's ride! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? When it gets technical and/or steep and/or there's a sheer drop then do concentrate, but otherwise, don't forget to look around and enjoy both the views and just being there - it's too easy to focus down to the track ahead. None of the group took their own bike. The 29" wheel Genesis hardtails have seen a lot of trail but are well maintained- the advantage being that the bike is well maintained for you and don't have to take any spares. I'd recommend taking SPD equivalents and shoes, though in one or two runs with near shear drops you might want to unclip. . I booked an extra couple of nights stay in the Hotel that Exodus use in Agadir. It's very cheap and in my case, still included the airport transfer. With the weather as it was (unbroken sun, 24degC late November) I should have stayed the week! If you're into cycling ;-) you can hire bikes locally (see the hotel notice board) and cycle up into the local hills, or to the bars and restaurants in the marina. Is there anything else you would like to add? Beer available every night - but rather perhaps double the price in Imouzzer - you're on holiday: who cares! Thinking of buying a rug? You'll have the opportunity, so pack accordingly if you want to carry it home and measure up before you leave home. I bought and carried a small rug in my suitcase; chuffed with it. Know the Euro - Dirham exchange rate and bargain hard and keep smiling! Wifi every night except Thursday (!horror!)
Reviewed November 2015 Anonymous Trip: Atlas Descent Atlas Descent - excellent This trip has something for everybody, Everyday offers something different. Breath taking views for photos, no shortage of donkeys, cattle and local shepherds, friendly locals, you'll pass through some beautiful villages, for those who like a few hills there are a few sneaky challenging climbs, the most amazing descents I personally have every enjoyed, Tagines, Kebabs and no shortage of beer. By the time you've finished you'll be glad to dive straight into the ocean at Agadir on your return. Totally recommended, you won't regret it - Great Value for Money ! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Breath taking views on the final day for the Atlas descent, with far off views of the sea as we travelled through the lush green trees in the mountains tops as we cycled down 40kms along the mountain trails. Fabulous and memorable ! What did you think of your group leader? The leader of the group was excellent, good fun and well organised. Always working hard to make sure your bike was in top working order. He looked after us throughout the entire trip and worked with great energy and enthusiasm every day . He talked us through each part of the route, gave me some excellent tips to improve my cycling technique. Regular stops and snack breaks. Any problems with hotels, food etc he sorted out in a flash. Had a real and genuine passion for cycling which made everything some much fun. Brilliant cyclist ! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? My advice would be think about SPD pedals if you aren't that familiar with mountain biking, at least for the first few days if you need to get familiar with the bike. Bring plenty of fresh cycling gear and keep the evening gear to just a few items, but include a fleece or jumper. It can get a bit chilly sometimes so bring a gillet or very thin jacket, but things quickly warm up quickly so plenty of strong sun cream. Personally I didn't need a camelback as there were plenty of stops for water and snack breaks, don't forget your water bottle. I brought a small saddle bag to carry a few items with me. You'll need a combination of decent- ish level of fitness without having to be a fitness fanatic, be comfortable on a bike, have head for heights and sometimes you might need be open to a few challenges as you tackle a few rocky parts of the decent. If you have a small camera, that you can slide in your pocket then bring that. If you are a starva fan then don't forget your mobile phone, and a plastic cover or bag for protection. Gloves are essential. Don't be afraid to bring the lycra although not always recommended in a few areas. Seems more hassle than its worth to bring your own bike, the Genesis Bikes were great. Decent Helmet, if you are like me you might fall off and its better to be safe. If like me, you are a road cyclist and are in two minds about a mountain bike holiday I would say don't hesitate. There are plenty of hills were you can leave the mountain bikers behind as well as certain stretches covered by road. The mountain biking will improve your bike handling skills, as well as improve your fitness as you power your way up some challenging rocky up hill climbs. Its all worth if for the stunning descent ! Is there anything else you would like to add? I was in two minds before booking - looking back now, I don't know why it was a truly memorable and thoroughly enjoyable trip.