- Ride remote and rugged mountain bike trails
- Immerse yourself in vast mountain scenery
- Ride through traditional Amazigh villages

Atlas Descent
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Reviews
Add your own reviewJust about as much fun as you can have on a bike :)
This was my first Exodus trip, so I’ll start by saying I’m very impressed with the organisation and customer support leading up to it. The trip itself was so much fun from start to finish. Maybe I lucked out, but the other 9 on the trip were a great bunch and we all got on really well throughout. The cycling itself started with a real bang with a 3 mile rocky (and a bit technical in places) descent that put a grin on my face that never left all week (well, maybe on some of the ascents it did wane a little…). I’d say it was about 50% descent, 20% “moroccan flat” and 30% ascent, so you do need to put some work in, and I confess that I took advantage of the support vehicle for 2 of the really long ascents. The views are stunning throughout and the Anti Atlas section (which was the majority) was pretty awe inspiring. We were over-fed throughout with snack and lunch stops, so never ran out of fuel or water, and any mechanicals were dealt with quickly and expertly by the support crew. The hotels were all comfortable and I particularly liked the end of the day ‘beer on the balcony’ moments in Tafroute watching the sun set over the mountains, and the meal in Immouzer was incredible.. The bikes were Cannondale 29ers and rolled well over everything – rocks, riverbeds, gritty pistes and tarmac. Some of the switchback descents went on forever (if I go to heaven….), and the final day run down to the sea (with a refreshing dip) was a fitting finale to an amazing week of riding.
Most Inspirational Moment
The varied landscapes of the Anti-Atlas, particularly around Tafroute, will stay with me forever - in fact I'm already plotting a return!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Abde and Hassan led the trip superbly. Special thanks to Hassan who patiently waited for me bringing up the rear on the uphill sections! The support crew were great too, particularly Hammou who fed us all so well!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
It's a very physical ride throughout with a lot of uphill, so get as fit as you can before you go! (I wish I had..). And don't take scottish banknotes to change into Dirhams - you might as well have monopoly money in Morocco!
Excellent trip, with spills and thrills!
I was new to mountain biking and saw that this trip was challenging, however, I foolishly assumed it meant physical only. It hadn’t really occurred to me that the biking itself might be technical (I know, naive!) The first two days saw we go over the top of my handlebars three times and it could be hairy at times but by day three, it was the descents were less rocky and I was getting a feel of the bike. My enthusiasm wasn’t dented though. Like others in the group we walked a few short challenging parts and cycled everything else and it was a lot of fun. The ascents (which is what I had assumed the Challenging related to before I went) were frequent enough to be great exercise and to not make it all a gravity based ride but not so frequent as to make it a slog. I enjoyed these ascents overall as they always give me a sense of achievement. We had 10 in the group which was a great number. Small enough to know everyone and big enough to have variety. Great people and all decent cyclists without any being killers! The guides were exceptional – kind, funny, warm, attentive and very professional. It was always a relief to arrive at lunch after a long ride and see their tale stacked with grub. A couple people were on the trip for the second time and whilst I doubt I would do any trip two times, I can see that this is one that would lend itself to this as it is more about the cycling and not visiting well-worn sites and places to but souvenirs you’ll never need! Great trip! Thank you everyone involved.
Most Inspirational Moment
Bonding with the group was my highlight. They were a great collection of well-travelled, intelligent and avid cyclists from whom I learned a lot and had fantastic conversations. Much of biking was quite similar (not in a bad way) and so there are no major standouts but I enjoyed it all.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Abde and Hassan were excellent. Intelligent, attentive, caring and inspiring in their fitness. They know their stuff!
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you are new to mountain biking, as I was, it ain't a stroll in the park but with a bit of caution as the better part of valour (and a willingness to fall!) you'll be OK.
Suggestions
Thank you. A terrific trip that reminded me, after a 8 year hiatus, why I enjoy Exodus trips.
Atlas Descent!
Excellent Adventure!
Amazing
My first trip with Exodus. Was a wonderful experience, great guides led by Adberrahim and Hassan, everything ran smoothly through punctures and break downs. The trip was really well worked out, fantastic views, different scenery, exhilarating fast descents and lug busting climbs (far more descents than climbs) A great week with a wonderful bunch of like minded people.
Most Inspirational Moment
Flying down a long 25km descent at break neck speeds!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wonderful, kind, friendly engaging and happy to answer any questions
Advice for Potential Travellers
just do it! don't eat Tagine for a while before!
Suggestions
coffee at lunch would have been the only thing to ask for
Awsome scenery
The tour take you through some amazing parts of Morocco. The support team were brilliant, sorting bikes and providing great snacks and lunches. Some of the trails were particularly challenging, perhaps more than the itinerary suggests. Be prepared to walk some sections!
Most Inspirational Moment
The scenery is amazing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Abde was a great leader, resolving issues for clients and inspiring his support team.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bike handling skills rather than pure fitness were the key to being first rather than last!
Suggestions
Some of the hotels were a bit 'tired', hotel in Ammelne was amazing. Immouzer had wonderful views but... Tiznit seen better days.
atlas descent - 12 march 2022
An unforgettable experience not for the faint hearted.
Exhilarating continuously due to the beauty of the environment, the challenge of the conditions and the terrain but terriftying at one or 2 points due to the rock falls.
The beuty is that each trip will evolve along with the changing environment, additional tarmac routes, rock falls …..If I ent back in October, it would probably be a very differnet experience and that is good.
It is not a descent, it is more down than up but there is a fair amount of on roand and off raod steep climbing.
Some of the descents were challenging to most memebers of the group which ranged from highly experienced and competent Mtb’s / road cyclists to people who were fit and resilient but did not cycle greatly.
I have only moutain biked for a year and not on such extreme terrain, I should have spent more time adjusting my bike /tyre pressures as we almost immediately had a very challenging descent over a partial rock fall.
I also asked for the brakes to be changed so the back brake was on the left and front on the right.
I do not feel the overview gives sufficient weight to preparation in terms of clothing, decdnt fitness and some mountain bike experience. The bikes we used were Cannondale 2 x chani wheels, not as reported.
I have undertaken many cycling trips and this is as memorable as any and given the proviso’s above, would have no hesitation in recommending it or going again in the future.
Most Inspirational Moment
Inspiration The variety of terrain and weather, the companiionship and resilience of the group, Hicham, Addul and the team, it sure was a challenge but NO ONE spent any time in the bus, we supported each other through it. Part of 1 days cycling had to be cancelled due to blizzards, Hicham managed to arrange an afternoon at the Berber museum with lovely food, music, tour by the resident, stories and total joy. To see all the mechanics singing and playing instruments in total happines sharing their culture with us after the difficulities of th day was very touching. A Hamamm was also an expeirence I wont forget and would recommend.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Hicham I could not fault Hicham. He responded professionally and with charm to the many unforeseen circumstances that are part and parcel of such a trip in the mountains, the vagaries of climate change and the altituude and isolation meaning we had snow blizzards, high winds ....and covid to add. There was a mix up with my transfer from the airport and after discussing the next day with him, he ensured I would be recompensed and ensured this did not reoccur. His knowledge and insight into the many cultures of Morocco and of his beloved Beber tradition gave a depth to the holiday, the cycling was great but was augmented by his rich, genuine insight. His knowledge of food and restaurants similarly so. He was a leader to his team and worked effortlessly with them to provide us with bikes each day even given the toughest of workouts. He was instrumental in ensuring the fitting of tubeless tryres to all bikes, this is vital to such tough / hard terrain / the rock fall..... without theses, we would havfe had numerous punctures and the trip may have been badly affected. Such a trip requires adaptability by all and snow blizzards but it also needs an experienced leader
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip will vary greatly depending on the tiime of year..... however the altitude and nature of the mountains will always provide a challenge. I was inexperienced in mountain biking and struggled at 1st given rock falls, tyre pressures and saddle a little high and set off too quickly, i had falls. However by the end of the holiday, I was loving it, at 1 with my bike, tyre pressures and saddle raised. I would advise taking a little time to get used to the bike, fork, tyres....saddle height etc and to check each day whetehr they need changing. You need to be quite fit to enjoy the many climbs and descents and the pounding the body does take, the extremes of temperature and terrain on our trip meant we had snow blizzards and high winds, changeable rain / but a lovely last 2 days of low 70 degree cycing. You truly need to come prepared for ANY weather.
Suggestions
I'm glad that such trips exit still. We spend too much time examining health and safety / controlling everything we can..... This trip was barmy at times but all the better for it. I shook my head a few times but always ended with a huge smile on my face. You need to be prepared for anything and adaptable I like a nice and easy cycle and luvly food with the best of them, this is not that, it is much, much more GO for it.
Fabulous mountain biking experience
We have done several cycle trips with Exodus but this was our first mountain biking trip. It was fantastic in so many ways. Hicham and Abderrahin were perfect guides and really made the trip wonderful. We had challenging weather for a couple of days and Hicham arranged for us to visit a traditional Berber House which was fascinating and I hope this will be included in future trips. The biking was challenging and technical in places but that is the nature of mountain biking! The views were spectacular and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute!
Most Inspirational Moment
There were too many to isolate just one! The Blue Rocks in the desert were really unusual, the visit the the Berber House was fascinating and every day we had different but equally spectacular views and exhilarating biking …. all days were inspirational in their own way.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Hicham was wonderful. He was calm, knowledgeable, friendly and always made you feel well looked after. He and Abderrahin went out of their way to make sure we had a great holiday. I unfortunately had a tumble that required a visit to hospital for a few stitches and he handled the incident in such a way that made me feel totally at ease and I could totally trust him. Thankfully all was dealt with efficiently and I was back in the saddle the next day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is a fantastic trip but you definitely require some experience of rough mountain terrain and a reasonable level of fitness. The country is beautiful, the accommodation was great, especially the Riad in Tiznit and the food was mostly delicious - in particular the lunches and snacks provided by the support crew.
Suggestions
Come prepared for all weather! We had 4 seasons in a week! One day it was baking hot in the desert and the next day we had to cancel biking due to blizzard conditions!!
Atlas descent March 2022
Despite some inclement weather I had a really good time in Morocco. The people, places and activities were all amazing. The cycling was very varied with tarmac as well as off-road and single track and always with the picturesque backdrop of mountain scenery. Be warned though, despite the trip being named Atlas Descent, there is a fair amount of lung busting uphill to get through as well. The reward for getting to the top … you get to enjoy the blast back down again! I saw goats, gazelles, camels, working donkeys as well as endless dogs resting in the shade. Each day was different in terms of scenery, riding, landscapes and points of interest. On the bad weather day (literally blizzards, snow and ice) we instead visited a historic Berber house and Hammam steam bath – both were excellent. Food throughout was excellent and the hotels were good. Organisation and running of the trip was excellent. This was my first time traveling with Exodus and, on the basis of this trip, I will certainly do so again.
Most Inspirational Moment
Getting to the top! Blasting back down. Learning about Morocco from the trip leader and guides. Having a Hammam steam bath. Buying a rug. Meeting amazing fellow travelers. Being welcomed everywhere with mint tea. Exploring Berber culture. Plunging into the Atlantic waves on the final day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent. Hicham and his team were truly magnificent!
Advice for Potential Travellers
I read the trip notes about colder weather but did not take them seriously enough ... Morocco, desert, sand, hot ...?. I only took shorts but wished I had more to keep my legs warm on some days. Plan accordingly. A bit of off-road experience necessary. The first day went straight into an off-road rocky downhill.
Marokko landscapes
Very nice trip to see a lot of different landscapes. From a moon like view to a Oasis with palm trees. Some nice hotels and good food.
The cycling is a lot of downhill with sometimes a nice climb.
Most Inspirational Moment
The different scenery's.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good, always willing to help.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Some experience with a mountainbike is recommended. Personally I think that a full suspension bike would be better for this trip than the rental hardtail bike.
Never gets old
12 years from first doing the Atlas descent in 2007 I am embarked for a third journey on this wonderful expedition. The variety of scenery and landscapes combined with the off-road journey makes this a wonderful trip
Most Inspirational Moment
It’s difficult to pick out the most inspirational part of the trip. I saw several, however the group gelling and working together and helping everybody out along with the tour leader and drivers is always a very special experience. Some of the climbs are very challenging and I am not the fastest uphill so completing them is always something which I’d like to remember!
Thoughts on Group Leader
This was the first time I had a local group leader on a cycling trip in Morocco. Abdu did a great job and was always very conscientious to ensure he did his best, culturally he may not have some of the more strident behaviours needed. However I did speak to him and give him some advice on how he Could change his own personal style which I think he was grateful for
Advice for Potential Travellers
Ensure you pack the correct clothing and footwear! You will need to do some training and have off-road experience
Suggestions
I think I’m already planning for my fourth MMA – Atlas descent
Start
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Saturday Saturday
13 Apr 2024 13 Apr 2024
Saturday Saturday
20 Apr 2024 20 Apr 2024
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View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Oct 2024 05 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
12 Oct 2024 12 Oct 2024
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Optional Single Supplement +£ 180
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View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
12 Oct 2024 12 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
19 Oct 2024 19 Oct 2024
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Adult Price From £ 1,499 £ 2,149 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 180
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View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
09 Nov 2024 09 Nov 2024
Saturday Saturday
16 Nov 2024 16 Nov 2024
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Optional Single Supplement +£ 180
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View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
23 Nov 2024 23 Nov 2024
Saturday Saturday
30 Nov 2024 30 Nov 2024
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Adult Price From £ 1,499 £ 1,949 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 180
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
21 Dec 2024 21 Dec 2024
Saturday Saturday
28 Dec 2024 28 Dec 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 1,499 £ 2,149 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 180
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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