Ride the African continent

We’ve been fortunate to ride many countries around the globe and another one that we recently added to our “been there” list is Morocco. We were fortunate to attend the launch of the Ducati DesertX Rally launch in early 2024 and as a travel destination, Morocco wowed us. Exploring the streets and laneways of Marrakesh blew our mind with the colour, sounds and sights of the souk. Like being on the set of a George Lucas film, we found it mesmerising.

Getting out of the city and on the rural roads we found new sights and sensations to inspire us. An ever present aspect was just friendly all the locals were. Their welcoming warmth was genuine.

Working with our long time rental agency partner in Europe, we are excited to now offer you the chance to ride Morocco with maschine.

If you are keen to ride the African continent. Click on the link to the right of this page to Submit Enquiry and we will add your name to our Expressions of Interest list.

Tour Details

You will be mesmerised by Morocco.

Nick spent a few days in Morocco early in 2024 for the global launch of the Ducati DesertX Rally and was charmed by this fascinating North African country. With the help of our European rental partner we are offering you the chance to experience the souks, dunes, deserts, high mountain passes and Kasbahs of Morocco.

This tour will be primarily on road but there will be some gravel roads we will traverse. For sure it will be an adventure! This tour is suitable for Couples and likewise you may like to Share a room during the tour but Shared rooms will be offered on the basis of an even number of participants.

Departure & Return Location

Marrakesh, Morocco (Google Map)

Dates

1-10 December 2025

Package options

Single Accommodation & bike rental - $ TBC
Shared Accommodation & bike rental - $ TBC - Limited places, CALL US!
Couples Accommodation & bike rental - $ TBC (2 x people, 1 x motorcycle)

Price Includes

Motorcycle rental - Choose from Ducati DesertX, BMW F900GS or R1250GS (additional cost) adventure touring models
9 nights of accommodation
8 days riding
Tour Guides x 2 - a local guide plus an Australian guide
Transfers to and from airport to hotel
All meals
One soft drink per meal
4x4 Support vehicle
Support vehicle to carry luggage
City taxes for accommodation

Price Excludes

Fuel for motorcycle
Road tolls, parking fees, other fines
Train, ferry and taxi fares
Entrance tickets to museums, natural parks or other touristic sites
Any meals or alcoholic drinks not specified in tour package
Extra activities outside of the tour
Flights
Visas (if required). Please check your individual circumstances
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities

Complementaries

GPS route file
Luggage carried for you
Tour T-Shirt
Carefully curated route
Photography

Highlights

Be amazed by the world famous souks of Marrakesh
Experience riding the African continent
Marvel at the massive peaks of the Merzouga sand dunes
Travel through fascinating villages with friendly people
Get a taste of North African cuisine - tagine, BBQ, mint tea,
Be amazed by the ancient Kasbahs
Negotiate a deal on a rug or cushions in the markets - bargaining is a sport here!

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Marrakesh, Morocco

You will arrive in Marrakech, where you’ll be greeted and transferred by minibus to your hotel. Here, you’ll have the chance to see the motorcycles that will accompany you on this exciting ride. After settling in, an introductory briefing will provide you with details about the itinerary and a brief presentation on what to expect out on the roads. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcoming dinner, setting the stage for the adventure ahead.

Day 2Marrakesh > Ait Ben Haddou

Today, we’ll set off from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou, a journey of 180 kilometres. Our route takes us up Tizi n’Tichka, a breathtaking pass at 2,260 meters, renowned for its stunning scenery. As we ride, we’ll stop to explore the magnificent Kasbah of Telouet, rich in history. Continuing through the Atlas Mountains, we’ll arrive in Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, a local guide will share insights into the remarkable Berber architecture and the traditional way of life. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in a charming kasbah.

Day 3Ait Ben Haddou > Tinghir

On Day 3, after a hearty breakfast, we’ll embark on a 270 kilometre ride to Tinghir. Our journey takes us past Ouarzazate and along the famed “Road of 1000 Kasbahs”, where we’ll witness the striking red earth castles nestled among palm trees. We’ll make a stop at the breathtaking Todra Gorges, where towering rock walls create a dramatic canyon. As we arrive in Tinghir, we’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in a beautiful Riad.

Day 4Tinghir > Erfoud

Day 4 takes us from Tinghir to Erfoud, covering 150 kilometres. We’ll head southeast, exploring scenic roads and tracks that lead us to Erfoud, a vibrant city near the desert. Along the way, we’ll visit a traditional Berber aqueduct. In Erfoud, we’ll check into our hotel, which features a swimming pool and wellness centre for some relaxation after our ride.

Day 5Erfoud > Mezouga

On Day 5, we’ll make our way from Erfoud to Merzouga, a short 140 kilometre journey. Here, we’ll discover the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, where the sand can reach heights of 150 meters. This is your chance to experience the serenity of the desert, with options for dromedary rides, quad biking, or buggy excursions. As night falls, we’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in a tented camp under a sky filled with stars.

Day 6Merzouga > Boulmane Dunes

Today, we’ll leave Merzouga and ride towards Boumalne Dades, covering 310 kilometres. We’ll enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the dunes before savouring a traditional Berber breakfast. Our route will take us to Rissani, where we’ll explore an old slave prison that featured in The Mummy. The scenic drive through Jebel Saghro offers fantastic views, and we’ll conclude our day in Skora, where we’ll have dinner and overnight in a delightful Riad.

Day 7Boulmane Dunes > Touradant

On Day 7, we’ll ride from Boumalne Dades to Taroudant, facing a stunning ascent to a mountain pass at 2000 meters. We’ll stop in Taliouine, famous for its saffron production, before arriving in Taroudant for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay in a hotel with a spa.

Day 8Touradant > Essaouira

Day 8 brings us from Taroudant to Essaouira, as we transition from mountain roads to beautiful coastal scenery. We’ll pause for lunch in Agadir and take in the surf town of Taghazout before arriving in Essaouira, known for its vibrant atmosphere. With its UNESCO-listed medina, Essaouira is a coastal gem. The city’s vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by its artistic scene and the famous Gnaoua festival, celebrating Afro-Maghrebin music.

Day 9 Essaouira > Marrakesh

On Day 9, after a seaside breakfast, we’ll make our way back to Marrakech. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the labyrinthine souks filled with local crafts and delicacies. As sunset approaches, we’ll gather at a café terrace in Djemaa El Fna Square, soaking in the lively atmosphere. That evening, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner, reminiscing about the unforgettable moments from our journey.

Day 10Marrakesh

Finally, on Day 10, after breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your departure, concluding this incredible motorcycle adventure through Morocco’s diverse landscapes and rich culture.

Map

*Exact route TBC

Single rider

Single Accommodation

TBC

A room to yourself
10 nights accommodation
Rental bike
Most meals included

Shared

Shared Accommodation

TBC

Twin share room
10 nights accommodation
Rental bike
Most meals included

Couple

Couple Shared Accommodation

TBC

Couple shared room
10 nights accommodation
One rental bike
Most meals included x 2

Photos

FAQ

How hard is the riding?

This ride is classed as – Grade 2-3: Intermediate

Although this tour is primarily on sealed bitumen roads, but they are anything but a cruise. We will traversing switchback hairpin turns, riding narrow mountain roads with huge drops, potholes to dodge, African traffic and all of this is on the “wrong” side of the road.

See our Track Grading System for more detailed information to help you decide if this ride is right for you.

How much motorcycle riding experience do I need to do this ride?

We expect riders on this tour to have several years riding experience – ideally more than three years. Although this is primarily a road tour at least some off-road riding experience may help as some roads will be gravel and can be tighter and rougher than Australian roads.

For sure pillion passengers are welcome to be a part of this tour and they will find it to be an incredible experience. You will see and experience so much on the back of a motorcycle.

If you have any questions or concerns just give us a call and we are happy to have a chat about your personal experience level and whether this ride is right for you.

What is the size of the group doing this ride?

This ride will have 8 – 14 people plus 2 tour guides

We find a maximum group size of around 12 bikes is great because it allows us to take you the most spectacular and unique restaurants and hotels during our trip.

Over the days you are sure meet and talk to everyone during the ride and make some new friends.

Do you rent motorcycles for this ride?

Yes, rental bikes are included in the tour pricing.

The list of available rental bikes includes:

Ducati DesertX
BMW F900GS
BMW R1250GS

Can I bring my own motorcycle?

Yes. This ride is primarily for riders coming from Australia and renting a motorcycle but you can ride your own adventure or touring motorcycle. Contact us for details.

How do I follow the planned routes?

We provide the pre-planned routes as a GPX file you can load into your GPS or Smartphone navigation app. We typically stick together as a group during the day though using the cornerman system to aid with navigation with a lead rider guiding the way and a sweep rider keeping the group together.

Trusting our tour guide to lead the way will help you relax and take in the scenery or focus on the thrill of the road rather than stressing over getting lost.

We like to allow riders to go at their own pace and choose how quick or slow they take things. Riders safety is paramount so we can be assured that everyone arrives safely at the overnight stop.

For each event we also provide itineraries and route sheets which include an overview map and address details of overnight accommodation stops etc.

Do I need to carry my overnight luggage on my motorcycle?

For this tour we have a luggage support vehicle that will carry your overnight luggage.

Read our Overseas Riders Prep Guide for tips on what and how to pack.

Can I bring my wheelie gear bag to carry my gear?

Yes. As this overseas tour starts and finishes at the same location we have the ability to leave your large suitcase or wheelie gear bag at either the motorcycle rental depot or our hotel until we return at the completion of our tour. During the tour we will ask you to bring a smaller bag of around 50 litres (aircraft cabin size) in size to be carried in our support vehicle. We have some custom maschine branded Enduristan dry bags available which are perfect for this purpose.

Can I ride with panniers or top box on my bike?

Typically our rental bikes come fitted with hard plastic or aluminium top boxes to carry your gear. We do not recommend riding with pannier cases. Your overnight luggage will be carried in our support vehicle.

Alternatively you may decide to travel light with just a dry bag that gets strapped on your bike, but keep security in mind for when our bikes are parked.

Read our Surviving Your First European Ride page for tips on what and how to pack.

What gear/tools do I need to carry with me during the day?

We’ve got you covered here! Our tour guide and sweep rider will carry a full set of tools and first aid gear to deal with any small issues on the road. Typically the rental bikes will include some basics like a tyre puncture repair kit.

Do I need visas?

If you are an Australian resident you should not require a visa for the countries we are visiting. Please check the Smart Traveller website for travel requirements based on your situation.

Is Morocco safe for travel?

For Australians we suggest you refer to Smart Traveller website for their current advice.

As of early 2025 their advice level is – “Exercise a high degree of caution in Morocco overall due to the threat of terrorism.” This is Level 2 which is typical for travelling other countries in Europe such as Germany and France.

Our experience travelling Morocco in early 2024 was that the people we encountered were very friendly and welcoming but of course you should remain alert as you should any time travelling overseas. We will have a local guide with our group to help identify concerns and keep us safe.

What religion is common in Morocco?

The main religion in Morocco is Sunni Islam, which is also the state religion. The majority of the population, over 99%, identify as Sunni Muslim.

Is it OK to drink alcohol in Morocco?

Morocco allows the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol must be purchased and consumed in licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas. You can also buy alcohol in most major supermarkets.

What are your booking terms and conditions?

Follow this link for our Booking Terms & Conditions

Mesmerising Morocco 2025

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