QUADS IN MOROCCO MARRAKECH, AGAFAY DESERT, LE PALMERAIE, ESSAOUIRA, AGADIR
ATV excursions among Morocco’s desert dunes are one of the most popular activities of the moment among tourists traveling to this wonderful North African country. The quad bike is a cross between a dirt bike and a four-wheeler. Adapted to moving over rough terrain and of course, the best vehicle for hiking in the desert. It is not difficult to ride, although it is always best to have some familiarity with enduro if you want to venture out on a hike. It is usually best to rely on local guides, unless you are experienced, and you know these places well.
Scampering through dunes, drifting on desert dirt tracks, wheelies and performing evolutions on sand is not as difficult as it sounds. Even without being a four-wheeled centaur, the quad bike excursion is definitely the most adrenaline-pumping way to spend a few hours in the desert, reach the palm groves, learn about the local cuisine and why not, Relaxing in the pools usually found in oases best known. In this article we will list the top 5 places for quad biking in the Moroccan desert.
1. Marrakech
Morocco’s main tourist city offers several opportunities for escursions in the desert aboard quad bikes, Marrakech is very close to the Moroccan Sahara Desert, from here it is possible to reach the dunes in a few minutes, and there are numerous operators who rent ATVs. Usually it is enough to get in touch with a tour operator to begin the four-wheel-drive adventure. Most of the organized tours also include moving from the center of Marrakech to the starting place in the desert, so you don’t have to do anything besides having fun, they will pick you up and at the end of the excursion take you back to the city. During the tour there will be an opportunity to visit some oases, taste a Berber tea, and take photos and videos. Depending on the route you choose, also to relax by the pool.
2 Agafay Desert
The quad bike tour in the Agafay desert is one of the classic excursions that tourists usually choose when traveling to Morocco. It is about 30 km from Marrakech and is easily accessible by car or cab. Already on the way you will find directions to stations where ATVs are rented. Usually along with the vehicle you need to hire a guide. Always recommended option when you want to venture into a desert.
Agafay is a convenient option especially if you don’t have a lot of time to get to a desert far from Marrakech: you can do it all in one afternoon. ATV excursions in Morocco last at most until sunset, which is the most exciting time. ATV routes in the Agafay Desert are not impassable so these tours are suitable even for the less experienced. Here fun is within everyone’s reach.
3. Sunrise hike in the Oasis Le Palmeraie
The contrast between the bright green of the palm trees and the ochre of the desert sand is precisely that mix of colors that most symbolizes the Moroccan Sahara, the oasis le Palmeraie is one of the most beautiful ATV routes there is. Le Palmeraie the ancient palm grove of Marrakech just outside the city, a so-called locus amoenus in the shade of some 10000 palm trees. Here it is possible to book evocative excursions either aboard ATVs or on the backs of camels.
The best quad bike tour you can take here in Le Pameraie is the one at sunrise when it is still not too hot, you start scampering through dunes when the sky at first light of dawn in a truly unique atmosphere, reach the dwellings of the Berbers who will offer you breakfast of mint tea and typical cookies, and then you are off again. At the end of the tour, depending on the route chosen, you can also relax in an outdoor pool at the Palmeraie.
4 Essaouira: quad biking on the beaches of Morocco
The one in Essaouira is a particular toru because in this case the excursion is on the beach. Essaouira in fact is a Berber city overlooking the Atlantic Ocean about 180 km from Marrakech. At the seashore, everything is different, ATV excursions among the dunes also take on a special flavor. The heat is less stifling and the scenery is different from that of the desert. Undoubtedly, the routes here take on a special charm.
Quad bike tours on the beach are arranged according to the driving skills of the participants. The less experienced on easier trails, up and down the dunes of the beach at Essaouira, while the more experienced and demanding riders have the option of pushing on to the beach of Taguenza. These excursions last three hours and end with a rejuvenating swim in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
5. Agadir
The city of Agadir also overlooks the Atlantic Ocean on Morocco’s southern coast, in this location, quad bike tours can be done both on the beach and in the countryside pre-Saharan. In these places, Berber villages can be visited during excursions. A chance to refresh yourself with breakfast of tea, local cookies, bread and honey, argan oil and Amlou (Moroccan peanut butter) and other typical Berber dishes. As in Essaouira, the climate in Agadir is milder than in the desert proper. No small advantage, especially during the hottest times of the year.
Usually these ATV excursions in the Moroccan desert last half a day. Enough time to test your skills as an ATV rider and to relax. I am also an opportunity to take photos and videos Of an unforgettable and certainly very special vacation.
In conclusion, quad bike tours in the Moroccan desert are an unforgettable experience. It is always recommended to use local, experienced tour operators. Relying on professional, possibly local guides is always the best solution.
