Morocco Desert Raid. Day 11. Marrakech Madness By Motorbike.

Riding a motorbike through Morocco offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes. On day 11 of the Morocco Desert Raid 25, the journey took an exciting turn as the route led from Ouarzazate to the vibrant city of Marrakech. This day combined historic sites, challenging mountain roads, and the chaotic energy of Marrakech’s streets, making it a memorable chapter in this motorcycle adventure.

Ait Ben Haddou mud-brick city and backdrop to Gladiator and The Mummy.

Exploring Ait Ben Haddou

The day began with a healthy breakfast in Ouarzazate before heading north. The first stop was the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a striking mud-brick city that has served as a backdrop for famous films like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. The city’s towering earthen buildings create a dramatic scene that feels frozen in time.

After quick photos and a coffee break, the group avoided the main road to Marrakech and instead took a more adventurous route through the mountains. This detour offered a glimpse into rural Moroccan life, with water bowsers delivering drinking water to remote villages along narrow single-track roads. The views were breathtaking, but the road surface was rough and often bordered by steep cliffs without barriers, demanding careful riding.

Mountain Roads and the Col du Tichka

The route climbed steadily, reaching the plateau at Anmiter before ascending to the Col du Tichka at 2260 meters. This mountain pass is known for its winding roads and spectacular views. From here, the ride transformed into a thrilling descent on a wide carriageway with smooth tarmac, hairpin bends, and sweeping curves. The perfect road surface allowed for an exhilarating downhill run lasting about an hour, leading toward the plains near Marrakech.

Winding mountain road at Col du Tichka with motorbikes

Navigating Marrakech’s Outskirts

Approaching Marrakech, we skirted the city’s outskirts to avoid the notorious traffic jams. In the morning, I had briefed the team on how to ride in Marrakech. Ride like an a$$hole and you'll be ok! Roadworks complicated the ride, with new tarmac being laid on one side of the carriageway. Steamrollers and diggers operated without barriers, forcing riders to carefully weave around the machinery. This added an extra layer of challenge to the ride, testing the riders’ focus and control.

As the group neared the city walls, we stopped at red lights and quickly found themselves surrounded by scooters and cars all jockeying for position. The traffic flow was chaotic, but the key was to ride like a local: find a gap and fill it. This approach allowed the group to move through the junction smoothly despite the apparent disorder.

Arrival at the Riad and Evening Food Tour

The accommodation for the night was a riad located within the old medina, inside the city walls. Our riad offers a private garage, a rare and valuable feature for motorbike travellers in Marrakech. Upon arrival, the group was welcomed with traditional mint tea and biscuits, a warm gesture that set the tone for the evening.

After freshening up, the adventure continued with a food tour of Marrakech. Meeting Maria in the main square, the group encountered the city’s lively atmosphere first hand. Large sections of the square were closed for resurfacing in preparation for the African Cup and World Cup, with diggers moving through crowds without safety barriers. Despite the chaos, the food tour offered a chance to taste authentic Moroccan dishes and experience the city’s vibrant street life.

Marrakech medina street with food stalls.

Final Thoughts on Day 11

Day 11 of the Morocco Desert Raid 25 was a perfect mix of history, adventure, and urban excitement. Riding a motorcycle through Morocco’s mountains and into Marrakech revealed the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures. The added bonus of a local food guide was brilliant. The challenge of navigating rough mountain roads and chaotic city streets added to the thrill of this motorbike adventure.