SAHARA Gravel

SAHARA Gravel – Ouarzazate, Morocco

• Date: March 1-6, 2027
• Location: Ouarzazate, Morocco
• Distances: 445 km (4 stages: 99km, 102km, 95km, 115km)
• Event Type: Stage Race

The SAHARA Gravel race in Morocco presents a journey from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert, a four-day stage race that can be undertaken as a solo rider or in a pair. The route begins in Ouarzazate, a city known for its cinematic landscapes, and travels towards the dunes of Erg Lihoudi. The structure of the event allows riders to immerse themselves in the rhythm of a multi-day adventure, tracing a path through some of the country's most profound and varied landscapes.

The route covers a total of 445 kilometers, with an elevation gain of over 4500 meters spread across four distinct stages. The terrain is predominantly unpaved, with 90% of the course on gravel roads or manageable singletrack. The initial stages of this SAHARA Gravel race in Morocco guide riders through the foothills of the Atlas and the rugged formations of the Anti-Atlas, before descending towards the vast, arid plains that signal the approach to the desert itself.

The event unfolds over several days, beginning with transfers from Marrakesh to the starting point in Ouarzazate. The first stage, at 99 kilometers, navigates the Atlas foothills. Stage two is a demanding 102-kilometer day through the Anti-Atlas with 1650 meters of climbing. Stage three shifts character, descending 95 kilometers toward the desert, before the final 115-kilometer stage takes riders into the dunes of the Sahara, offering a powerful conclusion to the journey.

Accommodation is a core part of the experience, blending hotel stays with nights in authentic Nomad camps. For the first three nights, participants share rooms in 3 and 4-star hotels. The final two nights are spent in the desert under the stars, in comfortable tents equipped with beds and bathroom facilities. This combination provides both comfort and a deep connection to the Moroccan landscape, creating a quiet space for reflection after each day's ride.

The atmosphere of the event is one of shared experience and cultural immersion. Evenings are for recovery and community, with traditional Moroccan meals like tagine served under the stars. The quiet landscapes of southern Morocco offer a backdrop for both personal challenge and shared adventure. For those interested in exploring more of the region, there are many other gravel events in Morocco that capture a similar spirit of discovery.

The SAHARA Gravel race in Morocco is more than a simple test of endurance; it is an exploration of a landscape and a culture. The journey by bike, from the high mountains to the deep desert, leaves a lasting impression. Full details, including registration and logistics for the four-day event, can be found on the official event website.