Atlas BMW GS motorcycle road trip from Marrakech: 2-day itinerary 2026

The Moroccan Atlas on a BMW GS is one of the most beautiful roads on the African continent. Tight switchbacks, passes above 2000 metres, Berber villages clinging to slopes, light that changes every hour. If you ride, you already know. If you have thought about it without ever taking the plunge, this guide is for you.

KingKech launches in 2026 its signature motorcycle road trip: two days, one night, on BMW GS 800 or 1250, from Marrakech, with a local motorcycle pilot guide who knows every turn and every cooperative. Not a dry rental. Not an air-conditioned 4x4 excursion. A real supervised moto trip.

Here is the detailed itinerary, what is included, who it is for, and how to book.

The concept in two lines

Two days, one night, 350 kilometres looping from Marrakech. BMW GS 800 or 1250 depending on your build and experience. Motorcycle pilot guide opening the road. Three authentic local stops per day. Night in a traditional Berber guesthouse in Aremd, near Imlil. Berber meals included.

This is not a soft moto rando. It is real Atlas road with switchbacks, technical descents, elevation gain. You must be an experienced motorcyclist.

Book my Atlas motorcycle road trip on WhatsApp.

Day 1 — Marrakech to Imlil and Aremd

Departure Marrakech 9 AM

Meet at our address 12 Rue Khalid Ben El Oualid in Gueliz. 45-minute technical briefing: motorcycle handover, equipment check, Atlas safety points, convoy order, day weather check.

You leave with: the motorcycle (checked the day before), full-face helmet, gloves, protective jacket, lock, water and energy bar kit, GPS pre-loaded with the route. The motorcycle guide opens the road, a support 4x4 vehicle closes the convoy at the rear.

Asni and argan oil cooperative, 11 AM

One hour of comfortable road from Marrakech via the R203, then the P2017. First stop in Asni, the pivot point between plain and mountain. Coffee break on the terrace of a local café, view of the first ridges of the High Atlas.

Then visit the argan oil cooperative run by Berber women from the region. Manual crushing demonstration, explanation of the three uses (cooking, cosmetics, care), tasting possible. You leave with or without a bottle, your choice.

Lunch in Imlil, 1 PM

Resume the road to Imlil. Thirty minutes of tight switchbacks, first real test for you and the motorcycle. The view opens onto Toubkal at the end of the valley. Imlil is the historic starting point of Toubkal treks, Berber village at 1740 metres altitude.

Lunch in a family restaurant recommended by our team: lamb tagine with prunes, seasonal salad, mint tea. One-hour meal break, the chance to debrief the morning and rest the motorcycles.

Toubkal viewpoint and Aremd guesthouse installation, 3:30 PM

Fifteen additional minutes on a rolling track (the GS is made for this) to the village of Aremd at 1900 metres. This is where we sleep. Aremd is the last village accessible by vehicle before the trail to the Toubkal refuge.

Installation in a traditional Berber guesthouse: individual or shared rooms as you prefer, panoramic valley view, hot shower. You have time for a fifteen-minute walk to a viewpoint over Toubkal and neighbouring peaks.

Berber dinner, 7:30 PM

Traditional dinner prepared by the family running the guesthouse. Homemade harira soup, mechoui or chicken tagine with olives, seasonal fruit, mint tea served in ceremony. Lantern-lit conversation with your guide sharing Atlas stories. Early bedtime, tomorrow we tackle the Tizi'n'Test pass.

Day 2 — Aremd, Tizi'n'Test, Ouirgane, return to Marrakech

Breakfast and departure 8 AM

Hearty Berber breakfast: homemade msemen and beghrir, Atlas honey, fresh butter, local goat cheese, dried fruit. You load the bikes for 8 AM sharp.

Tizi'n'Test road, 9 AM-12 PM

This is the highlight of the trip. The Tizi'n'Test is one of the three great High Atlas passes (2092 metres). Paved but very technical road: 73 kilometres of continuous switchbacks between Ijoukak and the pass, positive then negative elevation of 1200 metres. The GS is exactly in its element.

Photo breaks at several viewpoints of the pass. At the summit, exceptional panorama on both sides of the High Atlas. If the weather is clear, view as far as the Souss plain to the south.

Olive oil cooperative and Ouirgane lunch, 1 PM

Descent to Ouirgane via the southwest slope. Stop at a family olive oil cooperative, much less known than the argan cooperatives, and infinitely more interesting: traditional cold-press demonstration, comparative tasting of three oils, explanations on local varieties (Moroccan picholine, picual).

Then lunch in a family restaurant in Ouirgane, on a terrace by a river. Friday couscous (depending on day) or meat tagine from the neighbouring cooperative, fresh fruit.

Return to Marrakech, 3 PM-5 PM

90 minutes of return road to Marrakech via the N7. More rolling road, time to digest the trip and enjoy the landscape one last time. Arrival in Gueliz around 5 PM, motorcycle return, quick debriefing.

You leave with: the fatigue of a real moto day, heavy legs, and the memory of 350 kilometres of one of the most beautiful roads in the world.

What is included in the pack

• BMW GS 800 or 1250 rental (subject to availability and build) for 2 days
• Fuel for the entire route
• Full-face helmet, motorcycle gloves, protective jacket
• Lock and top case
• GPS pre-loaded with the route
• Local French-speaking motorcycle pilot guide opening the road both days
• Support 4x4 vehicle at the rear of the convoy (safety, secondary luggage transport)
• Night in Berber guesthouse in Aremd, private or shared room as preferred
• Traditional Berber breakfast
• Two lunches in family restaurants (Imlil D1, Ouirgane D2)
• Berber dinner at the Aremd guesthouse
• Visit of both cooperatives (argan in Asni, olive oil in Ouirgane)
• Comprehensive motorcycle insurance with excess

What is not included

• Alcoholic beverages (most Atlas establishments do not serve any)
• Souvenirs and personal cooperative purchases
• Personal tips
• Technical motorcycle clothing such as high boots (to bring)

Who this road trip is for

Experienced motorcyclists between 28 and 60 years old. You must have a minimum of 3 years of motorcycle licence and have already ridden on mountain roads. The Tizi'n'Test requires confidence.

People in good physical condition. Two intense days, 6 to 7 cumulative riding hours per day, altitude up to 2092 metres.

Adventurers who want the authentic Atlas. Not the touristy version with standardised lunch and marked photo stops. The real road, the real cooperatives, the real Berber family that hosts you in the evening.

Who this is not for

Motorcycle beginners. People prone to motion sickness on winding roads. Travellers who want chill and no fatigue. For them, we instead offer the one-day Atlas 4x4 excursion with driver.

Recommended seasons

April to June: absolute optimum. Temperatures 18 to 25° during the day, gardens in bloom, snow possible at the summits for the photo.

September to November: also very good. Temperatures 15 to 22°, golden autumn light, tourist attendance dropping.

December to March: not recommended. Frequent snow above 1800 metres, Tizi'n'Test sometimes closed, slippery roads with morning frost.

July-August: possible but hot (28-34° in the plain, cooler at altitude). Risk of thermal storms in late afternoon.

How much it costs

On request. The rate depends on the motorcycle model (GS 800 or 1250), the time of year, and the number of riders (from 1 to 6 per convoy).

Write on WhatsApp with your dates and group composition, we come back with a firm quote within 24h.

You own a BMW GS and want to rent it out

This section is for motorcycle owners, not clients.

KingKech is recruiting partner motorcycles for 2026. If you own a BMW GS 800, 1200, 1250 or equivalent (Africa Twin, KTM Adventure, Triumph Tiger 900), well maintained, properly insured, and you want to rent it out when you do not use it, we have a programme for you.

You set your availability. You set your net price. We bring the clients, manage the contracts, ensure the quality of the experience. You receive directly what you set, we take our margin separately. No commitment, no exclusivity.

Join KingKech Partners as a motorcycle vendor.

FAQ — Atlas motorcycle road trip Marrakech

What is the difference between a 2-day road trip and a day moto excursion?

The day excursion does Marrakech-Ourika-Asni in a loop, 180 km total, return in the evening. The 2-day road trip pushes to Aremd, does the Tizi'n'Test pass the next day, and offers the experience of overnight in a Berber village at 1900 metres altitude. The 2-day is more complete, more demanding, more memorable.

Do you need an international motorcycle licence to ride in Morocco?

For French, Belgian, Swiss and EU nationals, the national A licence is accepted for a tourist stay of less than 90 days. For other nationalities, the international licence is recommended. Motorcycle A licence required (A1 is not enough for BMW GS).

What level of riding is needed for the Atlas road trip?

A licence for 3 years minimum. Experience of winding mountain roads (Alps, Pyrenees or equivalent). The Tizi'n'Test is technically comparable to the Col du Galibier in France, but with sometimes less smooth asphalt. No off-road difficulty, everything is on paved road.

Can the itinerary be adapted to 3 days / 2 nights?

Yes. Possible variant with adding a loop to Ouarzazate or Aït Ben Haddou on the second day, and additional night in kasbah. Plan 50% more on the final rate. To request at booking.

How to book the road trip and what is the lead time?

Send on WhatsApp +212 7 28 79 24 58 your dates, number of riders, and your motorcycle experience. Response within 15 minutes for availability, firm quote within 24h. Booking with 30% deposit, balance on departure day. Cancellation possible up to 7 days before departure.

Book your Atlas motorcycle road trip

The Atlas motorcycle road trip is our 2026 flagship activity. Limited to 6 riders per departure for the quality of supervision. Booking 4 to 6 weeks in advance recommended for optimal periods (April-June, September-November).

Book now on WhatsApp +212 7 28 79 24 58.