MOTORCYCLE-TOURS · AFRICA
Motorcycle Expedition from Marrakech to Dakar
A unique legendary motorcycle trip, designed as an alternative to the historical route of the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally for all those who only have 16 days! The off-road tour takes you along long stretches of the original route of the rally from Paris to Dakar to the Lac Rose.
The Journey
Paris Dakar Motorcycle: Expedition from Marrakech
You are flying from Germany to Morocco. In Marrakech, the motorcycles and off-road vehicles (if you want us to transport your SUV to the start) are waiting for you, and off we go. After crossing the Atlas Mountains, we will head into the desert, and we will be traveling off-road for long stretches into the Western Sahara. Along the wild Atlantic coast, we will head to Mauritania. In Mauritania, things will get serious, and we will rarely see asphalt. The goal is to reach Dakar, the capital of Senegal, on the 14th day, which is a thriving metropolis in West Africa. The journey ahead of you is labeled as an expedition by us and should also be understood as an expedition! For safety reasons, we will not drive all sections of the original Paris Dakar stage on this expedition and will only have leaded petrol on board! Expedition means we explore the route we have been offering since 2015 anew each year, so the travel description above should only be understood as a rough guideline for off-road and road stages! This expedition is for off-road drivers like enduro riders one of the last stages that are still drivable in and through the Sahara, so let's start today before it’s too late tomorrow.
Key Highlights of the Trip
Key Highlights of the Trip
Arrival in Morocco
After you land in Marrakech, you'll be picked up at the airport and receive your motorcycles. You can spend the rest of the day in the alleys of Marrakech, packing your motorcycles and preparing for the upcoming tour.
Meeting in Asni and crossing of the Tizi n'Test
We meet the participants of the legendary Paris Dakar in Asni at the foot of Jbel Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa. Together we continue to the summit of Tizi n'Test. Even though it's not too many kilometers, it takes almost a day until we reach Taroudant on the other side. On the single-lane road, anything from a donkey to a 40-ton truck can come towards you.
African culture and glorious riding fun with the motorcycle
It goes through a beautiful valley full of almond trees towards Tafraoute. The road winds continuously along the valley wall and makes the motorcyclist's heart race. The first dromedaries will be seen, and slowly the desert begins. Upon reaching Tafraoute, we can stock up on supplies for the next few days and admire the gigantic monoliths that look as if they were created by human hands.
Days 4 and 5: Through the Sahara to Smara
The first major off-road stage lies ahead of us. We will travel for two days through the western foothills of the great Sahara towards the desert city of Smara. On the way is the disputed border between Morocco and the former colony of the 'Spanish Sahara,' beyond which there are only limited refueling options with leaded gasoline. You can still feel that today in the mentality of the inhabitants and the language. While French is very widespread in Morocco, now suddenly Spanish is helpful.
To the Metropolis of Western Sahara
It goes along a dusty track always beside the Saguia el Hamra River, which usually has water for most of the year. The day's destination El Aaiún is not far away, and there is time in the afternoon to stretch your legs or take a swim in the sea.
Day 7 and 8: Sahara, Sahara and Sahara
For two days, we travel about 500 km on the N1 to Dakhla. To our right is the blue Atlantic and to our left stretch the endless expanses of the Sahara. We will have time to make stops along the beautiful coast and drive off-road on sections along the beach. Optionally, we can also speed up and chill on the beach of the surfer town Dakhla.
Off to the Unknown
While Morocco is familiar to everyone, Mauritania is relatively unknown despite its size. From Dakhla, we drive to the border and cross the no man's land. Then we will spend the rest of the day dealing with entry into Mauritania. There it is said: The Europeans may have invented the clock, but we invented time. We will set up our campsite after the border in the idyll of the dunes.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Day 10 and 11: The Oasis Atar as a Destination
We are following the route of the iron ore train off-road to Atar. The route is challenging, and we will need two days to reach the oasis. Atar was once an important city in the high culture of the Moors, who are the namesake for the country.
Out of the desert - off to Dakar
We are going back to the sea and will be traveling half on-road and half off-road in the Sahara one last time before the Sahel zone begins. We will spend the night on the beach, and anyone with just a thread will be successful in fishing. The sea off the coast of Mauritania is considered one of the richest in fish in the world.
On the beach
Before the road was built in 2006, the official way to Nouakchott was along the beach. Due to the tides, it is smooth and one still makes better progress than on the road. Our daily goal is the capital Nouakchott, where half of the Mauritanian population lives.
Over the Senegal (River)
Those who do not yet know Fech Fech will get to know it today (a very fine powder that often forms in deserts due to deflation). On the slopes covered with it, we travel to the border of Senegal along the Senegal River. There are trees along the road again and significantly more animals. Our route takes us through a bird protection national park where our European birds winter. The day's destination is Saint-Louis. The city is on an island in the delta of the Senegal River and has a very beautiful colonial town center.
Finish line in Dakar
We set off from Saint-Louis in the morning and will reach Dakar around noon. Like the Paris Dakar, our journey ends at the shore of Lac Rose, the pink salt lake on the outskirts of Dakar. We spend our last evening together and celebrate our arrival with a good meal.
Journey Home
Today is unfortunately already the official end of our dusty and sandy expedition. After we have handed over the motorcycles at customs for shipping, we will board the plane fresh and free from sand and dust and begin the journey home. Anyone who hasn't had enough but has enough time can also explore Senegal and Gambia on motorcycle with us for a few more days.
Want a detailed description of all tour days?
Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.
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Trip includes
- German-speaking tour guide from OVERCROSS
- All accommodations (hotel and camping) as advertised
- Accompanying/support vehicle for the expedition trip
- Technical assistance and support for vehicle repairs
- Driving and off-road instruction
- Provision of tools and equipment
- Securing the logistics of spare parts
- Expedition kitchen and dishes during the expedition
- All ferry crossings for people and motorcycles to Africa
- All entrance fees for sightseeing
- Toll fees
- Breakfast and dinner
- GPS tracking for relatives
- Travel protection certificate (insolvency protection according to BGB §651r) is mandatory for all OVERCROSS trips.
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All participants will receive several pieces of information about the motorcycle expedition after booking, which is categorized by topics and "timeline" for the start of the motorcycle tour.
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OVERCROSS organizes the motorcycle transport in a 40-foot container from Dakar to Tübingen.
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Officially, it is said that a yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Senegal IF you are coming from a yellow fever area. UNOFFICIALLY, it is that you need the vaccination when entering the country!
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Heidenau K61 or Ranger is the tire that has proven itself in the last 10 years.
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