City Guide | Marrakech by Bike

Bohemia founder and creative director Jenny experienced a different side to Marrakech when she recently explored one of her favourite cities by bike...

I’ve been travelling to Marrakech for almost 20 years now and in this time become adept at side-stepping the numerous bicycles, mopeds, donkeys and hand carts that work their way through the narrow streets of the medina. But apart from several delightfully hair raising rides on the back of a moped, usually carrying sacks of babouche to the shipping office, I had never taken charge of a two wheeled vehicle myself. That was until my recent visit in March when I came across Marrakech Green Wheels and decided it was high time to go on a bicycle tour of the city.

Marrakech Green Wheels is a young Moroccan company whose aim is to promote environmentally friendly tourism by offering bike tours of the city led by local guides. I chose to go on the City Discovery Tour but you could also opt for the Gardens Tour, the Culinary Tour, Photography Tour, Evening Tour or your very own Customised Tour. 

I contacted the company on spec and they wasted no time in organising things for me. I arrived at the office in the Kasbah quarter to meet my guides, Hamza and Omar, and to be kitted out with bike, helmet and bottle of water, then we were off! Travelling the city by bicycle was a complete revelation to me, firstly it is flat which makes the cycling feel effortless, and secondly, the speed at which we zipped about was amazing.

Routes I have walked countless times and would take a good half hour or so we covered in a few minutes, even with the many obstacles to navigate. Our journey took us through the souks of the medina and into the new town Gueliz area with its wide avenues and lush parks. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the trip for me was the opportunity to spend time with Hamza and Omar, both young students living in Marrakech, and to see and experience the city through their eyes. They were delightful company and I felt completely safe in their hands.

I’m already looking forward to my next trip to Marrakech and hopefully another adventure with Marrakech Green Wheels, inshallah I will see you soon…