Monkey Run Morocco
The Details: Monkey Run Morocco
Take a tiny 50cc Monkey Bike and wobble forth into the Sahara Desert. Then force it up and over the Atlas Mountains and finish in a dusty cloud of glory just outside Marrakech.
Welcome to the original Monkey Run, launched back in 2015.
This is a perfectly balanced adventuring recipe: equal measures of pain and glory set to the soundtrack of other people’s laughter. They’re laughing at you because you’re pushing a Monkey Bike up a mountain. You’ll be grinning because you’re driving the world’s most perfectly unsuitable adventure machine across Morocco.
1. The un-route
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START CAMP
Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes, near Merzouga
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FINISH LINE
Desert Camp, near Marrakech

Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes



The first bit looks like Mars
From here your un-route journey begins with the first of many navigational decisions.
We strongly advise heading vaguely in the general direction of the Atlas Mountains via as much off roading as you can muster. Avoid the main highways at all costs and find the dirt tracks leading to nowhere.



Head in the wrong direction. On purpose.
“We spent two days spent driving in the completely wrong direction. Two more spent on hiking trails and unmapped “roads” in the mountains, ignoring the protesting locals we kept to the mantra: “always forwards, even if it’s backwards.” On day five we met most of the other teams crossing the Atlas towards Marrakech as we happily headed in the opposite direction.
“Somehow we managed to get to the finish line for the party with the other teams but I reckon we drove in the wrong direction for 3 of the 7 days.”


Hit the back roads





The Atlas Mountains
Not only will you lose weight but you'll be driving on some of the most spectacular roads in Africa.



2. The dates
October 2023 - SOLD OUT
14th October 2023: Test driving & launch party
15th October 2023: Launch day
21st October 2023: Finish line & party
January 2024
31st December 2023: Test driving & launch party
1st January 2024: Launch day
7th January 2024: Finish line & party
May 2024
27th April: Test driving & launch party
28th April: Launch day
4th May: Finish line & party
October 2024
12th October: Test driving & launch party
13th October: Launch day
19th October: Finish line & party
January 2025 - COMING SOON
31st December 2024: Test driving & launch party
1st January 2025: Launch day
7th January 2025: Finish line & party
3. The monkey bike
"These bikes are completely impractical. That’s why you don’t see thousands of them driving up and down the country. It’s because they’re useless."
• It's close to the ground, so you don't have far to fall.
• It's about the size of a rollerskate, so will fit through tiny gaps in traffic.
• It's incredibly light, so when it inevitably breaks down it's easy to carry.
• It's mechanically basic so a chimp could fix it.
They also have a super handy luggage rack over the rear wheel which can easily hold your wallet and maybe your keys (probably best to stick to three of four keys).
Engine: 48cc of 4 stroke genius
Power: 2.1 BHP
Weight: 69kg
Brakes: Disc front, drum rear

4. How much does it cost?
Entry fee
• A mighty if diminutive bike to fall in love with
• The bike transported to the start line
• Bike paperwork and 3rd party vehicle insurance ready to go
• A launch party to kill half your brain and a finish party to kill the other
• The most ridiculous week of adventuring chaos imaginable
Payment plan - spread the cost
Go on. Off you pop. Press the buttons of destiny.
Not included in the entry fee
5. Going solo?

6. No motorcycle license required
But you must have a standard driving license to take part in the Monkey Run. If you only have a bike license that's fine too. But if you don't have any driving license at all you need to go and get one.
For riders who only have a car license we also still strongly recommend you get a small bike permit or license in your country, even if you don't technically need it by law.
Do I need motorcycling experience?
Get some time in the tiny-bike saddle and build up some two-wheeled experience before you take on the Sahara desert and Atlas mountains. Even if it's not a monkey bike, pick the smallest bike you can get your hands on.
7. Saving the world
Anything above this can be raised for any other registered charity of your choice.
Cool Earth works alongside indigenous villages to halt rainforest destruction. All their partnerships are community-owned and led. Local people stand to lose the most from deforestation but the most to gain from its protection, that’s why they are the forest’s best possible custodians.

Why?
How do we raise the cash?
You've got until 2 weeks after the end of your adventure to raise the minimum amount of £500. Teams often raise the most cash while they're on the road and just after they get back, but it's wise to start your campaign early.
If you don't raise £500 by the deadline, unfortunately you will go to hell. Together with Cool Earth we give you tips and resources to help you fundraise. Then 2 weeks after the finish line party we will pester you for your final total. But don't panic, we won’t set any dogs on you, or force you to sell your children. We will be very, very disappointed though and do a sad face at you.
8. The warning
Your chances of being seriously injured or dying as a result of taking part are high. Individuals who have taken part in past Adventurists' adventures have been permanently disfigured, seriously disabled and even lost their life.
This is not a glorified holiday, it's an unsupported adventure and so by its very nature extremely risky. You really are on your own and you really are putting both your health and life at risk. This is what makes them adventures.
9. I'm ready - sign me up
10. Subscribe and follow
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