TRIP NOTES
Morocco - Charity Links - Atlas to Desert 8 Day Charity Cycle Fundraiser
We love Morocco for its variety of landscapes - enchanting dune-filled deserts, rugged snow-capped mountains, and wild Atlantic shores that make the country a vast adventure playground. Peppered throughout the awe-inspiring landscape you’ll find evidence of Morocco’s rich cultural history just begging to be explored - ancient fortified kasbahs with their windowless high walls and the maze-like medinas with their colourful shops, fragrant restaurants, and bustling mosques that serve as the heart and soul of any city. Morocco wouldn't be Morocco without its people - warm, inviting, and famous for their hospitality, the Moroccans are always eager to share a mint tea along with a story or two.
On this biking adventure, we explore a range of Morocco’s fantastic trails, including remote paths and dirt roads taking us from Marrakech to the Tichka Pass, the highest in the High Atlas, before descending along the Draa Valley to the fringes of the Sahara Desert. Here, mud-brick kasbahs appear to rise up out of the desert, sitting in tranquil palm oases and framed by dramatic backdrops of snow-capped mountains.
En route we pass through numerous traditional villages, including a visit to the ancient kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll also make plenty of mint tea stops to experience first-hand the legendary hospitality that has risen up from these remote desert outposts. As we descend from the High Atlas, we witness a gradual change in flora and fauna as the desert starts to make its imprint on the landscape. Following a route of palm oases that hide the occasional refreshing pool for a dip, we cycle alongside ruined villages and kasbahs which, in the early morning and late afternoon, are bathed in a sublime desert light. As we arrive at the fringe of the Sahara Desert, not far from the town of Zagora, we take a break from the bikes and kasbah hotels and instead opt for camels and a night under the stars in a Berber desert tent, surrounded by pre-Saharan dunes. This is the ultimate trip for those who are looking for a mountain-biking adventure paired with memorable cultural experiences!
Departures and Prices
Prices are based on a group of 10-12 riders.
Fundraising
This is a Charity Links Fundraising Cycle challenge and each rider is required to open a Just Giving fundraising
page linked to the Charity Links page and the individual target is either £1,200 in donations or for those who
prefer not to fundraise a £1,000 donation + Gift Aid.
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The Highlights
- Biking across the remote, beautiful, and untouched Jebel Sirwa mountains
- Exploring crumbling remains of the past in Morocco’s many kasbahs
- Riding a huge variety of rewarding tracks and trails
- Sleeping under the stars in the Sahara Desert
- Relaxing in one of Morocco’s most beautiful palm oases
- Strolling through the spellbinding network of souks in Marrakech medina
Holiday Summary
Place to place
5 nights hotels / auberges
2 nights camping
90% meals provided
6 days biking
2 days sightseeing / resting
Guided with vehicle support
Summary of your Itinerary
| Day | Description | Distance | Ascent | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival - Friday 28th October | |||
| 2 | Telouet to Tamdaght - Saturday 29th October | 26 Miles / 42 Kms Approx. | 500 Metres Approx | B L D |
| 3 | Tamdaght to Sirwa Mountains - Sunday 30th October | 24 Miles / 40 Kms Approx. | B L D | |
| 4 | Sirwa Mountains to Ouarzazate - Monday 31st October | 46 Miles / 75 Kms Approx. | 1,020 Metres Approx. | B L D |
| 5 | Ouarzazate to Agdz - Tuesday 1st November | 16 Miles / 26 Kms Approx.(options to extend) | 400 Metres Approx. | B L D |
| 6 | Agdz to Sahara Camp - Wednesday 2nd November | 24 Miles / 40 Kms Approx. (options to extend) | 340 Metres Approx. | B L D |
| 7 | Transfer to Marrakech - Thursday 3rd November | None riding day | B L | |
| 8 | Departure - Friday 4th November | B | ||
Meals: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner | Please keep in mind the distances and ascent information provided are intended to be indicative and may vary from the actuals due to accommodation changes or when compared on different GPS devices and software
What's Included
A) All accommodation during the trip. (usually twin-shared rooms and twin-share tents in good quality tents for your nights under canvas
B) All breakfasts whilst in Morocco, and other meals as specified in the itinerary.
C) Full tour service including guide(s) / support person and support vehicle.
D) Mint tea, bottled drinking water, snacks and other refreshments
E) Airport transfers to and from Marrakech (RAK) on scheduled days.
F) Hire bike
Terrain
Riding on this trip takes place on vehicle width tracks, which vary from relatively smooth and well-maintained to rocky and sandy in places, and quiet, recently surfaced, tarmac roads. Although much of the riding is non-technical, good bike handling skills are required in order to cope with loose stones and sand, and for riding in a terrain which is very different from what many people will be used to. There are plenty of challenging climbs and fun descents which all levels of riders will enjoy. From time to time, there are some short optional singletrack sections with varying levels of technicality. A good level of fitness is required to cope with some very mountainous terrain, with ascents up to 600m/2000ft in height gain and 10km/6miles in length.
While non-technical, the routes reward riders with good bike handling and reasonable off-road fitness.
What's Not Included
A) Personal clothing and equipment (you will need to bring a 4 season sleeping bag for the nights under canvas).
B) Travel to and from Morocco.
C) Alcoholic drinks.
D) Travel Insurance.
E) Evening meals/entertainment/city tours in Marrakech.
F) Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.
G) Entrance fees to museums.
H) Bike carriage on flights (if applicable).
I) Tips for local guides/drivers/hotel staff
J) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days
Tour Grade : Grades 3 - 4
Grade 1 ~ Easy
For those looking for an accessible cycling holiday with manageable daily distances, along predominately flat terrain. Distances generally between 10-20 miles / 15-35 kms per day.
Grade 2
For those looking for an easy-going route, mainly on the flat with some undulations and the odd cheeky challenge. Distances generally between 15-30 miles / 24-48 kms per day.
Grade 3
For the leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness. May include some steeper, cheeky climbs and possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc). Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day.
Grade 4
For those who cycle frequently. Will include some long and / or steep climbs, often over varying terrain (some sections may see you cycling over uneven, unpaved or loose ground). Distances between 30 to 50 miles per day / 48 to 80 kms per day.
Grade 5 ~ Challenging
For those who cycle frequently and have a good level of physical fitness. Distances up to 50 miles-80 kms per day.
Itinerary
Day 1Arrival - Friday 28th OctoberToday you’ll arrive at Marrakech Airport (RAK). Once you’ve collected your baggage (and bikes if bringing) you’ll be met by one of the Skedaddle guides who will transport you to our hotel accommodation in the centre of Marrakech.
Once checked-in, we’ll head out for a get-together dinner and trip briefing, leaving some time to size up the bikes for those who are renting, or for those who have brought their own, we will assist in re-assembling them.
Day 2Telouet to Tamdaght - Saturday 29th October 26 Miles / 42 Kms Approx. B L DAfter an early breakfast, we’ll hop in our Land Cruisers for a scenic transfer to the kasbah of Telouet. It’s a beautiful three hour drive up the Tichka Pass, one of North Africa’s highest paved roads. Once over the top, there’s a further 20 kilometres to the ruined kasbah.
Telouet is a photographer’s dream; a crumbling fortress of the Glaoui clan (who were influential during the French protectorate) set in a remote valley overlooking mud villages and fertile gardens. It’s totally uninhabited these days, but it’s a popular spot for storks which nest on its disintegrating ramparts. Here we take a guided tour and take a peek at its once magnificent interior.
After a good look round and picnic lunch we unload the bikes and start pedalling on a surfaced road. We’re at about 1800m above sea level – just enough altitude for the lungs to detect a slight thinness of air, so the first few kilometres (flat, then up and down) might feel a bit tougher than usual! After about 10km a rough descent will take us down to the start of a newly surfaced country lane which winds its way 32km through fantastic scenery to Tamdaght, set in a palm oasis near Ait Benhaddou.
Today is a great warm-up before the challenges of the week ahead. We aim to arrive well before sundown for some great photo opportunities from the terrace of our converted kasbah hotel.
Note:
As part of your trip we will provide GPS info for each day to help navigate or for you to visualise the road ahead of time. You can see an example here . This example is just representative and should not be used for navigation during your trip.
| Day 3Tamdaght to Sirwa Mountains - Sunday 30th October 24 Miles / 40 Kms Approx. B L DToday we'll make another early start with a post-breakfast tour of the ksour or castle of Ait Benhaddou. This complex of adobe kasbahs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is still inhabited by a handful of families. It's probably the best-preserved and certainly one of the most exotic villages in the south of Morocco. Ait Benhaddou looks just out of a movie set (which explains its appearance in the film 'Gladiator' and 'Game of Thrones') with its cluster of well-preserved kasbahs surrounded by date palms and framed by desolate mountain scenery. With the tour completed, we'll set off for an hour or so in our support vehicles to the start of our two-day ride through the remote Jebel Sirwa region. With no hotels and few village lodgings available, we spend tonight under canvas
We'll begin riding from the one-horse town of Agouim, taking a quiet country lane westwards into the heart of the Sirwa. The area is occasionally visited by trekking groups scaling the country's highest peak (Toubkal) from the south side, but otherwise it's well off the tourist trail. Today we're in the northern Sirwa which forms a bridge between the volcanic southern Sirwa and the High Atlas mountains. The road we take is gently undulating with one significant climb up to our wild campsite. En route we'll pass through some very remote villages and start to get a flavour for the area, although be prepared for constant changes in character and landscape throughout the two days we spend here!
After a lunch stop (possibly around the village of Sour) we'll climb for several kilometres on a dramatic and challenging off-road route onto a vast plateau. Here, we'll choose a suitable spot to pitch camp surrounded by panoramic views (weather permitting) to the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas to our north and the dark tabletop peaks of the Sirwa range to the south. We're now at about 2100m above sea level, so wrap up warm for a chilly night of wilderness camping.
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Day 4Sirwa Mountains to Ouarzazate - Monday 31st October 46 Miles / 75 Kms Approx. B L DToday is a big challenge day as we continue exploring the wild and remote Jebel Sirwa. Making an early start, we’ll ride from camp, re-joining yesterday’s dirt road. Riding on the plateau is a joy and we’ll often pass nomads with their flocks of sheep, goats, and horses. Crossing the first village of the day, we’ll descend along a dry riverbed which represents the settlement’s “main drag”.
Here the buildings are all traditional and bear virtually no evidence of the modern world. Women dress in bright garments and children are intrigued by the arrival of our group of visitors dressed in funny helmets. All of the villages in this area are inhabited by Berbers, an indigenous population that pre-dates the Arab conquest. As in other parts of Morocco, visitors are always struck by their superb hospitality and generosity despite their lack of material means.
Moving on from the village of Ait Kalaa, on a combination of quiet country roads and some connecting dirt tracks, we’ll take an undulating route through a landscape of wild mountains, punctuated by occasional villages all of a very traditional nature. It’s a long day, but we are paid back towards the end of the ride with some good descending towards the plains that surround the town of Ouarzazate, home of the Moroccan film industry and gateway to the deep south. It’s an hour’s drive across strikingly desolate landscapes to our comfortable hotel/converted kasbah overlooking the town’s palm groves. Here you can enjoy a hammam, a typical Moroccan steam bath, and a massage to relax those tired muscles. | Day 5Ouarzazate to Agdz - Tuesday 1st November 16 Miles / 26 Kms Approx.(options to extend) B L DAfter breakfast, we’ll take a short transfer along the road to Zagora to the beginning of the day’s ride. There’s an easy start with a thrilling 8km descent on a piste which joins the valley of the River Draa, Morocco’s longest river. The Draa has a character all of its own, with lush palmeries lining the river, contrasting dramatically with the crumbling mud villages and stark angular mountains.
Today’s ride is varied and not too taxing with several short climbs and descents as we follow the upper reaches of the river valley and some good picnic spots. Some of the villages along the way are remarkable with their abandoned and disintegrating kasbahs. Our overnight stop is around the town of Agdz where, depending on the size of the group, we will either stay in a beautifully-renovated kasbah just south of Agdz or a French-run auberge in the palmery. Day 6Agdz to Sahara Camp - Wednesday 2nd November 24 Miles / 40 Kms Approx. (options to extend) B L DToday we have an expedition to complete, both on bikes and by 4×4, in order to finish the day by sundown in the Sahara Desert! Riding out from our hotel after breakfast we’ll continue exploring the Draa Valley as we descend towards Zagora and the fringes of the Sahara desert. The Draa Valley is one giant oasis of date palms, fruit trees, and vegetables grown by local families. En route we’ll explore the intriguing passageways and ruined interiors of the extensive Kasbah Tamnougalte which overlooks the anvil-shaped mountain Jebel Kissane, a feature that stays in view for some time as we follow well-surfaced pistes southwards.
By early lunch, we aim to complete a brisk 40km on tarmac and then pack up the 4×4s as we continue into an increasingly sandy physical environment towards the gateway to one of the true wonders of the world: the mighty Sahara Desert. En route, camel rides may be possible (time permitting, paid for at the camp) but the real draw is our desert camp set up in the sand dunes – a star gazer’s dream with a campfire, good food, and a great place to reflect on an epic journey!
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Day 7Transfer to Marrakech - Thursday 3rd November None riding day B LAfter a desert breakfast we set off on our day-long journey back to Marrakech (7+ hours). The best way to put a positive spin on our seven-hour journey is that it serves as a sort of a potted review of all of the landscapes we have passed through on our journey from the High Atlas mountains to the Sahara!
Returning to Marrakech is a real highlight. Having arrived in the evening at the start of the trip we had little time to explore the Marrakech medina (old town). This is another UNESCO World Heritage Centre and said to be the second largest medieval complex in the world after Cairo.
Tonight there should be time to explore the main square – the Djemaa el Fna – to witness one of the world’s most animated night-time spectacles. At night the square is transformed into a giant open-air restaurant with men in white coats serving anything from sheep’s head stew to snails in hot sauce. The rest of the square is dedicated to other forms of entertainment such as snake charmers, story tellers, acrobats and dancers. Later we enjoy a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant before exploring what Marrakech has to offer in the way of nightlife. Overnight in a 3-star hotel. | Day 8Departure - Friday 4th November BToday we transfer to the airport for homeward flights. Many flights depart in the afternoon so there may be time to explore the city and pick up a few last minute souvenirs.
Guides are available for those who wish to be guided but we recommend seeing the city at your own pace, taking time to wander through the beguiling labyrinth of tiny alleys and passageways in the ancient medina. You might like to visit the ancient Badi and Bahia Palaces, the museum of Marrakech, or a short taxi ride will take you to the Majorelle Botanical Garden, owned by Yves Saint Laurent. There are also the famous souks (markets) of Marrakech – ideal for devotees of ethnic fashion and decoration, but worth a look for the sights, sounds and smells of this most exotic of markets. But the real Marrakech experience is more about soaking up its unique atmosphere.
PLEASE NOTE
Morocco is one of the world’s most rapidly changing countries and at times one of the least predictable! Pistes become tarmac roads in the blink of an eye, hotels close down unexpectedly and new, often better, options appear just as fast. We try to move with the times and as a result there may be occasional deviations from the publicised itinerary/information. Similarly, weather conditions in the High Atlas and Sirwa mountains in autumn and spring are unpredictable. Heavy snow falls can block passes and flash floods can fill normally dry river beds, forcing on the spot adaptations to itineraries. We reserve the right to make such changes where appropriate, with the group’s safety a priority.
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We always do our best to stick to this itinerary but please be aware that we can't guarantee to follow this schedule exactly. Very occasionally events that are out of our control mean we have to make some changes, but we'll ensure you still have a great time!
Our Team
Your holiday will be led by 1 or 2 English speaking riding guides, depending on the size of the group. We work in conjunction with a local partner to provide this holiday, combining their local expertise and Skedaddle’s experience in delivering cycling holidays worldwide. Together we will make sure that every element of your holiday is unforgettable!
Our local guides focus on providing a great cycling experience and excellent customer service, making them head and shoulders above the rest; from the very start to the very end of your holiday, you’ll be in safe hands. Your local guides take care of all of the daily planning and organisation, leaving you free to get on your bike and enjoy the ride.
Based in Marrakech our local team, led by Charlie, have been leading our trips in Morocco for numerous years. Charlie is well travelled within Morocco and his and his team’s knowledge and expertise has been extensively used when designing our itineraries. With Charlie organising things in the office, the trips are led by his incredible guiding team, with a support crew in the vehicle, whipping up delicious lunches and pouring refreshing mint tea along the way
Accommodation
Accommodation is usually in a selection of 3* hotels, guesthouses and riads.For the first night camping you will be in good quality 2 man tents, the second night is at a permanent camp in the desert in camel hair nomad-style tents.
We have deliberately chosen a variety of different styles of accommodation with the emphasis sometimes on comfort, sometimes on character, sometimes necessity, where there are no other options given the remoteness of our location. Most, but not all, hotels, have private facilities. Please note that the average standard of accommodation in Morocco is not nearly as high as many of our other destinations. Limited single rooms are available.
You can see a selection of the accommodation we use below but please note this is subject to change depending on availability:
Food
Morocco has one of the world’s most celebrated cuisines. Typical dishes include meat tajines, cous cous, spiced kebabs, briouats (flakey pastry parcels of spiced meat or fish), harira (bean soup), and superb pastries made with almond paste and honey. Restaurants in Marrakech range from basic food stalls to full-blown palace restaurants offering Moroccan specialties. There are also good quality French, Italian and Chinese restaurants. Elsewhere, it’s strictly Moroccan fayre served with freshly baked Berber flatbread. Traditionally Moroccans eat with their hands, using bread to scoop from a communal bowl. Berber houses don’t possess western cutlery, although even the lowest grade of restaurants will have a stock should any foreigners drop in. Note: when eating from a communal bowl it is only appropriate to use your right hand.
Vegetarians and people with specific dietary requirements can be catered for – please indicate at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Vehicle Support
At strategic points (where access allows), you have the security of our support vehicle. In the vehicle there will be some space for tired bikers, allowing the chance of a well-earned break if needed.
You will also be able to leave extra gear or spare kit here during the day meaning there is no need to carry any equipment other than that carried on your normal day ride.
Bike Hire
Hire bikes are included in the cost of your holiday. These bikes are typically very good front-suspension mountain bikes featuring disc brakes and good quality components.
We can include a helmet and all necessary spares for the trip. Please request helmets at the time of booking.
If you choose to rent a bike from us you are welcome to bring your own saddle with you, and if you would like to use SPD/clipless pedals you will need to bring these with you.
Travelling With Your Bike
You holiday includes a hire bike but if you would prefer to bring your own bike please contact us for details.
Equipment
In terms of personal equipment you will need to bring your usual cycling clothing, including helmet, cycling shoes and gloves. You will not be required to bring any extra bike equipment. You will also need to bring your own hydration pack and a 4 season sleeping bag. It’s also a good idea to bring shoes suitable for walking, along with your cycling shoes and a light but waterproof jacket and a fleece or sweater for layering, as Morocco’s nights can often get quite chilly.
While riding with Skedaddle it is compulsory that you wear a helmet. If you don’t have a helmet or don’t intend to bring your own we may, subject to availability, be able to provide one on request. You will not be permitted to ride unless you wear a helmet.
Please contact us if you are unsure whether your bike or equipment will be suitable.
Your Destination
Personal Spending Money
Since our holidays include the accommodation and the majority of all food, we suggest that approximately 2,500 Moroccan Dirham will be enough to cover extra meals/bar bills and any tips. This includes a contribution of 500 Dirham per person which your tour leader will normally ask for to cover tips for the whole support team. As in most less-affluent countries tipping is a way of life in Morocco.
Any additional personal expenditure for such things as souvenirs depends very much on the individual. The local currency is the Dirham which is not generally available outside Morocco (although it appears that of late people have reportedly managed to find Dirhams at major international airports outside of Morocco). Change facilities are widely available in Marrakech and cashpoint cards and credit cards such as Visa & MasterCard are accepted for buying goods and paying for food, as well as for withdrawing cash.
Please always be aware of your surroundings, and keep any money and/or personal belongings in a safe place when travelling
Health and Vaccinations
We recommend you have a dental and medical check-up before the holiday. Basic information about vaccinations and preventative treatments can be found at www.travelhealthpro.org.uk.
There are currently no compulsory inoculations required for Morocco although it’s recommended that you are up to date with routine vaccinations. Additional vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Polio and Typhoid. However, it is essential you consult with your doctor before travel with regards to vaccinations. The water in the major cities of Morocco is said to be drinkable but we recommend you drink bottled water or use water purification tablets.
Baggage
Your allowable baggage is one main piece of luggage per person, other than your bike and a small day pack. Your main luggage should preferably be either a backpack / rucksack or ‘sports bag’ so as to assist in transportation. The day pack may be useful for carrying your additional outer-layer clothing, camera and snacks (etc).
Please note there may be additional charges for transferring additional bags.
If you are flying, baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and all excess baggage charges must be met by you. Some airlines may only include cabin baggage as standard, and you will need to request hold baggage separately. With some budget carriers now charging for both cabin and hold luggage, please check with your airline for costs.
Preparation and Training
In order to get the most out of your trip, you need to choose a cycling tour of the right grade and make sure you‘re prepared. The amount of preparation and training you need to do will depend on your own experience, your level of fitness and the type and grade of trip you are going on.
Do feel free to contact us if you would like to talk this through in more detail.
Weather
Morocco has been described as “a cold country with a hot sun”. Although a generalisation, this is particularly true of the mountainous regions. You are likely to find crisp clear days which can sometimes get warmer at lower altitudes. It is rarely extremely cold but often cold enough for a fleece plus wind protection, particularly on high altitude descents. At low levels in autumn and spring it can be warm with temperatures reaching around 30°C/86°F, but don’t be deceived by this, at night and early morning it can get very cold so be prepared for cold starts and pack your warmer cycling gear! You may find you take this off later in the day but for your comfort it’s best to be prepared! Precipitation levels are fairly low in Morocco and sunny days, although not guaranteed, are very common.
Passport and Visa
A full passport is required for this destination. If this is not currently held it is your responsibility to obtain it in good time. Please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for current entry requirements.
British, American, Canadian, Australian, and Irish nationals do not require a visa to travel to Morocco (if duration of stay is under 90 days), just a valid passport. If your date of exit from Morocco is less than 6 months before the expiry of your passport you may be refused entry. Similar rules apply to most EU countries, but please check with your Consulate in to ensure that your documentation is correct. On arrival in Marrakech, you will be given a visitor’s card to complete.
When entering the country, you are likely to need both a return ticket and the address of your first night’s hotel for things like landing cards and customs. Please contact us and we will provide any information needed.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of your booking that you are covered by a medical and personal accident insurance policy that includes repatriation to your home country and cover for all planned activities, including where appropriate costs related to any relevant local rescue services. We will require details of your chosen policy including the policy name, number/reference and the 24hr medical emergency number, prior to departure.
If you are a UK resident you could consider contacting our recommended travel insurance provider Campbell Irvine who offer insurance specifically designed to cover travel with us.
The Skedaddle Approach
We’re passionate about pedallin’ and there is no better way to soak up a country, its culture, see its wildlife and its people, than by bike! Whether you’re travelling in our small guided parties of around 6 – 16 people or riding self-guided with friends or family, our handpicked destinations and a flexible approach ensure you’ll have a wonderful cycling holiday!
‘Fun‘, ‘friendly’, ‘professional’, and ‘personal’, are words that are used time and time again by our customers. Going that extra mile for our customers isn’t an obligation – it’s just what we do, ‘nowt’s a bother’. Skedaddle cycling holidays are designed to relax and recharge, challenge, thrill, exhilarate and chill-out. We are able to cater for all levels of experience and fitness. If you’re young or old, man or woman, a super fit experienced rider or a relative novice, we have a trip for you!
Our trips provide great cycling in magnificent destinations. Whatever your passion, whether off-road, road or leisure cycling, small group or self-guided. We take great care of all those who travel with us. Whether going alone, or with friends or family, all enjoy the Skedaddle experience.
We recognise our responsibility to the people and places we visit. Our philosophy is ensuring that your cycling holiday can have a positive impact on the places you visit. Developing our approach to how we run our cycling holidays is an ongoing process.
To let us know your thoughts on our approach, email us at info@skedaddle.com or call us on +44 (0)191 265 1110
Protection
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for Saddle Skedaddle, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following:
1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK;
2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK; and
3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK, which are sold to customers outside of the UK.
1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Saddle Skedaddle.
Saddle Skedaddle Ltd is a Member of ABTA with membership number Y6297. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA's Code of Conduct. The travel arrangements you buy from us aren’t covered by ABTA’s scheme of financial protection. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ. Tel: +44 (0)20 3117 0500 or www.abta.com
How to Book
Before you book we recommend that you carefully read the trip notes, itinerary and our booking conditions.
To book your place on this trip we suggest contacting us to check availability on the specific date you are interested in. If you have reduced mobility please contact us to discuss how this tour might fit your needs.
You can make a booking on our website www.skedaddle.com If you have made a booking with us before you can use your online account or we can send you a booking form by email or in the post.
On booking, a non-refundable deposit of £200.00 per person is payable. If you book less than 60 days before departure full payment is due on booking.
How to Pay
You can pay online as part of the booking process, by credit/debit card over the telephone, by cheque or by bank transfer (contact us for details info@skedaddle.com).
The balance for this trip is due 60 days prior to departure. If you have previously made a payment by card we will take your balance, and any surcharges, from the same card when this falls due. If you would prefer to pay via an alternative method please let us know. You can also log into your My Account and make a payment online at any point.
Confirmation
On receipt of your booking, we will send you by email acknowledgement of your booking.
Along with the confirmation, we will send pre-departure information about your trip with Saddle Skedaddle, including health and medical considerations, suggested reading, and also general information about the country, climate, people, etc. Access all this information by logging into the My Account area of our website, www.skedaddle.com