Day 1 • Warm up and fundamentals
About 200 km of gravel tracks, small dunes and mountain views. Introduction to roadbook reading, navigation basics and sand entry techniques.
Meet your instructors
Mike Wiedemann
Mike is a two-time Dakar finisher, and Original by Motul stage winner. He is 2025 Dinaric Rally overall winner, with his Ténéré 700!!
He grew up in Germany around bikes, got his first PW50 at four, and broke his femur a few weeks later, which did not slow him down for long. After enduro titles as a teenager, he moved into rally raid and became the youngest German to finish Dakar in 2022. The way he tells it, rally changed his mindset and became his life, and he funds it by coaching and training riders between races.
On the ground he is calm and direct, he builds speed through clean roadbook work, CAP discipline, and trip calibration, then layers in decision making under pressure. He likes working with big twins as much as with lightweight enduros, and he proves the point by winning on a Ténéré 700 in the Dinaric mountains. His style is simple, ride smart, ride smooth, become the best version of yourself.
Perica Matijević
Perica is S&R professional, alpinist, rally organizer and rider, adventurer and forevenr restless spirit. Since 2011 he has been a passionate off-road motorcyclist. He is actively improving himself and transferring his knowledge through UNTAMED Academy training and mentoring. Founder and organizer of UNTAMED and the Dinaric Rally, organizer of Zagreb Rally and The Witch Rally. Designs and leads the Untamed Riding Academy program.
Participation requirements
List
Health and experience
-
Good fitness for off-road riding.
-
Basic off-road skills required.
Documents and insurance
-
Valid driving license, vehicle registration, third-party liability insurance.
-
International health insurance with emergency repatriation for the full training period.
-
ID documents. Green Card for border crossing the border.
- ATA Carnet in case we are importing your bike in Morocco
Mandatory protective gear
-
Helmet, goggles or visor, off-road boots, gloves.
-
Knee, elbow and shoulder protection, back and chest protector.
-
Hydration pack 2 to 3 liters.
Motorcycle
-
Mechanically sound. Brakes, chain, bearings and cooling in order.
-
Skid plate and handguards. Lights working, dB-killer if required by law.
-
Tires for hard, rocky terrain. Mousse or heavy-duty tubes recommended. Adjust pressures to conditions.
-
Fuel range adequate for planned stages.
Navigation and electrics
-
Roadbook holder
- 2 x Tripmetar recomended but not mandatory
-
Tidy wiring with fuses. Quick pre-start check every day.
- Wiring prepared for the tracker: https://untamedacademy.com/motorcycle-tracking-devices/
Personal tools and consumables
-
Basic toolkit, zip ties, tape, tire irons.
-
Spare brake and clutch levers, air filter or prefilter, oil and lubricant.
-
Personal first-aid kit and any medications. Water, energy snacks, sunscreen.
On-site admin
-
Sign waiver and media consent before riding.
-
Tracker deposit (100 Eur), refunded on proper return.
We ask for this to keep you safe, keep the group moving smoothly, and spend as much time as possible riding and learning.
Overview
The Merzouga area in Morocco is a world class place to lear rally navigation and desert riding. Erg Chebbi offers large dunes and soft sand, while the Erfoud surroundings provide fast gravel, hamada plateaus and dry riverbeds. This mix makes a perfect classroom for roadbook work, bike control and decision making in changing terrain.
- Dates: March 17 to March 21, 2025
- Region: Erfoud, Risani and Merzouga, including Erg Chebbi
- Focus: Roadbook navigation, dunes technique and safe group riding
- Format: Small groups, two riding levels if needed, daily briefings and evening roadbook reviews
- Price: €2,950 per rider, rental bike optional
Program
The training progresses step by step so riders without desert experience feel supported while experienced riders stay engaged. Distances and terrain are adjusted to the group each day.
Day 2 • Speed, camel grass and line choice
Fast tracks between low dunes with patches of camel grass. Emphasis on reading terrain at speed, safe line choice and momentum management.
Day 3 • Merzouga dunes
First big dunes in Erg Chebbi. Split into two levels if needed. Focus on throttle control, dune faces, sidehilling and safe descents. Optional easier variant is available.
Day 4 • The Merzouga loop
About 300 km around Merzouga. A varied day includes dunes, dry riverbeds, palm oases and village passages. A highlight with plenty of navigation.
Day 5 • Finale
About 150 km through some of Morocco’s most striking desert landscapes, combining sand and open plains to consolidate confidence and skills.
Total riding distance: around 1,500 km over five riding days.
Safety and Support
- Small groups: limited headcount for personal attention and clear supervision.
- Instructors always present: experienced rally riders guide on terrain and in evening sessions.
- Dedicated safety team: on-terrain presence with support and recovery vehicles.
- Daily briefings: route, hazards, fuel and water planning, communication protocols.
- Mechanic assistance: basic maintenance and quick repairs to keep you riding.
Riding Locations
- Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga for progressive dune skills.
- Hamada plateaus outside Erfoud for fast gravel practice and navigation rhythm.
- Dayet Srji dry lakebed near Merzouga for orientation and linking sections.
- Villages and waypoints around Hassi Labied and Khamlia for precise roadbook work.
Logistics and Inclusions
- Base: Hotel Xaluca in Erfoud, half board. Single room available for an extra fee.
- Included: guiding and instruction, snacks and water, daily briefings, evening roadbook analysis, support and assistance on terrain.
- Not included: flights and local transfers, fuel, bar drinks, travel insurance. International health insurance with emergency repatriation is required
- Suggested arrival route: via Casablanca to Errachidia, then about 45 minutes by taxi to the base in Erfoud.
Bike options
- Your own rally or enduro bike in good technical condition.
- Transporting of your bike with ATA Carnet read instructions
- Rental options
- Yamaha Ténéré 700 – €1,500
- KTM 450 Rally Replica – €1,900 or
- KTM 450 Enduro – 1,200,
- All bikes are subject to availability.
Who Should Join
- Riders with no prior desert experience who want a structured and safe introduction to dunes and roadbook.
- Off road riders who want to add navigation skills and confidence on sand to their toolbox.
- Rally enthusiasts preparing for larger events who want realistic Morocco terrain and steady coaching.
Transport of Your bike
If you want us to transport your bike you have to leave it at one of two possible locations in Europe.
- Germany.
- Fabrikstraße 8, 79361 Sasbach am Kaiserstuhl.
- Croatia
- Zadravečka 11, 10040, Zagreb
Luggage & Spare Parts
• Riders must bring their gear and spare parts in their flight luggage.
• Spare tires cannot be transported.
ATA Carnet
ATA Carnet is a customs document that facilitates the temporary duty-free importation of goods, including motorcycles and equipment, into non-EU countries like Morocco.
If we transport your bike to Morocco, ATA Carnet is needed! Read ATA Carnet detailed instructions here
FAQ
Do I need previous desert experience?
No. The program is designed for all levels, with small groups and two levels if needed. You progress step by step.
Is the training very physically demanding?
The desert always requires respect, but this camp is paced for learning. Routes and distances are adapted to the group, with frequent guidance and breaks.
How is safety managed?
Instructors and a dedicated safety team are always present. We use support vehicles, clear briefings and constant communication. You are never left alone.
Which bikes can I ride?
Bring your own well prepared bike or request a rental option such as Yamaha Ténéré 700, KTM 450 Rally Replica or KTM 450 Enduro, depending on availability.
What gear is mandatory?
Helmet and goggles, motorcycle boots, gloves, chest and back protection. Hydration pack! A full list is provided upon registration.
What about insurance?
International health insurance with emergency repatriation is mandatory for all participants.