Driving the Ait Qalla Track to Tizi n’Merekse: A hidden detour in the Anti-Atlas
Morocco, africa
1.9 km
2,352 m
hard
Year-round
Way out in Morocco's Souss-Massa region, you'll find the Tizi n’Merekse, a super-high mountain pass topping out at 2,352m (7,716ft). It’s a quick detour, but the views of the Anti-Atlas mountains? Totally worth it, especially since you'll be far from the usual tourist crowds!
Now, getting there is an adventure. You'll be tackling the Ait Qalla Track, a rough, unpaved mountain road that screams for a 4x4 with good clearance. Think classic Moroccan desert: loose gravel, red dust, and sharp rocks just waiting to mess with your tires. It's short, but seriously rugged, so be prepared to be self-sufficient.
The climb starts from another high point, the Tizi n'Tmourhas, right off the already-challenging R112. The Ait Qalla Track is only about 1.9 km (1.18 miles) to the top, but don't let that fool you.
Even though the road's fairly straight, there are some seriously steep sections, hitting a 7% gradient. And, at that altitude, the air gets thin, so your engine might struggle a bit. Plus, the loose surface means you'll definitely want 4WD to avoid spinning out.
The Tizi n’Merekse is exposed and dry. In summer, expect intense heat and zero shade. Traffic is basically non-existent, so if you have car trouble, you might be waiting a while for help.
Before heading up the Ait Qalla Track, make sure your ride's in top shape and you've got plenty of water. The reward? Epic panoramic views of the valleys below – a perspective of the Anti-Atlas most travelers never see. It's the perfect little add-on for overlanders already conquering the wild R112 and looking to bag another high-altitude pass!
Where is it?
Driving the Ait Qalla Track to Tizi n’Merekse: A hidden detour in the Anti-Atlas is located in Morocco (africa). Coordinates: 31.8430, -7.6199
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 1.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,352 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 31.8430, -7.6199
Related Roads in africa
moderateWhere is Die Hel in South Africa?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Ever heard of a place called Die Hel? It's tucked away in South Africa's Western Cape Province, right on the southwestern coast. Getting there is half the adventure – or maybe the whole adventure, depending on how you look at it! The road to Die Hel is about 37km (23 miles) of pure, unpaved grit. It snakes through the Klein Karoo, a semi-desert region, and plunges into Die Hel, a seriously isolated valley within the Swartberg Mountains, nestled between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert. No one really knows how it got its name, but it stuck! This winding road dives from the top to the bottom of Die Hel, also known as Gamka's Kloof or Gamkaskloof. Word to the wise: during the rainy season, the Gamka River can flood, making the road impassable. Expect around 2 hours of driving with 201 bends, and overtaking is often out of the question. Stock up on supplies before you go, because there's no shops, gas stations, hospitals, or even cell service once you’re in there. You'll definitely need a 4x4 with high ground clearance to tackle this route – anything less is asking for trouble. A spare tire is also a great idea. This stunning, secluded valley is about 20km long and less than 1km wide, was isolated until 1962. For over a century, it supported a self-sufficient community, and remnants of old farms and restored cottages add to the valley’s romantic allure.
extremeWhere is the Kotisephola Pass?
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Okay, picture this: You're in Lesotho, cruising the A14, also known as Black Mountain Pass. This baby's paved now, thanks to the Chinese, and it's your gateway to some seriously jaw-dropping scenery! We're talking the Mokhotlong District, near the South African border, northwest of the famous Sani Pass, headed towards Mokhotlong. This isn't just a Sunday drive, though. You're climbing to 3,245 meters (10,646 feet!) into the Black Mountains. Think switchbacks and steep climbs all along this 43.1 km (26.78 miles) stretch. The views? Lesotho's mountains spread out before you like a crumpled green blanket. Just a heads-up: winter can bring snow and ice, turning this scenic route into a bit of an adventure. So, buckle up and get ready for one of Lesotho's highest – and most unforgettable – roads!
hardVlaknek Pass
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, so you're cruising through the Free State in South Africa, and you spot a turnoff for Vlaknek Pass. This isn't your nail-biting, hairpin-turn kind of pass, but it still climbs up to a cool 1,853 meters (that's over 6,000 feet!). It's a pretty straightforward shot – think long, gently sloped sections rather than crazy curves. Now, here's the thing: when it rains, this track transforms into a mud-slicked adventure! Seriously, it can get super slippery and even impassable if the weather's bad, even for a 4x4. Under normal circumstances, though, a regular car with decent clearance can handle it, just take it slow and steady on those long, straight stretches. Keep an eye on the sky, though. Being up that high means you might encounter snow in the winter months, and trust me, you don't want to be caught unprepared!
hardIs the road to Tizi n'Ouadi?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Hey adventure junkies! Let me tell you about Tizi-n'Ouadi, a seriously high mountain peak nestled near Jebel Toubkal in Morocco's Marrakesh-Tensift-El Haouz region. We're talking a lung-busting 2,950m (9,678ft) above sea level! This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The road, also known as Tizi n' Ou Addi (or P2030 if you're into road numbers), starts off nice and paved from the Oukaïmeden ski resort. But BAM! It quickly becomes a gravel and sand track, perfect for testing your 4x4 skills. I've even seen some daring 2WDs make it near the top, but I wouldn't recommend it! Get ready for some serious switchbacks – there are seven hairpin turns to conquer on the way up. Just a heads up, this road is usually closed from November to June because, you know, snow. The climb is short but intense. From Oukaïmeden, it's only 5.7 km (3.54 miles) to the top, but you'll gain 325 meters in elevation. Expect an average gradient of 5.70%, but hold on tight for those ramps that hit a crazy 15%! The views, though? Totally worth it.