Driving the Ait Qalla Track to Tizi n’Merekse: A hidden detour in the Anti-Atlas

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!