Driving the difficult road to Tizi n'Tichka in the Atlas

Tizi n'Tichka Pass in Morocco: get ready for a wild ride! This mountain pass sits way up high at 2,212m (7,257ft). Its Berber name translates to "difficult mountain pasture," and trust me, it lives up to the name!

Snaking between Marrakesh-Safi and Drâa-Tafilalet regions, it’s your gateway from the bustling Marrakech Plains to the vast Sahara Desert, right in the heart of the High Atlas mountains.

The road, also called Col du Tichka or Tizi n’Aguelmous, is fully paved and known as Route Nationale 9 (formerly Route P-31). It's 54km (33 miles) long, stretching north-south from Zerkten to Agouim.

Built as a military road back in 1936 by the French, today it’s the main artery connecting Marrakesh to Ouarzazate. Usually open year-round, keep an eye on the weather from November to March – snow can cause closures. But be ready for strong sunshine all year!

The road itself is decent but winding, with over 100 turns, and at times, you might not want to look down! They say it's one of the most dramatic drives in the country. Some sections are freshly paved, while others are... well, let's just say they add character! Expect some wind, but you can totally tackle it in a 2WD.

Heads up: it can get crowded, so hit it early if you're heading south. And it’s not just tourists – watch out for the trucks!

But the views? Absolutely stunning! Jaw-dropping vistas of the Atlas Mountains await around every hairpin turn. From the summit, you'll be blown away by the surrounding landscape. As you descend towards Ouarzazate, prepare to be mesmerized by the pre-Sahara region and the majestic Atlas peaks. This pass leads from the plains surrounding Marrakech, and the beauty continues past the pass, where snow can often block the road in winter, past stunning kasbahs (medieval fortresses) down to Ouarzazate, your entry to the Draa Valley and the Sahara. The views, villages and time spent on Tizi n’Tichka will be unique.

Don't miss Kasbah Aït Benhaddou near the pass – a famous filming location and Morocco's best-preserved kasbah. And at the summit, you can even pick up some cool minerals at the shops.