
Is the road to Tizi Bou Taouelt unpaved?
Morocco, africa
17.6 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising through Morocco's Midelt Province? You've GOT to check out Tizi Bou Taouelt!
This high-altitude pass, nestled in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, is a seriously cool rural shortcut through the eastern High Atlas mountains.
Okay, so the P7318 isn't exactly paved – think 17.6 km (or about 11 miles) of pure, unadulterated gravel. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Generally, most cars can handle it in dry weather, and the hills aren't too crazy steep – topping out at around 6%. Just keep in mind this baby is sensitive to the seasons.
You'll be cruising between the tiny villages of Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef and Tounfit, making your way from the river valleys to those classic Midelt plateaus. Pro tip: give yourself extra time, because that gravel and those winding bends mean you won't be speeding.
Word of warning: rain can turn this track into a mud pit real quick, so maybe think twice if the weather's looking iffy and you aren't in a 4x4. And winter? Snow's a definite possibility up here around 2,100 meters. It's a remote spot, so fill up the tank and bring plenty of water!
But the VIEWS! Absolutely unreal. You'll be gawking at the snow-capped peaks to the south (seriously, they sometimes stick around 'til spring!). It's all rocky hills, sparse plants, and the occasional nomad camp. This isn't your typical tourist trap – it's a peaceful escape into the real, raw beauty of the High Atlas. The summit? Just you, the wide-open horizon, and the sound of silence. Trust me; it's epic.
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 17.6 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in africa
extremeTizi Ou Adil
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Tizi Ou Adil in central Morocco is calling your name! Nestled way up in the Eastern High Atlas mountains, this pass tops out at a whopping 9,737 feet. Trust me, the views are worth the white knuckles! Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is mostly gravel, and things can get rocky, bumpy, and a little tippy. If you're not comfortable on unpaved mountain tracks, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is a MUST. And heights? Yeah, you'll be dealing with those. Expect some seriously steep climbs, and if it's wet, be prepared for some mud-slinging action. Weather-wise, this pass can be brutal. Snow lingers late into the year, and avalanches and landslides are a real possibility. Patches of ice are common, so be cautious! But seriously, bring your camera! The scenery is incredible. We're talking snow-capped peaks (often lasting into early summer!), stunning vistas, and views for days. Plus, you'll drive near the breathtaking Todgha and Seppap Gorges. Just make sure you have plenty of memory and charged batteries to capture it all! The road itself actually climbs a bit higher than the pass on either side, reaching 10,574 feet to the west and 9,973 feet to the north. Epic!
hardDjebel n'Ouhattar: Only Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skills
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a must-try for your Moroccan bucket list: Djebel n'Ouhattar. We're talking about a sky-high mountain pass clinging to the High Atlas Mountains in the Al Haouz Province. At a whopping 3,064 meters (that's 10,052 feet!) above sea level, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in Morocco. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The 16.3 km (10.12 miles) route, stretching from Oukaïmeden (Africa's highest ski resort!) to Timoummar, is entirely unpaved. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 with high clearance to tackle this beast. Be warned: snow usually makes it impassable from late October until late June or early July. Expect a seriously steep climb – hitting gradients of up to 14% – with a wild collection of 26 hairpin turns and stretches so narrow you'll be holding your breath! But the views? Oh, the views are totally worth the nail-biting experience!
extremeA demanding unpaved road to Tizi n'Oulaoun
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Tizi-n-Oulaoun is a Moroccan mountain pass that will leave you breathless – literally and figuratively! Perched way up high in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, we're talking a dizzying 2,789 meters (9,150 feet)! This baby ranks among Morocco's highest roads, so you know it's gonna be epic. Forget smooth tarmac – this is a proper unpaved adventure! The road, also called Tizi-n-Ouloun, is seriously narrow and unforgivingly steep. Picture this: hairpin after hairpin, clinging to the mountainside with stomach-churning drops just inches away (no guardrails here, folks!). The climb is relentless, but hey, that's what makes it fun, right? 4x4 is a must. This route isn't for the faint of heart. If you're scared of heights or landslides, maybe skip this one. The road eventually leads you to Amezri village, your basecamp for conquering Irhil M'Goun from the south. Pro tip: Check the weather before you go. Avalanches, snow, and landslides are real possibilities, and the wind can get pretty wild up there. Get ready for views that’ll blow your mind as you make your way to Lac d’Isli.
hardThe inhumane climb to Hanskop with 27% ramps
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Just south of Cape Town in the Western Cape, South Africa, lies Hanskop – a mountain peak soaring to 1,159m (3,802ft). It’s also known as Hanse Kop, and trust me, you want to get up there! The summit is packed with communication towers, but that's a small price to pay for the unreal 360-degree views of the Cape Town area and the Overberg region. Seriously stunning! The road? It’s fully paved, so that’s a win, but hold on – it's narrow and steep. You'll be gripping the wheel, especially because it can get super slick after a rain shower, and access to the summit is sometimes closed. Starting in Grabouw at 360m, you've got 11.3 km (7.02 miles) of pure uphill bliss (and maybe a little pain). You'll climb a whopping 799 meters, averaging a 7.07% gradient. But brace yourself, because some sections crank up to a leg-burning 27%!