
Tizi n'Takchtant
Morocco, africa
N/A
2,943 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Tizi n'Takchtant in southeastern Morocco is calling! This beast of a pass clocks in at a lung-busting 9,655 feet, making it one of the highest roads in the whole country.
Nestled between the High and Little Atlas Mountains, this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. Think gnarly gravel, jagged rocks, and seriously scary drop-offs that'll test your nerve. The desert landscape is epic, but those steep, rocky climbs are no joke. You'll need to navigate around huge, sharp rocks, so watch those tires!
Forget your stock SUV; this is high-clearance, skid-plate, differential-locker territory only. Trust me, you'll need it. Even with GPS, the maze of poorly marked roads can be a real headache. Pro tip: it gets scorching hot in summer, so load up on water, and definitely don't tackle this one solo. Oh, and if you're feeling *extra* adventurous, there's a smaller gravel track east of the pass that climbs even higher, topping out at 10,908 feet!
Where is it?
Tizi n'Takchtant is located in Morocco (africa). Coordinates: 32.6806, -6.3286
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Max Elevation
- 2,943 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 32.6806, -6.3286
Related Roads in africa
hardEselbank Pass in SA: 4x4 vehicles only
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Eselbank Pass (aka Kerskop Pass) in South Africa's Western Cape! We're talking serious mountain vibes at 978m (3,208ft) up in the Cederberg Wilderness Area. Now, listen up: this ain't a Sunday drive in your average sedan. This 39.6 km (24.60 miles) track running from Wuppertal to Cederberg Oasis is mostly unpaved, and some sections are crazy steep (up to 1:5 gradient!), so a 4x4 is essential. Seriously, this is more track than road at times, especially when the weather turns sour. Parts are super narrow, so get ready to "make a plan" when you meet another vehicle. Expect a 1.5-2 hour slow and steady trek. After you follow the low-level causeway, a sign warns you about taking the right fork with your 4x4. Then you climb a concrete base, hit a hairpin, and the road heads south, climbing steadily for another 2 km to the next switchback onto concrete. The second half is very steep, so take it slowly and enjoy the amazing views all around you. You'll be rewarded with weathered red Cederberg sandstone formations and a sandy track at the summit. Soon you will skirt some Rooibos tea plantations and experience some relatively easy sections. Be careful - the track can be soft and sandy, and if you are not in a 4x4, this section might give you problems. Before the sharp right-hand bend at the causeway at Eselbank, take a 200 meter detour to look at the Eselbank Waterfall.
hardWhere is Tizi n’Targa?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Tizi n’Targa is a wild ride! We’re talking a serious elevation gain up in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. This pass sits south of the bustling city of Marrakech, nestled within the High Atlas range, North Africa's majestic backbone. Forget your sports car; you’ll need a 4x4 to conquer this unpaved beast. The road is narrow, and some of those inclines are seriously steep. Clocking in at around 30 km, the route snakes its way from Imlil up and over the pass. The scenery is out-of-this-world stunning. Get ready for panoramic vistas that will blow your mind. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road!
hardGorges du Dades, where you will be driving just 12 inches from the side of the mountain
🇲🇦 Morocco
# Gorges du Dadès: Morocco's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive Nestled in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, the R704 Road through Gorges du Dadès is an absolute bucket-list experience. This 60.8 km (37.77 miles) stretch winds north-south from M'Semrir to Boumalne Dades, and honestly? It's one of those drives that'll have your heart racing and your camera working overtime. The landscape here is something else—we're talking stunning rock formations, historic kasbahs clinging to the cliffs, lush palm groves, and desert vistas all rolled into one. The Dades River has literally carved its way through the valley, creating dramatic gorges bordered by thin strips of green vegetation against jaw-dropping rock walls. Think Grand Canyon vibes, but with an extra dose of raw, untamed beauty. Now, let's be real: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is paved, but it's absolutely relentless—constant hairpin turns, steep climbs, sharp descents, and you'll be driving mere feet from the mountainside with a seriously steep drop below. No guardrails to save you here. The tight switchbacks mean most people take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete it, and that's pushing it. Driving at night or in poor visibility? Not recommended unless you really know what you're doing. And fair warning: Moroccan drivers can be... let's say "spirited." The road does get slippery after rain, so time your visit wisely. March through May is ideal for the lower valleys, while May to July showcases the mountains at their peak. Don't just barrel through—stop at the overlooks, explore the kasbahs on foot, and catch the views from the cafe at the top. This is one ride that demands your respect and attention.
hardBainskloof Pass is a drive worth taking in SA
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on Bainskloof Pass! This gem is tucked away in the Western Cape of South Africa, and trust me, you'll want your camera ready. We're talking next-level scenic views as you climb to 597m (1,958ft) above sea level. This isn't just any road; it's a seriously impressive piece of history, completed way back in 1854 by the self-taught engineering genius Andrew Geddes Bain. He crafted this masterpiece with convict labor and some seriously rough-and-ready methods. Originally for horse-drawn carriages, it's now a smooth paved road (R310) that was actually rebuilt in 2022. The pass stretches for about 31.2km (19.38 miles), winding from Wellington in the Cape Winelands to a bridge over the Breede River, headed towards Ceres. Get ready for some serious curves and climbs; some sections get as steep as 9%! One side’s hugging the mountainside, and the other? Well, let’s just say it’s a steep drop down to the Bainskloof River. Parts of the road get pretty narrow, and while it’s mostly in good shape, keep your eyes peeled for the odd rough patch. Word to the wise: this road's got a reputation! There are stories of accidents and even, dare I say, spooky sightings. If you're brave enough to peek over the edge, you might spot some seriously old car wrecks down below. Drive carefully, soak in the incredible views, and maybe keep an eye out for those rumored spirits! At the summit you will find a plantation and a picnic spot.