
Tizi n’Taroubia, a steep unpaved road in the Atlas
Morocco, africa
4.9 km
2,339 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Tizi n’Taroubia is calling, a high-altitude hideaway straddling the Errachidia and Khénifra provinces in Morocco. We're talking serious elevation here— 2,339 meters (7,673 feet) above sea level!
Nestled between the Middle and High Atlas ranges, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road? Unpaved and STEEP, with an average gradient of 9.10%. Translation: you're gonna want a 4x4 with some serious clearance to conquer this beast. Keep in mind this high altitude pass can be impassable at any time of year because of snow.
Trust me, it's worth it. The peak is loaded with communication towers, and the views? Totally epic. The climb kicks off and stretches for 4.9 kilometers, packing in a hefty 446 meters of elevation gain. So, prepare for a workout— for both you and your vehicle— but also, get ready for some seriously unforgettable scenery!
Where is it?
Tizi n’Taroubia, a steep unpaved road in the Atlas is located in Morocco (africa). Coordinates: 31.5843, -7.0835
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 4.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,339 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 31.5843, -7.0835
Related Roads in africa
extremeWhy is it called Serra da Leba?
🌍 Angola
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Estrada Nacional 280 (EN280) in Angola, about 20 miles west of Lubango. This isn't just any road trip; you're tackling the legendary Serra da Leba, a mountain pass straddling the Huíla and Namibe provinces. Legend has it, this pass is named after the Portuguese woman who designed it but tragically died after seeing it completed. This paved road is a marvel of engineering, dating back to the late 60s and opened in the 70s. The real thrill starts in the 29.7km stretch from Renato Grade to Leba. Get ready for a wild ride as you descend (or ascend!) from a high plateau at 1,845 meters nearly to sea level in a mere 10 kilometers. You'll be twisting and turning through hairpin bends, experiencing multiple climate zones in a single drive! Be warned: some ramps hit a crazy 34% gradient, and rainy or dark conditions turn this beauty into a beast, even for seasoned drivers. This "beautiful precipice" may be one of Angola's most iconic images, but don't let the views distract you. There's minimal guardrail protection, and the road has seen its share of accidents. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Serra da Leba is a national treasure. Make sure to stop and soak in the scenery. At the top, hang a left after the toll station towards the communication masts. There, you'll find a viewpoint with a jaw-dropping panorama of the steepest sections of the road snaking down into the lush vegetation below. And hey, there's even a little bar nearby one of the best viewpoints – perfect for a celebratory drink after conquering this epic road!
moderateCulinary Traditions and Attractions in Morocco
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because I'm about to tell you about the Dades Gorge Road in Morocco! This baby winds its way through the Atlas Mountains in eastern Morocco. We're talking about a scenic loop that's about 40 miles (64 kilometers) long – perfect for a day trip. As you cruise, prepare for some serious elevation changes, climbing up into the mountains. That means hairpin turns, steep grades, and some seriously exposed sections where you'll want to keep your eyes on the road (even though the views are insane!). Speaking of views, forget boring highway scenery. This road is ALL about the dramatic landscapes. You'll be surrounded by towering red rock formations, lush green oases, and ancient kasbahs clinging to the hillsides. The highlight? The twisty section near the town of Msemrir, often referred to as the "Tissadrine Serpentines." Get your camera ready for some epic shots! A word of warning: parts of the road can be narrow and rough, so take it slow and watch out for other drivers and maybe even a donkey or two! But trust me, the challenge is totally worth it for the unforgettable experience.
moderateIs the road to Mahlasela Pass paved?
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the A1 in Lesotho's Butha-Buthe District, headed toward Mahlasela Pass. You're climbing to a whopping 3,278m (10,754ft) above sea level! This 77.9 km (48.4 miles) stretch from Qalo to Letseng-la-Terae is totally paved, though you'll find more potholes than tar the closer you get to Mokhotlong. The road can get steep, with a max slope of 17%, and you'll be sharing the road with a fair amount of traffic, including some big rigs. Plan ahead though! This is the northern Highlands, so heavy snow can shut things down in winter – icy conditions can be super treacherous. But trust me, the views from the top are totally worth it. The journey itself is stunning, think frozen rivers, breathtaking vistas, and seriously spectacular views. It’ll take you between 1.5 and 2 hours to drive, but remember, this road is your gateway to Lesotho's high-altitude adventure, including the Afriski Mountain Resort. It's said to be one of the highest road passes in Southern Africa, so get ready for an unforgettable ride.
moderateWhere is Tizi n'Tichka?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Tizi n'Tichka Pass in Morocco – get ready for a ride! This epic route climbs to a whopping 2,212m (7,257ft), straddling the Marrakesh-Safi and Drâa-Tafilalet regions, right in the heart of the High Atlas mountains. "Tizi n’Tichka" basically means "difficult mountain pasture" in Berber, which kinda tells you what to expect. This entirely paved ribbon of road, also known as Route Nationale 9, stretches for 54km (33 miles) between Zerkten and Agouim. It’s been around since 1936, carved out by the French army as a military highway. Nowadays, it’s your ticket from Marrakech to Ouarzazate. The pass is generally open year-round, but be warned: from November to March, snow can shut things down. Even when it's clear, the sun can be intense. Is it dangerous? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think winding roads, some a lane and a half wide, with a distinct lack of guardrails and seriously steep drops. Expect over 100 turns! The road quality varies – you might find yourself on a newly sealed section one minute, then bouncing along an older stretch the next. And the wind? Prepare to be windswept! A 2WD can handle it though. Mornings are your friend – hit this road early to beat the tour buses *and* the trucks. But, oh, the views! Each switchback reveals another jaw-dropping vista of the Atlas Mountains. At the summit, prepare to be wowed. Descending towards Ouarzazate, you'll glimpse the pre-Sahara landscape, a stark contrast to the majestic Atlas peaks. This road often gets blocked by snow in winter, making your kasbah (clay medieval fortress) journey all the more interesting. Plus, just near the pass, you'll find Aït Benhaddou, the famous kasbah where they filmed *Gladiator* (and tons of other movies). It's in fantastic condition, and still has families living there! You can even grab some minerals from the shops at the top. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience.