
Tizi n’Tirecht
Morocco, africa
N/A
3,677 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Tizi n’Tirecht is calling your name from the Drâa-Tafilalet region of central Morocco. Perched way up in the Eastern High Atlas, this peak hits a staggering 3,677m (12,063ft)! Think panoramic views and bragging rights – this is one of the highest roads in the whole country.
Word to the wise: This isn't a Sunday drive. Built in 2015 to develop a mountain resort, this trail plunges you into serious wilderness. Leave your regular car at home; you’ll want something much more rugged.
We're talking gravel, rocks, bumps galore! Apparently, it's currently impassable by 4x4, though a dirt bike *might* make it. Be warned: mudslides and rockslides block about a third of the route. The final stretch? Forget about it without an excavator. Oh, and good luck even *finding* the start – satellite images are your best bet! Yes, this is one of the highest roads of Africa.
Heads up: weather can be brutal. Expect snow and freezing temps way into the year. Avalanches, blizzards, and landslides are real threats, and icy patches lurk around every corner. But the views? Totally worth it. Pack your camera (fully charged!) because the snowy peaks stick around 'til late spring/early summer, and some sneaky spots keep snow all year long!
Where is it?
Tizi n’Tirecht is located in Morocco (africa). Coordinates: 31.7312, -5.8272
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Max Elevation
- 3,677 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 31.7312, -5.8272
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