Where is Tizi n'Tamatert?
Morocco, africa
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Morocco, Marrakesh-Safi region to be exact, itching for an adventure. Look no further than Tizi n'Tamatert, nestled in the High Atlas Mountains within the Ait Mizane Valley. But hold on, this isn't your average Sunday drive.
First things first, ditch the rental sedan. This route is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking unpaved, curvy, bumpy, narrow sections, and heart-stopping steep drops – the real deal. Trust me, you'll be gripping that steering wheel!
The best time to tackle this beast? Avoid the snowy months of November to April. Instead, aim for April when the cherry and apple blossoms explode with color, or late autumn when the leaves are putting on their fiery farewell show.
The pass itself isn't super long – roughly .9 miles – but those .9 miles pack a punch. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The summit views are unreal. Huge thanks to Hugh Wilson for turning us on to this memorable road. You won’t regret the ride.
Related Roads in africa
moderateThe breathtaking road to Lac d’Isli
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Lac d’Isli is calling your name! Perched way up high in the High Atlas Mountains of central Morocco, this crater lake sits pretty at 2,313 meters (that’s 7,588 feet!). You’ll find it nestled inside the Haut Atlas Oriental National Park. The road in? Totally untamed! It's about 9.6 km of unpaved fun starting from the R317. Trust me, you're gonna want a 4x4 for this one. The views? Absolutely stunning. Think rugged mountains and crystal-clear water. Just be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride – this isn't your average Sunday drive.
extremeThe scary road to Tizi n'Test in the High Atlas
🇲🇦 Morocco
# Tizi n'Test: Morocco's Most Thrilling Mountain Pass Ready for one of the most spectacular drives in Morocco? Tizi n'Test is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,101m (6,893ft) on the boundary between the Marrakesh-Safi and Souss-Massa-Drâa regions. The entire 47.7 km (29.63 miles) stretch from Tafingoult to Mouldikht is paved, so you're getting a proper road adventure here. Here's a fun fact: this route was an engineering marvel built by the French between 1926 and 1932—the first modern road to connect Marrakech to the Souss plains and beyond. Before this, the pass was considered practically impassable, controlled only by sultans who jealously guarded this vital trade route to the south. These days, with the newer highway between Agadir and Marrakech stealing the spotlight, Tizi n'Test doesn't get quite the love it used to, and you'll notice it in the road conditions. Plan on spending 75-90 minutes if you're driving straight through, though cafes dot the route if you need a breather. **Fair warning:** This isn't a drive for everyone. You'll need mountain driving experience and a strong stomach for heights—the narrow sections have little forgiveness, with unbarriered 500m cliffs that'll make your palms sweat. Expect hairpin bends, steep climbs, speeding trucks, and locals hawking minerals at tight corners. The descent from the pass is particularly intense. Skip this one if it's raining (landslides are real), and definitely drive it in daylight. Snow can block the pass entirely, and cloud cover rolls in thick once you're up there. But here's why it's worth it: the views are absolutely breathtaking. Mountain vistas unfold at every turn, and at the summit, a small restaurant serves up panoramic views of the Souss Valley with the Anti-Atlas ridge rising majestically beyond. Grab a hot drink and a simple egg tagine while soaking it all in. Just be ready for those endless switchbacks to test your nerve.
moderateWhere is Poelela Lake?
🌍 Mozambique
Okay, picture this: Mozambique, turquoise waters, and a seriously off-the-beaten-path adventure to Poelela Lake. This isn't your average Sunday drive! This hidden gem of a lagoon is totally unspoiled, surrounded by a few local villages, and fed by a river making its way to the Indian Ocean. So, how do you get there? Let's just say you'll need a serious 4x4! The road to the lake is...rustic, to say the least. Starting near the village of Mangal, the road to the lake is approximately 14 km long. But hey, the journey is half the fun, right? Along the way, you'll be treated to views of other stunning lakes, including Lombe and Nhamavue. Plus, you'll stumble upon a charming church called Inconje Igreja Vida em Christo. Trust me, this road trip is an experience you won't soon forget. Just be prepared for a bumpy ride!
hardZiz Gorges: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region, specifically the Errachidia Province. You're about to dive into the Gorges du Ziz, a canyon carved by the Ziz River. Trust me, this is epic! You’ll be twisting and turning along National Route 13 (N13), a fully paved but oh-so-challenging road tucked into the Eastern High Atlas. Think countless hairpin turns, dramatic cliffs looming over you, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop. Seriously, even in a sturdy Unimog, it feels narrow at times! Keep your eyes peeled for those bus drivers—they can be a bit… enthusiastic… when overtaking. This 55.4 km (34.42 miles) stretch runs from Errachidia to Kerrandou, and the real highlight is between the Legionnaire’s Tunnel (built way back in the 30s!) and the dam of Barrage Al-Hassan Addakhil (hello, stunning lake!). Expect mind-blowing views of the Ziz River's upper course, a totally dramatic landscape. There are plenty of viewpoints and picnic spots to pull over and soak it all in. Trust me, you’ll want to!