The scary road to Tizi n'Test in the High Atlas

# 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.