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Across the High Atlas — Morocco — Mountain
Africa

Across the High Atlas

Morocco

In short: Across the High Atlas is a 480 km mountain road trip in Morocco, typically driven over 3–4 days, best in Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Highlights: Marrakech, Tizi n'Tichka Pass, Ait Benhaddou.

Distance
480 km
Duration
3–4 days
Best Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
IconicModerateMountain

From the rose-red walls of Marrakech over the spine of the Atlas Mountains via the 2,260m Tizi n'Tichka pass, past kasbahs of red pisé, across the hammada plateau to Ouarzazate's film sets, through the Draa Valley's 40 km of palm groves, and into the Sahara at Merzouga's towering Erg Chebbi dunes. The great desert approach.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
The Tizi n'Tichka pass reaches 2,260m and can close due to snow between November and March. The road is paved throughout but includes tight switchbacks; take extra care with oncoming trucks. Side roads into the Draa Valley and smaller kasbahs are often unpaved.
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Stops along the route

Marrakech — Departure — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
Departure
Marrakech
The Red City. Djemaa el-Fna square, the Bahia Palace, thousand-trade souqs, and the YSL Jardin Majorelle frame Africa's most sensory city. The N9 south begins 30km from the walls.
Hotels
Ouarzazate — City — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
City
Ouarzazate
Door of the desert and North Africa's Hollywood. The Kasbah Taourirt, partly still inhabited, and Atlas Studios anchor a sun-bleached city on the edge of the Saharan plateau.
Hotels
Merzouga — Arrival — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
Arrival
Merzouga
The Sahara's edge. Erg Chebbi dunes rise 160m east of the village, Morocco's highest. A camel trek to a nomad tent at dawn, watching sand glow from orange to gold, ends the journey.
Hotels

Things to Do

Tizi n'Tichka Pass — Nature — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
Nature
Tizi n'Tichka Pass
High Atlas summit at 2,260m, the Saharan watershed. The descent reveals ochre kasbahs, Glaoua pise towers, and the first date palms of the pre-Saharan south.
Ait Benhaddou — Landmark — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
Landmark
Ait Benhaddou
UNESCO pre-Saharan ksar of towering mud-brick towers on a hillside above the Ounila River. Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones all filmed among its walls.
Draa Valley — Nature — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
Nature
Draa Valley
Forty kilometres of date-palm oasis lining the Draa River, punctuated by ancient ksour and Berber villages. The valley road is one of Morocco's most beautiful desert drives.
Todra Gorge — Nature — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
Nature
Todra Gorge
The Todra River cuts through 300m walls of pink limestone narrowing to 10m at the canyon floor. A top North African climbing destination; the Tinghir palm oasis lies below.
Jardin Majorelle — Garden — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
Garden
Jardin Majorelle
A stunning garden in Marrakech featuring exotic plants and vibrant blue architecture.
Atlas Film Studios — Film Studio Tour — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
Film Studio Tour
Atlas Film Studios
Explore the world's largest film studio in Ouarzazate, known as 'Ouallywood'.
Camel Trekking in Merzouga — Outdoor Activity — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
Outdoor Activity
Camel Trekking in Merzouga
Experience a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunrise or sunset.
Hiking in Todra Gorge — Hike — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
Hike
Hiking in Todra Gorge
Walk through the dramatic canyon with towering limestone cliffs and a serene river.

Where to Eat

Café Clock — Moroccan Fusion — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
Moroccan Fusion
Café Clock
A vibrant café in Marrakech known for its camel burgers and cultural events.
Kasbah Valentine — Traditional Moroccan — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
Traditional Moroccan
Kasbah Valentine
A cozy restaurant near Ait Benhaddou offering authentic tagines and couscous.
Restaurant Douyria — Moroccan — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
Moroccan
Restaurant Douyria
A rooftop restaurant in Ouarzazate with panoramic views and classic Moroccan dishes.
Restaurant Café Nora — Berber — Across the High Atlas — Morocco
Berber
Restaurant Café Nora
A family-run eatery in Merzouga serving traditional Berber pizza and mint tea.

Explore related routes

Morocco road trips Iconic Mountain PassesDesert Roads Africa routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Across the High Atlas drive?

The Across the High Atlas covers 480 km from start to finish.

How long does the Across the High Atlas take to drive?

Most travellers spend 3–4 days on the Across the High Atlas, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Across the High Atlas?

The recommended season for the Across the High Atlas is Mar–May, Sep–Nov.

Where does the Across the High Atlas start and end?

The Across the High Atlas runs from Marrakech to Merzouga.

What are the main stops on the Across the High Atlas?

The Across the High Atlas passes through Marrakech, Tizi n'Tichka Pass, Ait Benhaddou.

Can I drive the Across the High Atlas in a regular car?

Yes — the Across the High Atlas is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Across the High Atlas?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Across the High Atlas, based on its 480 km length.

Is the Across the High Atlas safe to drive?

The Tizi n'Tichka pass reaches 2,260m and can close due to snow between November and March. The road is paved throughout but includes tight switchbacks; take extra care with oncoming trucks. Side roads into the Draa Valley and smaller kasbahs are often unpaved.

What scenic tier is the Across the High Atlas?

The Across the High Atlas is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.