The Tizi n’Tichka is the highest major road pass in North Africa and the only direct route between Marrakech and Ouarzazate. Built by the French between 1926 and 1936 along the old caravan track, it climbs from 450 m at Marrakech to 2,260 m at the col in about 100 km, then drops just as fast into the pre-Sahara.
A major widening and realignment project completed in recent years has straightened the worst of it, and the drive is now roughly three hours rather than four. It is still the part of the day trip people remember: pine forests giving way to bare rock, Berber villages clinging to the slopes, and then, at the top, the whole south of Morocco laid out below.
Top things to do at Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Stop at the summit
There is a small café and a viewpoint at the col, marked by a sign at 2,260 m. On clear winter days the surrounding peaks are snow-covered.
Detour to Telouet
Signposted about 20 km south of the summit — the Glaoui palace is a 25-minute drive off the main road and almost nobody makes the turn.
Browse the mineral stalls
Roadside stands sell geodes, fossils and amethyst. Much of it is dyed or imported, so haggle hard and buy for the look rather than the geology.
How to get to Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- From Marrakech: the N9 south — roughly 3 hours to Aït Benhaddou including stops.
- By tour: every Marrakech day trip and desert tour uses this road. See our ranked tour comparison.
- By bus: CTM and Supratours coaches from Marrakech to Ouarzazate cross the pass daily in about 4 hours.
Insider tips
- If you are prone to motion sickness, sit at the front and take something before you set off — there are hundreds of bends.
- Snow closes the pass occasionally in January and February. Check before travelling in deep winter.
- Drivers: overtaking lorries on the climb is the main hazard. Leave early, and do not attempt the descent after dark for the first time.
Best tours & tickets for Tizi n’Tichka Pass
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Tizi n’Tichka Pass and the surrounding valleys:
Day trip from €22 From Marrakech: Day Trip to Ouarzazate & Aït Benhaddou
The classic — and by far the most booked — way to see Aït Benhaddou in a single day from Marrakech. An air-conditioned minivan climbs the 2,260 m Tizi n’Tichka pass with photo stops, drops you at the ksar for a proper wander, then continues to Ouarzazate before returning at dusk.
- Cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Free time inside the UNESCO ksar of Aït Benhaddou
- Stop in Ouarzazate and see Kasbah Taourirt
Multi-day tour from €98 From Marrakech: 3-Day Sahara Tour with Private Tent & Meals
The full southern loop, and the trip most people actually mean when they say "the desert". Aït Ben Haddou is the first major stop, then the road runs east through the gorges to Merzouga and the 150 m dunes of Erg Chebbi.
- Aït Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge and Dades valley
- Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Private tent, dinner and breakfast included
Overnight tour from €61 From Marrakech: 2-Day Zagora Desert Tour via Aït Benhaddou
The shortest overnight that still gets you real desert. Day one crosses the Atlas, stops at the ksar and rolls down the Draa valley past palm groves; you ride camels into the dunes for sunset and sleep under an enormous sky.
- Aït Benhaddou on the way out, in good light
- Camel trek into the Zagora dunes
- Night in a Berber camp with fire and music
