TRAVELLING THROUGH THE HEART OF THE ATLAS
Morocco is a country with an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from vast deserts to the majestic Atlas Mountains. For motorcycle enthusiasts, it is a paradise full of challenges and spectacular views.
In this article, we will focus on Morocco’s four highest passes: Tizi n’Tichka, Tizi n’Test, Tizi n’Ait Imi and Tizi n’Ait Hmed, each offering unique experiences, from demanding serpentines to scenic landscapes and local culture. They are the ones who make up the essence of Moroccan motorcycle adventure.
Atlas is a mountain range in North Africa, located mainly in Morocco, but also reaching to Algeria and Tunisia.
The Atlas is one of the most extensive mountain ranges in the world, stretching for about 2400 km.
For comparison, in Europe the Alps have a length of 1200km
When is the best time to go? Climate in Morocco
The best time to travel on a motorcycle through Moroccan passes is spring and autumn. In spring, nature comes to life, temperatures are moderate and the landscapes of the Atlas Mountains are full of greenery. In autumn, the weather is still stable and the summer heat is already subsiding. In summer, in the high parts of the mountains, temperatures are tolerable, but at lower altitudes (e.g. in Marrakech) the heat can be extreme. However, in winter, some passes can be covered with snow and road conditions may deteriorate, especially at higher altitudes.
How do I get to Morocco?
The most popular route for motorcyclists from Europe is the ferry crossing from Spain to Morocco. Regular ferry services connect Spanish ports such as Algeciras or Tarifa with the Moroccan cities of Tangier, Tangier Med and Ceuta. The ferry journey usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
There are also ferry connections from France to Morocco. Ferries from the port of Sète to Tangier Med run several times a week, and the crossing time is about 40-49 hours
Ferries from Genoa to Tangier Med are available for travellers from Italy. Cruises take place once a week, and the travel time is about 50-55 hours.
Alternatively, you can fly to one of the cities in Morocco, such as Marrakech, Casablanca or Tangier, and then rent a motorcycle on site. There are many rental companies in Morocco offering a wide selection of motorcycles.
Required documents to enter Morocco
EU citizens must have a valid passport, valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry. A visa is not required for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
Dokumenty pojazdu
Registration certificate, if you are not the owner of a motorcycle, then authorisation from the owner is required, preferably in French or English, notarised.
Green Card covering Morocco.
A European driver’s license is enough, but it’s also worth having an international one.
Border procedure
Passport control
At the border point, the official stamps the entry stamp and gives an identification number if it is the first entry into Morocco.
Customs clearance of the vehicle
At the border, a document confirming the temporary import of the motorcycle is obtained. This document is necessary when leaving the country, so it should be kept in a safe place. A temporary vehicle import is usually granted for up to 6 months during a calendar year.
Border issues have already been clarified, so let’s go!
Tizi n’Tichka
Tizi n’Tichka is located at an altitude of 2260 metres above sea level. It connects Marrakech with the city of Varzazat (Quarzazate), crossing the majestic Atlas Mountains.
The road through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass is part of National Route 9. The road is wide and well maintained. This route is very popular among tourists, so it can be crowded during the season.
The Tizi n’Tichka Pass is not only an important communication route, but also a place with extraordinary landscape and cultural values, which will certainly leave an unforgettable impression for every traveller.
Tizi n’Test
Tizi n’Test is one of the most spectacular passes in Morocco, located at an altitude of about 2100 metres above sea level. The pass connects the town of Taroudant in the south with Marrakech in the north, offering one of the most scenic routes in the Atlas Mountains.
The road through the Tizi n’Test is narrow, winding and often devoid of safety barriers. Nevertheless, views of the surrounding valleys, canyons and mountain peaks compensate for the difficulty of driving. This route is less frequented than Tizi n’Tichka, which makes it more demanding, but at the same time more wild and authentic.
Unfortunately, in September 2023, part of the pass and the access road was severely damaged by an earthquake. Currently, work is underway to rebuild the route, but travelling through it may be difficult. It is worth checking the current condition of the road and the availability of the passage before leaving. Although infrastructure may be rebuilt, many small towns and villages that have suffered as a result of the cataclysm will never regain their former appearance.
Due to the difficult road conditions and ongoing renovations, travelling through Tizi n’Test requires special care. It is best to avoid travelling during the rainy season, as heavy rainfall can cause landslides and additional obstacles on the route.
Despite the difficulties, Tizi n’Test remains one of the most exciting motorcycle rides in Morocco. It offers unforgettable views and experiences that are sure to be remembered by every traveller.
Tizi n’Ait Imi
Tizi n’Ait Imi is one of the most beautiful passes in the High Atlas. The Tizi n’Ait Imi pass is located at an altitude of about 2914 metres above sea level, which makes it one of the highest roads in Morocco.
The road is demanding, initially asphalt, and then turns into gravel. The pass is accessible all year round, but during the winter months it is often impassable due to snowfall.
The journey through Tizi n’Ait Imi offers unforgettable views of the harsh landscapes of the High Atlas.
Col de Tizi N’Ait Hmed
Tizi n’Ait Hmed located at an altitude of 3005 m above sea level makes it the highest road pass in Morocco. This route is mostly asphalted (at the time of writing this article, road work is still underway on the construction).
Thanks to its spectacular views, the pass is an attractive choice for motorcyclists and travellers looking for less frequented but equally impressive routes. Tizi n’Ait Hmed and Tizi n’Ait Imi are closely related. After travelling through one, you drive into the other almost immediately, making one of the most spectacular mountain rides in Morocco. They connect the Ait Bouguemez valley with the Dades region,
Travelling by motorcycle through the Atlas Mountains is one of the most exciting experiences you can have in Morocco. Four passes – Tizi n’Tichka, Tizi n’Test, Tizi n’Ait Imi and Tizi n’Ait Hmed – each offers something unique, both in terms of landscapes and road challenges.
Each of these passes has a different story – from frequented arteries to deserted mountain trails, from modern asphalt routes to wild gravel roads. Their diversity makes the journey through the Moroccan Atlas Mountains full of contrasts and unforgettable experiences.
Whichever route you choose, one thing is certain, the adventure of a lifetime awaits you!
WHAT WE DRIVE AND WHAT DO WE USE
LONERIDER – COMBO 2 – COMPLETE LUGGAGE SET
SENA 30K
