Tizi N’Test Pass

Tizi N’Test excrusions

In the heart of the Souss-Massa-Draa province, the Tizi N’Test road will take you through the verdant landscapes of the regions around Asni and Ouirgan. This is the road that links Marrakech to Taroudant and Taliouine. Passing through the N’Fis Valley, where many ancient Kasbahs stand tall, you’ll reach the Tizi N Test mountain pass (2092 m), where you’ll enjoy a jaw-dropping view. You can hike around this region all year long, but summer is best for its delectable fresh air.

Before you reach Tahannaout, the road drifts off from the plain and you’ll ascend the first foothills of the Atlas. After about 40 km, you can take a detour to the left to check out the Gorges of Moulay Brahim. Here there are countless beautiful hikes to go on along waterfalls and rapids. Amidst lush vegetation, you’ll distinguish many outcrops of black shale. After four kilometres you’ll reach the village of Moulay Brahim, perched on a rock face.

Next stop, Asni, at the foot of the mountains, where you can go on a hike on the Kik plateau. This beautiful walk will lead you to the Lalla Takerkoust Lake. When you get back on the road heading south, you’ll pass by Ouirgane. In the middle of this alpine setting, different excursions will lead you to the flanks of the neighbouring mountains or the N’Fis gorges to discover picturesque Berber villages.

The Tizi N’Test road will bring you past Ljjoukak, the starting point of many hikes towards the Agondis Valley on of Morocco’s beautiful and well kept secrets. This is where the Talat N’Yaccoub Kasbah can be found, in the middle of an olive grove and on the shore of the N’Fid Oued. Not far from here, you’ll find the fortress of the Goundafi tribe, perched on a rocky outcrop. You are at Agadir N’Gouj, at the foot of the snowy mountains of Idget. The view is truly spectacular!

135 kilometres later, you’ll finally reach the Tizi N Test mountain pass to discover a splendid panorama over the plain and the entire Sous Valley between the Jebel Siroua and the Ocean.

To drive these 180 km, it will take you about 5 hours, but travellers who can’t resist a little hiking and exploring will spend about two days here. From the Tizi N Test mountain pass, you’ll reach the Sous Valley rather quickly (28km) allowing you to get to Taroudant in only an hour and a half.