Leaving Marrakesh Early

We started the day early, knowing that today’s stage would take us over the High Atlas Mountains and deep into southern Morocco. Several rally teams had already mentioned that the route was affected by extensive construction work, so we planned extra time and left Marrakesh right after an early breakfast.

Before heading out, we filled up the tank, topped off the spare jerry cans, and stocked up on water — just to be well prepared for whatever the mountain roads might bring.

Into the Atlas Mountains

Morning brought a light drizzle in Marrakesh, but once we left the city, the clouds lifted and the mountain panorama opened up beautifully. The first part of the drive was calm, following a straight, well‑maintained road through villages where locals waved at us from the roadside — children, shepherds, and families alike. We even spotted our first camels of the trip.

As the elevation increased, the roads became narrower. This didn’t stop mopeds from overtaking us left and right, but everything remained manageable. Bit by bit, the asphalt gave way to sandier and rockier surfaces, and before long, we hit the first construction stop.

Earthquake Damage and Long Waiting Times

The roadworks we encountered are consequences of the major earthquake of 2023, which destroyed and damaged large parts of the infrastructure in this region. Reconstruction is ongoing: widening roads, clearing debris, stabilizing slopes. But with this comes long waiting times and occasional detours across makeshift bypasses.

At the first complete roadblock, we waited for nearly one hour. Interestingly, it didn’t feel long — several Moroccans approached us with genuine curiosity. They wanted to know what kind of rally we were doing, where we came from, and how far we were going. Some spoke English, some communicated through gestures, and all were incredibly warm and welcoming.
A few rally teams who had taken the same mountain route joined the queue behind us, so we used the time to chat and exchange stories.

Reaching the Pass at 2,200 Meters

As we climbed higher, the road narrowed to what often felt like a single‑lane path, with traffic still coming from the opposite direction — and the occasional moped weaving through regardless. We passed two or three more construction stops before eventually reaching the mountain pass Tizi n’Test, sitting at nearly 2.100 meters above sea level.

At the pass, a small roadside hut offered snacks — and most importantly: toilets, which Pooh and I both needed at that point. After a quick break, we continued our journey southward.

Down Into the Dust

The descent was just as dramatic as the climb: loose rocks, sandy switchbacks, and signs of recent rockfalls everywhere. Here and there, we could already see fresh concrete and restored sections — progress is clearly being made.
By the time we reached the valley floor, the car was covered in dust from top to bottom — exactly what we expected, yet always amusing to see the transformation.

South Toward Agadir

From the mountains, we turned southwest toward Agadir, and about 50 kilometers before reaching the city, we found a small guesthouse in Siad Ahmed Ou Amar — a traditional riad (Riad El Borj).

A Peaceful Evening in the Riad

The riad had around eight or nine rooms, and surprisingly, we were the only guests. The owners were incredibly kind and even allowed us to use the kitchen, so we cooked our own dinner for the first time on this trip.

After eating outside in the small garden area, we washed some clothes, let them dry in the warm evening air, and slowly wound down the day. The quietness was a welcome contrast to the dusty, hectic mountain roads.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, we’ll continue further south — ideally toward a coastal section near Sidi Ifni or even the Western Sahara border. We’re excited to see how far we’ll get and what kind of landscapes the next stage will bring.

For now, it’s time to rest. The Atlas Mountains are behind us, and the desert is getting closer.