Ziz Gorges: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Gorges du Ziz is a highly scenic canyon located in the Errachidia Province of the Drâa-Tafilalet region of Morocco, carved by the River Ziz.

Gorges du Ziz

Can I drive through Ziz Gorges?

Tucked away in the Eastern High Atlas, the road through the gorges is entirely paved yet challenging, with countless turns. It’s called National Route Number 13 (N13). Hemmed in by inhospitable and barren cliffs, the mountainous and winding road can be hair-raising. When driving a Unimog, the road feels very narrow, and with daring bus drivers hogging the road, even overtaking on blind bends and steep inclines, you’ll need to keep your wits about you.

How long is the road through Ziz Gorges?

The road is 55.4 km (34.42 miles) long, running south-north from Errachidia to Kerrandou. The most iconic part of the drive runs from the Legionnaire’s Tunnel (built by French colonial troops in the 1930s to create a passageway to the Ziz Valley) to the dam of Barrage Al-Hassan Addakhil, an artificial lake. 

Is the road through Ziz Gorges worth it?

The drive offers stunning views of a spectacular and dramatic scenery on the upper course of the Ziz River. There are a couple of viewpoints and picnic spots along the route.
Pic: Bruno Papais