I'm looking for info on the route between Imilchil and Tabant—is it a dirt track, and what condition is it in? Any paved roads? We’ll have a 4x4. My GPS shows a track that would connect Imilchil directly to the Cathedral of Rocks (near Tilougguite), without taking the big detour via the R 306. I can’t find this track on any map. How long should we allow for the trip between Imilchil and Tabant? Is this route doable year-round? Are there any wadi crossings?
Thanks for any recent tips on this route!
Best,
Dominique
Hi Dominique,
I took this road and track at the beginning of April this year, coming from Beni Mellal. The R302 is paved for part of the way from Ouaouizeght to about 5 km from the Cathédrale, near the village of Tilouguite, then it's a dirt track until Zaouiat Ahansal. I crossed a wadi where water was flowing—about fifteen centimeters deep—and I got through without any issues. I was on a motorcycle, so a 4x4 would have no problem, and the track is very passable. After that, it's paved all the way to Tabant and even further. I stopped for a night near Tabant and then continued toward Demnate.
There is indeed a direct track between Imilchil and Tabant. Up to Anergui, I think it's paved, but beyond that, I'm not sure—I believe it's mostly a dirt track, passing through Adendoun.
The wadi I crossed
Condition of the track—it's excellent overall. Some sections are rougher, but still very passable.
My GPS shows 210 kilometers between Imilchil and Tabant, with about 6 hours of driving.
The Cathédrale rock formation is phenomenal—you get an amazing view when you arrive at the base along the wadi, and then the track takes you up to overlook the rock. It's stunning.
Safe travels!
Yes, it is.
Not always great depending on whether you're coming from the west or the east.
The government wanted to open up villages, but some of the money was embezzled.
So instead of laying xx centimeters of asphalt, the company only put down x. It doesn’t hold up as well...
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
The most direct ones start from the 302 between the cathedral and Zahouia and go up to the Irzhissane plateau. The starting point is here: 31°56'42.1"N 6°05'16.8"W... So yes, that’s the one on your GPS (Tilouguite). PS: There’s a great photo spot in a bend—step back a bit in your 4x4 and take a look... you’ll see (approximately: 31°54'34.2"N 6°03'50.7"W).
Note that now there’s another surprise since the track that used to be a dead end from Zaouiha toward Taghia in the direction of Tourde... now connects (you can also head toward Imilchil). As for Taghia, for better or worse, you can now reach it by car... almost to the foot of Oujdad.
I’m surprised a GPS would suggest this route, but hey, I don’t use those gadgets (just Osmand—it’s enough for me, even if the satellite views aren’t reliable).
Several variations: You can exit before Imilchil at Bouzmou, a small village where the famous Imilchil moussem takes place, or another route that’ll bring you to Oulghazi where the tarmac starts, a bit farther from Imilchil along the Assif Melloul.
You can also reach Tilmi via Tafraout and go back up through Tizi Ouano, Agoudal, etc. Beautiful track and stunning scenery—almost no chance of running into other tourists there. And another new one that leads to Oussikis, so don’t take the wrong track.
There’s also a very old track you can take from a small village (name slipped my mind) between Zahouia and the Tissili n’Imenane pass in a bend. It starts in the wadi and goes up a crazy zigzag climb, but it’s solid—though you’ll pretty much have to navigate by sight afterward (my GPX trace is messy because I was all over the place ^^).
Not sure if GPX traces are shared here, but I’ve got a few...
As Perju said, with a 4x4, the question doesn’t even come up—of course you’ll make it. I won’t tell you what car I did these in...
Can these routes be done year-round? Unlikely, especially now—it’s mountain terrain, and with all the snow and autumn rains, there are probably a few potholes here and there...
I can give you some phone numbers for guys who live in these areas and can provide updates the day you pass through.
Anyway, it’s a beautiful and rarely visited spot.
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
I almost forgot, the track mentioned that goes via Anergui is something else but really nice too—it passes through the beautiful gorges of the Assif Melloul and has been almost entirely redone. You’re no longer bothered by the river like before, and it’ll bring you out via Tassent onto the road between El Ksiba and Imilchil...
Around Anergui, if you take the track heading toward Ait Ouhamou, another track is being finished that’ll let you reach the cathedral via the same route from Tilouguite.
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
Thanks for all this info. I’m not a big fan of GPS either, so I’ll try to find my way with the Huber Kartographie maps—they seem really detailed.
Road trip in early April, we can’t wait to be there.
Dominique
Hi Olivier,
for now I only have the gmaps track, which is why I’m looking for more detailed info and maps. From Imilchil, you leave the N12 toward Afert, then the track goes through Anergui and Adendoun before joining the N302 at the Cathédrale des Rochers.
Dominique
Ah okay, so this route really isn’t difficult at all. I was surprised when I read your post—I thought the GPS was already showing how to take other tracks, including a new one...
Gmaps—is that Google Maps, the app? If so, it’s completely useless in Morocco for off-road tracks since it won’t show anything...
But if Gmaps does show a route and lets you follow it, that means it’s either paved or an old paved road, no matter what—basically, a route where a 4x4 will never run into any difficulty. Though watch out, because Gmaps can be a real pain with its obsession for the "fastest" route. It might work, but it’s not necessarily the smartest choice... (If it detects another crappier route that saves 0.7 seconds over 800 km, it’ll take it without hesitation.)
Do you know how to use GPX files? I just found my track—following it is super simple. I’ll send it to you by email.
But now I’m wondering—what exactly are you looking for? I think you’re not after the direct track but rather the most well-known and tourist-friendly route, if I’m not mistaken...
If it’s your first time in the area, go for the prettiest road. You can come back for something more adventurous next time... 😇
Without a doubt, the two most beautiful routes are via the Assif Melloul track, facing the cathedral via Anergui—but it has some stiff competition with another track that’s a bit longer but absolutely stunning: the crossing to Tilmi at the foot of Tizi Ouanno. That one will blow you away... I’ve got the GPX track for that too...
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
Good call, first time in the Bled!
It's true because for 40 years, from the Sahara (that was a while back...) to the Andean trails, from Sani Pass to the Bolivian salt flats, from the stunning trails of Montana to the Transpyrenees..., we’ve sought out the most well-known and touristy routes , that I’m trying to find routes in Morocco that are a bit more off the beaten path, if that’s still possible.
With over 150 years between us, we need to find alternatives that are a bit more reasonable than solo trails above 4,000 m.
For us, the trail isn’t a goal or a quest for performance but a way to discover all those corners of the world that leave you speechless, for the unlikely encounters in places forgotten by civilization. That’s also why, despite the call of the dunes, I’m put off by the number of camps, photos of quads or other vehicles in the dunes—I’m skipping the Morocco circuit, Merzouga, and the Erg Chegaga.
A fan of paper maps that "speak" to me and that I can’t find for this region of Morocco, I’d still love your GPX tracks (dominique.geraudel@gmail.com).
Have you had any experience with Gandini guides, who seem to be the go-to reference?
Thanks,
Dominique
Hi there, no need for GPS to navigate in Morocco! From the Imilchil region to Agoudal - Ait Hani - Todhra Gorges - Tinghir = paved road the whole way. Ait Bouguemez Valley is paved up to 13 km before Zaouia Ahensal, from Demnate. Imi-n-Fri bridge is paved from Ouazizart to Tilouguite, then a track ready to be paved for about 15 km to reach the "Cathedral." From Bou Trahrar, a track leads to the Ait Bouguemez Valley via the Tizi-n-Ait-Hamed pass (3050m). Watch out for sand with a Duster-type car. With Google Maps, you’ll see the main routes, or check apps like Komoot or OpenRunner to view roads and tracks. Feel free to contact me later. 20 years of cycling in Morocco. Cheers, Rv.
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Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Russia and Mongolia, starting from France.
Crossing the border at Poland/Belarus or Georgia/Russia—other borders seem either closed or complicated.
Tourist visas for 3 months with multiple entries.
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What do you recommend?
Do I need a permit?
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Hi,
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Bivouacking in the Chegaga/Iriki area
Flexible for the rest (booking the day before or same day)
Sand gear: traction plates, compressor, tow strap, roof rack
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Are there any truly technical or risky sections between Chegaga and Iriki?
Does the overall itinerary seem manageable in 13 days without rushing?
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Good evening
I could use some advice 🙂
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Day 2: Mirabib to Swakopmund – visit Swakopmund, overnight in Swakopmund
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Have a great day, everyone.
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Hi everyone,
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Thanks again!
The wadi I crossed
Condition of the track—it's excellent overall. Some sections are rougher, but still very passable.
