Col du Kerdous

The road from Tiznit to Tafraout climbs into the Anti-Atlas through argan and thorn, and the Col du Kerdous at about 1,100 metres is the high point of it. At the top, on a spur with a drop on three sides, stands a hotel built in kasbah style on the site of an older fort - crenellated, ochre, with a terrace looking out over ridge after ridge of the Anti-Atlas fading south, and it is the reason people stop even if they are not staying. The country here is dry and stony with argan trees, scattered stone villages and terraced almond, and it is emptier than the mountains further north; the road itself is one of the better drives in southern Morocco, with long views and very little traffic. Continuing east the road drops towards Tafraout and the granite country. The pass is exposed and can be cold and windy well out of proportion to the altitude.

What you actually see

• A 1,100-metre pass - the high point of the Tiznit-Tafraout road.
• A kasbah-style hotel - built on an old fort site with a terrace on the drop.
• Ridges fading south - the Anti-Atlas in layers from the viewpoint.
• Argan and stone villages - dry terraced country with little traffic.

When to go

October to April; late afternoon for the ridge light. Two hours.

Honest expectations

There is essentially only the hotel and the view - no village or facilities at the pass. The terrace is for guests and customers; buy something. Wind at the top is cold and strong. The road is winding and slow.

Nearby

Tafraout is east; Tiznit and the coast are west.