
Can you drive through Gorges du Dadès?
Morocco, africa
60.8 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising through the Gorges du Dadès is an absolute must-do in Morocco! This epic canyon, carved by the Dadès River, snakes its way through the High Atlas Mountains. You'll find the road itself stretches about 61 km (38 miles) from M'Semrir to Boumalne Dades, and honestly, you'll want to budget at least 1.5-2 hours to soak it all in.
Picture this: breathtaking rock formations, ancient kasbahs dotting the landscape, and panoramic views that seem to go on forever. After tackling a series of hairpin turns, you'll be rewarded with some truly unforgettable vistas. The road, while paved, can get a bit slick, especially after rain, so keep that in mind.
This drive isn't for the faint of heart! The road is super curvy, so pay attention. While the scenery is incredible, it's definitely a challenging drive, with steep drop-offs and not much in the way of safety barriers.
The best time to explore the lower valleys is March to May, but if you're aiming for the high mountains, May to July is the sweet spot. And don't forget to stop at a cafe for a viewpoint! The Dadès River has carved deep gorges with greenery. Be sure to utilize the overlooks.
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 60.8 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in africa
extremeThe road from Hurghada to Luxor is not a safe drive
🌍 Egypt
Buckle up, because the drive from Hurghada to Luxor in Egypt is...an experience. This 303-kilometer (188-mile) stretch connects the Red Sea resort hub with the "world's greatest open-air museum," but it's not your average scenic route. While the road has been renovated, making it smoother than before, the real challenge is the driving culture. Let's just say the "rules of the road" seem more like "suggestions," so stay alert! The landscape is mostly barren, but help isn't exactly around the corner if you break down. This isn't just a long drive; it's a four-to-five-hour commitment that demands your full attention. Driving at night is strongly discouraged; it is seriously dark, and some drivers prefer to navigate without headlights – a recipe for disaster, given the dust and unpredictable driving. Head-on collisions are, unfortunately, common. Daytime driving isn't without its concerns. Sadly, bandits and other unsavory characters have been known to target tourists along this route. Ignore anyone trying to flag you down; trust your instincts and keep moving. While the road is patrolled by security, the risks are undeniable. It's a major transport link, and many scuba divers rely on it to reach the Red Sea resorts, making it a prime target. The desert scenery, if you can appreciate it through the stress, is stark and unforgiving. Just be aware of what you are passing through. As for those drivers who don't use their headlights at night? It's a grim reality. Some bandits lie in wait, and headlights are a dead giveaway, giving them time to prepare for an ambush. The stories are terrifying. Frankly, this road is not enjoyable. It's not about thrills or freedom; it's about constant vigilance and unease. Arrive at your destination in one piece, but exhausted. Consider alternative routes if possible.
hardRing Road (Cameroon)
🌍 Cameroon
# The Ring Road: Cameroon's Most Enchanting Highland Loop Picture a 360-kilometer loop through some of West Africa's most breathtaking landscape—the Ring Road in Cameroon's Northwest Region is basically what you get when rolling highlands meet authentic cultural immersion. Starting from Bamenda, this circular route winds through the Cameroon Volcanic Line, climbing between 1,500 and 2,200 meters as you traverse the legendary Grassfields kingdoms. What makes this drive special? It's pure magic. You'll pass through traditional chiefdoms where everything feels untouched by time—think Scottish Highlands vibes, but with cows grazing across African plateaus, ornate thatched-roof palaces belonging to local fons (chiefs), and crater lakes that sit quietly in extinct volcanic calderas. The montane forests along the way are teeming with rare birds and primates you won't see anywhere else. Highlights worth stopping for include the stunning Oku crater lake and the mist-shrouded Kilum-Ijim cloud forest (where the endangered Bannerman's turaco hangs out), plus the architecturally impressive Bafut and Bali chiefdoms with their intricate traditional buildings. Don't miss the dramatic views from Sabga Pass either. Fair warning: road conditions are a mixed bag. You'll get stretches of decent tarmac, but expect some rough laterite tracks too, so a vehicle with decent clearance is your friend.
moderateHattingshoogte Pass: A Rugged High-Altitude Challenge in KwaZulu-Natal
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a real off-road challenge in South Africa, you HAVE to check out Hattingshoogte Pass. This beast sits way up in KwaZulu-Natal, near the Eswatini border, topping out at almost 2,000 meters! Picture this: endless high-altitude grasslands, rugged peaks, and views that'll knock your socks off – if you can keep your eyes on the road! And trust me, you'll need to. This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking 24 kilometers of pure, unadulterated gravel and rocks. That may sound manageable, but it’s deceptively steep, with some sections hitting a crazy 9% gradient. You absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle this one. Seriously, don't even think about attempting it in anything less. And newbies, maybe start with something a little tamer! Plan for a good chunk of time to conquer it, as the terrain is super technical. Plus, the weather can turn on a dime. It snows here in the winter, so you'll need to have the right gear if you go at that time of year. Storms roll in here and can turn the road into a muddy, slippery nightmare. You could easily get stuck, even in a 4x4. Seriously, go with other vehicles and keep a close watch on the weather. But hey, if you're prepared, Hattingshoogte Pass is an experience you won't forget. Just remember to respect the mountain, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for the ride of your life!
moderateWhere is Spreetshoogte Pass?
🇳🇦 Namibia
Okay, picture this: Namibia, central region, and you're about to tackle Spreetshoogte Pass! This isn't just any road trip; it's a 50.4 km (31.31 miles) rollercoaster from Solitaire (near the Namib-Naukluft National Park) to Nauchas, hitting an elevation of 1,822m (5,977ft). Farmer Nicolaas Spreeth lent his name to this beast, and trust me, it's a memorable drive. The D1275 is mostly gravel, with concrete sections on the really gnarly bits. We're talking a 14% gradient in places – seriously steep! You'll plummet almost 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) in just 4 kilometers (2.5 mi). Heads up: this pass isn’t for the faint of heart! Trailers, trucks, and caravans? Forget about it. Those sharp bends and extreme gradients are no joke. The descent demands respect to avoid brake failure. But oh, the views! It'll take you around 45 to 60 minutes to drive, but the panoramic vistas of the Namib Desert are worth every white-knuckle moment. Pro tip: go in the afternoon; the light is pure magic for photos. This place is truly gorgeous. Trust me, Spreetshoogte Pass is an adventure you won't forget.