Is the road to Gara Medouar paved?

Is the road to Gara Medouar paved?

Morocco, africa

Length

3.2 km

Elevation

858 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Ready for a real adventure? Head out into the Moroccan desert near Erfoud and find the turnoff to Gara Medouar, or "the round mountain." But be warned, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The 3.2 km road is completely unpaved, so you'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle.

Gara Medouar is an impressive erosion cirque, standing at 858m. In fact, this geological wonder is so unique that it's been used in several movies, most famously as the headquarters of Spectre in the James Bond film Spectre. Other films shot here include The Mummy, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, and The Forgiven. Historically, it even served as a holding place for slaves.

The landscape is gorgeous, with smaller mountains, trees, and rugged cliffs inside the main circle. And if you're a fossil fan, keep your eyes peeled for trilobites and ammonites! The journey to this horseshoe-shaped site is as rewarding as the destination itself.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Morocco
Continent
africa
Length
3.2 km
Max Elevation
858 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in africa

Why is it called Lootsberg Pass?moderate

Why is it called Lootsberg Pass?

🇿🇦 South Africa

Alright, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the Lootsberg Pass! This gem sits pretty high up in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, clocking in at a cool 1,781m (5,843ft). Word is, it's the highest pass in the Great Karoo! Ever wonder about the name? Legend has it that it's named after Hendrik Loots, who had a bit of a mishap back in the day when his carriage took a tumble on the original route. Ouch! That old route was actually carved out way back in 1858 by a chap named Andrew Geddes Bain. Now, the good news: you won't be dealing with any dirt tracks here. The entire 106 km (66 miles) from Middelburg to Graaff-Reinet is fully paved, following the N9. But, pro tip: keep an eye on the weather, especially during the winter months. Heavy snowfall can make things a bit dicey, and there have been accidents in the past. But, don't let that scare you off! This north-south route promises some killer views along the way. Just be prepared for potentially unpredictable weather, and you'll have an unforgettable adventure.

Giza Road is the world’s oldest known paved roadmoderate

Giza Road is the world’s oldest known paved road

🌍 Egypt

Picture this: you're cruising down a road built over 4,600 years ago, a true ancient highway! This isn't your typical scenic route; it's the Giza Road, or "Processional Way," one of the oldest paved paths *ever*. You'll find it on the west side of the Nile, just southwest of Cairo. Back in 2600 BC, this was the VIP route, constructed during Egypt's Old Kingdom. Think grand processions, royal events, and a killer entrance to the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx. We're talking serious history! This ancient byway stretches for seven and a half miles and is about six and a half feet wide. It was the lifeline for transporting massive basalt blocks from quarries southwest of Cairo to Lake Moeris and then onto the Nile. These stones were essential for paving projects and other construction in Giza. While time and sand have taken their toll, archaeologists have unearthed enough to give us a glimpse into the brilliant engineering and culture of ancient Egypt. Cruising this route is like stepping back in time and experiencing the echoes of pharaohs and ancient builders.

Driving to Ras Dashen: One of the Highest Roads in Africamoderate

Driving to Ras Dashen: One of the Highest Roads in Africa

🇪🇹 Ethiopia

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Ethiopia's Amhara Region, specifically the North Gondar Zone, you NEED to experience Ras Dashen (also known as Ras Dejen or Ras Dashan). This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about one of the highest roads in all of Africa, topping out at a whopping 4,277 meters (that's 14,032 feet for my American friends!). Snuggled within the stunning Simien Mountains National Park in the northern part of the country, this unpaved beauty stretches for about 33.4 km (20.75 miles) from Chiro Leba to Dilibza (Dil Yibza). You'll definitely want to bring your 4x4 for this one. Fair warning: winter can be brutal up here. The road is often impassable and those Simien Mountains can get some serious snowfall at night. But hey, the views? Totally worth it for those who dare!

A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Grootberg Passhard

A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Grootberg Pass

🇳🇦 Namibia

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've just conquered the Grootberg Pass in Namibia's Kunene region, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a 114 km (70-mile) stretch of pure, unadulterated C40 gravel, winding its way from Palmwag to Kamanjab. At a whopping 1,550m (5,085ft) above sea level, this pass is one of the highest in Namibia. The views from the Etendeka mountains are unreal, but keep your eyes on the road – it's rough, narrow in places, and can get seriously dicey when the rains hit. Oh, and did I mention it's a wildlife area? Keep an eye out for some large (and potentially grumpy) locals! If you're feeling extra adventurous (and have a 4x4!), take the side trip south to Grootberg Lodge. The climb is steep, but trust me, the views from 1,629m (5,344ft) are worth it. This pass isn't for the faint of heart, but if you're craving an unforgettable off-road experience, Grootberg Pass needs to be on your bucket list.