Mount Abuna Yosef is one of the highest drivable roads in Africa
Ethiopia, africa
28 km
4,199 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Mount Abuna Yosef in Ethiopia is calling your name! This beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 4,199m (that's 13,776ft!) making it one of the highest drives you can find in Africa.
You’ll find this gem nestled in the Amhara region, right in the northern part of Ethiopia. At the very top, there's even a mountain hut called Agaw Beret Community Guesthouse where you can rest your weary bones.
Let me tell you, the road to get there is not for the faint of heart. We're talking a completely unpaved 28 km (17 miles) stretch starting from Lalibela, packed with seriously steep, rocky climbs. A 4x4 isn't just recommended – it's essential. Think large, sharp rocks and super tight turns that demand all your driving skills (and a prayer for your tires!).
You'll climb a staggering 1,835m with an average gradient of 6.55%, so prepare for a workout! The views? Absolutely breathtaking. You’ll wind your way through countless villages as you ascend into the Lasta massif of the Ethiopian Highlands. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Where is it?
Mount Abuna Yosef is one of the highest drivable roads in Africa is located in Ethiopia (africa). Coordinates: 8.7733, 39.4689
Road Details
- Country
- Ethiopia
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 28 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,199 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 8.7733, 39.4689
Related Roads in africa
moderateTraversing the defiant Tongobory Bridge
🇲🇬 Madagascar
Okay, picture this: southwest Madagascar, Atsimo-Andrefana Region. You're cruising along Route 10, connecting Ambovombe-Androy and Andranovory, when BAM! You hit the Tongobory Bridge. Seriously, this isn't just any bridge; it's a 150-meter stretch of awesome soaring over the Onilahy River right in Tongobory town. It's up there with the most spectacular bridges, a real feast for the eyes!
hardTizi n’Timioukht
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Tizi n’Timioukht, a seriously awesome mountain pass in Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region. We're talking a lofty 2,377 meters (that's nearly 7,800 feet!) above sea level. The P7319 road is paved, but don't let that fool you. Get ready for a wild ride with tons of twists, turns, and sections that get pretty narrow. Even seasoned drivers will be kept on their toes! Seriously, this road is all about constant motion – up, down, left, right, repeat! I wouldn't recommend tackling it at night or in bad weather if you're not familiar with it. And a little word of warning: if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe think twice about this one! It's also pretty steep, so maybe go easy on breakfast before you go! As you climb, get ready to be wowed by some stunning scenery. This pass is a true feast for the eyes!
moderateA Memorable Road Trip to Tizi n’Tabgourt
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Tizi n’Tabgourt in Morocco’s Marrakesh-Safi region! This isn't just a road; it's a climb to 2,667 meters (8,750 feet), placing it among Morocco's highest drives. Nestled in the Western High Atlas, north of Tizi n’Targa, you’ll find yourself in the heart of North Africa's grandest mountain range. Now, this is where it gets real. Forget smooth tarmac; this 61km (37-mile) stretch is all about unpaved thrills. A 4x4 isn’t just recommended; it’s your trusty steed from Lalla Aaziza (Chichaoua Province) to Talmakante (Taroudant Province). Get ready for a wild ride and some seriously stunning scenery!
moderateIf you love to drive, you will love the road to Penhoek Pass
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, road trip fans, let me tell you about Penhoek Pass! This beauty sits way up high in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, clocking in at a cool 1,852 meters (that's over 6,000 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Stormberg Mountains on the N6 between Jamestown and Komani. The whole stretch is paved, so no need for the off-roader this time. This is a long one at 114 km (71 miles), but this isn't some boring highway slog. We're talking perfectly engineered curves from the 1950s, impressive road cuts, and mostly gentle slopes, though you'll hit some short steep sections with gradients of 1:10. Word to the wise: this pass has a reputation for wild weather. Winter brings heavy snow and freezing temps, which often shuts the road down. Even in summer, be prepared for crazy electrical storms and hail the size of golf balls! So, check conditions before you go. Penhoek Pass is a dramatic drive you won't soon forget!