Tamaste-Larba Road
Morocco, africa
11.1 km
2,258 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're carving your way through Morocco's High Atlas Mountains on the Tamaste-Larba road. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive – the asphalt gets seriously steep! We're talking a solid 11.1 km stretch connecting the towns of Tamaste (in the Drâa-Tafilalet region) and Larba (Souss-Massa region).
The views? Unreal. You'll climb to a lung-busting 2,258 meters (that's 7,408 feet!) above sea level. Keep your eyes peeled – and your hands on the wheel – because while the scenery's breathtaking, this road demands respect. Get ready for an adventure you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
Tamaste-Larba Road is located in Morocco (africa). Coordinates: 32.3288, -7.6306
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 11.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,258 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 32.3288, -7.6306
Related Roads in africa
extremeThe beautiful precipice road to Serra da Leba
🌍 Angola
# Serra da Leba: Angola's Legendary Mountain Pass Perched on the border between Huíla and Namibe provinces in southwestern Angola, about 20 miles west of Lubango, Serra da Leba is one of the world's most famous hairpin-laden mountain roads. The fully paved EN280 (Estrada Nacional 280) has quite the origin story—legend says a Portuguese woman designed and built the road, only to pass away the very day it was completed after viewing her masterpiece. Built during Angola's colonial era starting in the late 1960s and officially opened in the 1970s, this engineering marvel still turns heads today. The most intense stretch runs 29.7km from Renato Grade to Leba, where the real drama unfolds. You'll spiral down from the high plateau at 1,845 meters to nearly sea level in just over 10 kilometers—essentially dropping through 3-4 completely different climate zones in one drive. Some sections hit a stomach-churning 34% gradient, and the lack of guardrails combined with rainy or dark conditions makes this road genuinely treacherous. Locals call it "the beautiful precipice," and it's earned that nickname through decades as a national landmark and, unfortunately, the site of numerous accidents. But it's absolutely worth experiencing. The scenery is stunning, so plan to stop and soak it in rather than just barrel through. Head to the communication masts at the top (turn left past the toll station) for an incredible viewpoint where you can watch the steepest sections plunge into the lush green below. There's even a small bar nearby if you need to steady your nerves after the drive down.
extremeDriving the technical gravel road to Groot Zuikerboschkop Pass in Mpumalanga
🇿🇦 South Africa
Groot Zuikerboschkop Pass: buckle up for a wild ride in Mpumalanga, South Africa! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a full-on off-road adventure sitting pretty at 2,102m (6,896ft) above sea level, near Dullstroom. Think high-altitude grasslands, dramatic scenery, and weather that keeps you on your toes. This 12.6 km (7.8 miles) gravel track kicks off from the R540, but don't expect smooth sailing. We're talking seriously rugged conditions here. Low-clearance vehicles need not apply – even 4x4s will be put to the test. Imagine loose stones, deep ruts carving their way through the landscape, and inclines that'll make your engine roar. Speaking of inclines, some sections hit a steep 1:6 gradient (around 16.6%)! Pair that with the uneven surface, and you'll need your A-game when it comes to gear selection. Potholes the size of small craters are lurking, ready to wreak havoc on your tires or alignment. Seriously, stay focused! The weather can be a real game-changer. Rain turns the gravel into a slippery mess, challenging even the best 4x4 systems. Plus, being up high means visibility can vanish in a blink due to low clouds and mist. Being in the back country of Mpumalanga means you're on your own. Double-check that spare tire, pack your essential tools, and be ready to handle minor repairs yourself – help isn't exactly around the corner. It's a high-risk, high-reward kind of route that demands respect and careful driving.
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering the Steenkampsberg Pass in Mpumalanga
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Steenkampsberg Pass in Mpumalanga, South Africa! This beauty tops out at a cool 2,248m (7,375ft), so be prepared for some seriously breathtaking views. Sometimes folks mix it up and call it De Berg Pass, but whatever you call it, it's located north of Dullstroom. Heads up: winter can bring snow to these heights, so pack accordingly! The road, known as the R577, is paved, but it's seen better days. Watch out for a few potholes, especially as you get closer to the top. It was opened in '88, and some sections clock in at a steep 1:7 grade. The pass stretches 64.6 km (40.14 miles) from Roossenekal in the west to Lydenburg in the east. Get ready for an epic drive with scenery that will leave you speechless!
moderateA Most Tricky Scenic Road to Tizi n’Ait Imi
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Tizi n’Ait Imi, a seriously high mountain pass in Morocco! We're talking a lung-busting 2,914m (9,560ft) above sea level – one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. Locals call it "The Pass of the Sheep with Black Eyes," which is kind of cool, right? You'll find this gem straddling the Béni Mellal-Khénifra and Drâa-Tafilalet regions, smack-dab in central Morocco. The route stretches for 61.4 km (38.15 miles) from Tabant, a small town in the north, all the way down to Ighil N'Oumgoun in the south. Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is totally unpaved, dating back to 2015-2016. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your friend here. And if it's been raining? Expect some seriously muddy conditions that'll test your driving skills. Good news is, it's technically open year-round. Bad news? Winter can dump a ton of snow up there, making it pretty much impassable. But if you catch it right, you'll be rewarded with insane views of the Western High Atlas, North Africa's biggest mountain range. Trust me, the scenery is worth the challenge!