The difficult road to the abandoned mines of Ahouli
Morocco, africa
25.9 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're up for a seriously off-the-beaten-path experience, you HAVE to check out Ahouli. This former mining village is tucked away in the heart of Morocco, between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains.
Ahouli's got a fascinating (and slightly eerie) history. It was a bustling mine back in the day, but after the veins dried up, it became a ghost town. Crazy, right? Even now, you might spot some brave souls sneaking in to scavenge – talk about dedication! The whole place is like a time capsule, with abandoned buildings and mining equipment slowly being swallowed by the desert.
Now, getting there is an adventure in itself. The 26 km road from Midelt is not for the faint of heart! You’ll wind through the stunning Gorges de la Moulouya on a narrow, unpaved road. Forget guardrails – you're on your own! The landscape is breathtaking, though, all rugged brown rocks alongside the rushing Moulouya River, with pops of vibrant pink flowers. Seriously Instagrammable… if you dare to take your eyes off the road.
The real kicker? A seriously sketchy old bridge – think single iron beam and a bunch of wobbly wooden planks. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this trip, especially if it's been raining. But if you're looking for a unique travel experience, Ahouli is calling your name. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
Where is it?
The difficult road to the abandoned mines of Ahouli is located in Morocco (africa). Coordinates: 32.4694, -6.9809
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 25.9 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 32.4694, -6.9809
Related Roads in africa
hardA very bumpy, grueling road to Tizi n’Timguissine
🇲🇦 Morocco
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I just conquered the Tizi n’Timguissine, a crazy high mountain pass in the Tadla-Azilal region of Morocco. We're talking 2,450 meters (8,038 feet) above sea level! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. This gravel road winds its way through the Atlas Mountains in central Morocco. Picture this: rocky terrain, a bumpy ride, and some seriously tippy sections. Basically, it's a playground for experienced off-roaders. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, maybe sit this one out. Definitely bring your 4x4 – you'll need it! And if you have a fear of heights… well, prepare to face it. The trail is super steep and twisty, constantly throwing you up, down, left, and right. Be aware of thunderstorms, as these can quickly turn the roads into a muddy mess, or even impassable! It's a challenge, no doubt, but the views? Totally worth it.
easyDriving the scenic Clarence Drive in South Africa
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You HAVE to add Clarence Drive to your South Africa itinerary. This coastal gem, located on the east coast of False Bay, is just a hop, skip, and a jump – about 60km – from Cape Town. This beauty, also known as Clarens Drive (R44), stretches for a sweet 22.2km between Rooi-Els and the naval town of Gordon's Bay. Fun fact: it was carved into the landscape by Italian prisoners of war back in the 1940s! Now, hold onto your hats, because this fully paved road isn't just a drive, it's an *experience*. With 77 bends and a few sharp corners, this road keeps you on your toes. Just watch out for potential rockfalls or mudslides after heavy rains. Overtaking opportunities are rare so take your time and savor the views. Speaking of views, prepare to be wowed! Towering mountains on one side, and breathtaking coastal vistas of False Bay, Table Mountain, and the Cape Peninsula on the other. Keep your eyes peeled for whales (seasonal!), adorable jackass penguins, and playful dolphins. Just a heads-up, it gets pretty popular during the summer holidays!
difficultTizi n'Tichka Pass
🇲🇦 Morocco
# Tizi n'Tichka Pass: Morocco's Most Epic Mountain Drive Want to experience North Africa's highest mountain pass? The Tizi n'Tichka is your answer. This legendary stretch of road (the N9) climbs to a breathtaking 2,260 meters as it winds through Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, connecting the vibrant city of Marrakech with Ouarzazate—a gateway to the Sahara. The whole journey spans about 200 kilometers of pure mountain magic, following a route that French Foreign Legion soldiers carved out way back in 1936. These days, it's the main artery connecting Marrakech to the stunning Draa Valley oases and those famous film studios you've heard about. The drive from Marrakech is basically a masterclass in landscape transformation. You'll start in the lush Haouz plain and gradually climb through picture-perfect Berber villages that seem to defy gravity on the mountainsides. Walnut and almond groves give way to increasingly sparse terrain as you approach the pass itself. Fair warning: this road is a switchback lover's dream (or nightmare, depending on your comfort level). Hairpin turns everywhere, and you'll be sharing the road with an incredible mix of traffic—everything from sleek modern cars to donkeys to heavily laden trucks, all navigating those narrow curves at wildly different speeds. Once you crest the pass and head down toward Ouarzazate, you're entering the heart of Berber country. Ancient kasbahs (think Game of Thrones vibes) scatter across the landscape, and a quick detour to the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou is an absolute must. This stunning fortified village has doubled as ancient Rome, medieval deserts, and Middle Eastern cities in major films. The pass stays open year-round, though winter snow can occasionally cause closures. Along the way, don't miss the roadside mineral vendors selling gorgeous geodes and fossils, or stop at a small restaurant for authentic tagine and mint tea.
hardCan I drive through Ziz Gorges?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Gorges du Ziz is a very scenic canyon carved by the River Ziz located in the Errachidia Province of the Drâa-Tafilalet region of Morocco. Can I drive through Ziz Gorges? Tucked away in the Eastern High Atlas, the road through the gorges is fully paved yet challenging, with countless turns and hairpin turns. It’s called National Route Number 13 (N13). The road is surrounded by cliffs and is both mountainous and winding. When driving a Unimog, the road feels very narrow. Bus drivers often take up much of the road, overtaking on blind bends and steep inclines, so you’ll need to stay alert. How long is the road through Ziz Gorges? The road is 55.4 km (34.42 miles) long, running south-north from Errachidia to Kerrandou. The most iconic part of the drive runs from the Legionnaire’s Tunnel (built by French colonial troops in the 1930s to create a passageway to the Ziz Valley) to the dam of Barrage Al-Hassan Addakhil, an artificial lake. Is the road through Ziz Gorges worth it? The drive offers stunning views of a spectacular and dramatic scenery on the upper course of the Ziz River. There are a couple of viewpoints and picnic spots along the route. How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Tizi Tigherrouzine R703 is a scenic road in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.