Where is Ras Dashen?

Where is Ras Dashen?

Ethiopia, africa

Length

33.4 km

Elevation

4,277 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for an unforgettable ride! We're heading to the roof of Africa, deep in the Amhara Region! This isn't just any road; this one snakes its way up to a staggering 14,032 feet (4,277 meters) above sea level.

We're talking about the road through Ras Dashen, right in the heart of the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park in northern Ethiopia. The whole stretch clocks in at about 20.75 miles (33.4 km) of pure, jaw-dropping scenery.

Word to the wise: plan your trip carefully. This high-altitude pass can get seriously icy, especially at night. Always prioritize your safety.

Prepare to be blown away. Mount Abuna Yosef area boasts one of the highest drivable roads in all of Africa, rivaled by the B90 from Dodola to Dinsho. This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Ethiopia
Continent
africa
Length
33.4 km
Max Elevation
4,277 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in africa

Is the road to Col D'Azwin paved?hard

Is the road to Col D'Azwin paved?

🇲🇦 Morocco

Okay, wanderlusters, buckle up for Col D'Azwin in Morocco's Tadla-Azilal region! We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 2,173 meters (7,129 feet) above sea level. The road? Mostly paved, thankfully. But hey, this is the High Atlas mountains we're talking about. Mother Nature throws some curveballs, so expect a few rough patches where the road might be a little worse for wear. Think missing sections and debris – just to keep things interesting. Hold on tight, because guardrails are optional in places, and hairpin turns? Yeah, there are a few. And narrow sections mean you might have to play a little vehicular Tetris with oncoming traffic. But listen, the views? Absolutely mind-blowing. This 48-kilometer (30-mile) stretch from Demnate (about 110 km east of Marrakech) to the remote Tizi n’Taroubia is packed with scenery that'll make your jaw drop. It's a challenging drive, no doubt, but totally worth it for the bragging rights and the unbelievable landscapes.

How long is the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway?extreme

How long is the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway?

🌍 Kenya2

Okay, picture this: the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, or as the locals call it, the A104 or Nakuru Road. It's a fully paved, 207km (128-mile) stretch of road linking Mau Summit, a little town in Nakuru County, all the way to Nairobi, Kenya's bustling capital, passing through Nakuru, the country's fourth-largest city. Now, this road has a bit of a reputation. It's notorious, not so much for twisting mountain passes or crumbling surfaces, but for the wild driving scene. See, it's a major transport route, especially for imported goods. After a recent resurfacing, drivers have been treating it like a racetrack. Speeding is a huge issue, along with pedestrians darting across the highway. Add in some drink-driving and risky overtaking, and you've got a recipe for disaster. Sadly, this road has been named one of the most dangerous roads in the world, with one year seeing a staggering 320 deaths. The main culprits? A lack of barriers, poorly maintained vehicles, questionable driving habits, and unpredictable weather. It really boils down to driver error and lax traffic enforcement. Defensive driving is key here! The Kenyan government is finally cracking down on drink-driving, which is a step in the right direction. Africa, as a whole, has a pretty high traffic fatality rate, so be extra cautious out there.

Driving the Scenic Road of 1,000 Kasbahs in the High Atlasmoderate

Driving the Scenic Road of 1,000 Kasbahs in the High Atlas

🇲🇦 Morocco

Get ready for an epic Moroccan adventure on the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs! This legendary route snakes along the southern side of the High Atlas Mountains, plunging you into a world of ancient Berber villages and stunning desert scenery. "Kasbah" means fortress, and trust me, you'll see tons of them! These incredible structures, built by local leaders to show off their power and protect their turf, boast massive walls and cool towers. Picture this: fiery red mountains clashing with the lush green valleys, all framed by those iconic mud-brick kasbahs. Seriously, it's a photographer's dream! The road itself winds through jaw-dropping landscapes, dotted with vibrant villages, hidden oases, and of course, countless kasbahs. With the vast Jebel Sarhro range as your backdrop, it's a road trip you won't soon forget. The Road of 1,000 Kasbahs traces the Dades Valley in southeastern Morocco, linking the towns of Ouarzazate and Tinghir. Most of the road is paved, making for a relatively smooth ride, but the real draw is the scenery. These kasbahs are like nothing else on Earth, showcasing the unique artistry of the Berber people. While the name suggests a thousand kasbahs, you'll likely only spot a handful of the most famous ones. The best time to hit this road is spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) for comfortable weather. Summer in the desert? No thanks! Spring and autumn offer the perfect conditions for exploring this magical route.

Mount Kenya Ring Roadmoderate

Mount Kenya Ring Road

🇰🇪 Kenya

# Mount Kenya Ring Road: A Scenic Loop Around Africa's Second Giant Ready for an adventure? The Mount Kenya Ring Road is a stunning 330-kilometer loop that circles one of Africa's most iconic peaks—the snow-capped Mount Kenya at 5,199 meters. Spoiler alert: the views are absolutely worth the drive. What makes this route special is the incredible diversity you'll experience. Start on the wetter southern slopes where you'll drive through lush cedar and bamboo forests that feel almost otherworldly. As you continue around, you'll pass through some of Kenya's most productive regions—sprawling tea and coffee plantations in Nyeri and Meru where the morning mist adds to the magic. The northern side transitions into semi-arid bushland with a completely different vibe, while traditional farmland worked by Kikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities dots the entire route. The towns of Nanyuki, Meru, Embu, and Nyeri serve as your main stops along the way, and each offers its own charm. But honestly? The real stars are the viewpoints. On clear mornings—especially from the north near Nanyuki—you'll get those jaw-dropping views of Mount Kenya's twin peaks, Batian and Nelion, with their glaciated summits and dramatic rock spires piercing the sky. It's the kind of scenery that makes you understand why people become mountain photographers. Beyond the views, you'll have easy access to Mount Kenya National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and several community conservancies where you might spot elephants, buffalo, and if you're lucky, the elusive bongo antelope deep in the montane forests. This loop truly offers something for every kind of traveler.