A dangerous road to Tsaris-Hoogte Pass
Namibia, africa
150 km
1,672 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle one of Namibia's highest and wildest roads? Then you HAVE to experience Tsaris-Hoogte Pass! This epic pass, also called Tsaris Pass or Zarishoogte Pass, sits way up high at 1,672m (5,485ft) in the Hardap region, smack-dab in the Tsaris Mountains.
Forget smooth tarmac, this is a FULLY unpaved, 150 km (93 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or hell, depending on your driving skills!). We're talking about the C19, folks. After a bit of rain, be warned: this track turns into a muddy, slippery beast! Expect corrugated sections that'll rattle your bones, and some seriously steep climbs – averaging 6%, but hitting over 20% in places!
You'll need a trusty 4x4 for this one, no question. And caution is key – this drive can be a bit dangerous if you're not careful. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Think jaw-dropping scenery and untamed nature at every turn. The pass connects Sesriem, a tiny Namib Desert settlement, with Maltahöhe, a village in the Hardap Region. It's a true adventure for nature lovers!
Where is it?
A dangerous road to Tsaris-Hoogte Pass is located in Namibia (africa). Coordinates: -23.6309, 17.7693
Road Details
- Country
- Namibia
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 150 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,672 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -23.6309, 17.7693
Related Roads in africa
moderateChapman’s Peak Drive is one of the world's most spectacular coastal drives
🇿🇦 South Africa
# Chapman's Peak Drive: South Africa's Most Jaw-Dropping Coastal Route If you're hunting for one of the world's most spectacular drives, look no further than Chapman's Peak Drive on South Africa's Atlantic Coast. Locals call it "Chappies," and trust us—it lives up to the hype. Perched in the Western Cape province at the south-western tip of South Africa, this 9km (5.59-mile) toll road hugs the rocky coastline like a dream. The route connects Hout Bay to Noordhoek, carving dramatically into the near-vertical face of the mountain with 114 curves that'll keep you engaged the entire way. Built between 1915 and 1922 using convict labour, it was considered an engineering marvel of its time. After a rockfall closed it in 1990 and safety concerns kept it shut intermittently, a major renovation finally reopened the road in 2009, and it's been thrilling drivers ever since. Plan on 20-25 minutes to complete the drive—though you'll want to take it slow at the 40km/h speed limit anyway. Why rush when you're treated to 180-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Peninsula's western side? The towering mountain on one side and sheer ocean drops on the other create an adrenaline-pumping experience that's absolutely unforgettable. Several pull-off spots and picnic areas dot the route, perfect for catching your breath and soaking in those panoramic vistas. If you're lucky, you might spot whales and dolphins swimming below, or even curious baboon troops wandering past. The road sits at elevations up to 593m above sea level, offering some truly Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. Fair warning: the road occasionally closes during severe weather or landslides, so check conditions before you head out. But when it's open? It's pure magic.
hardSalt and mud on the 4x4 Skeleton Coast Road
🇳🇦 Namibia
Cruising the Skeleton Coast Road in Namibia's wild northwest is like driving on another planet. Seriously, it's one of the most surreal and breathtaking drives you'll ever experience! Tucked inside the Skeleton Coast National Park, this epic stretch of road hugs the Atlantic coastline on one side and stretches towards the central plains on the other, almost brushing up against the Angolan border. The Skeleton Coast is notorious for its shipwrecks – it’s practically the world's biggest ship graveyard. Why so many wrecks? Blame the crazy thick fogs that roll in when the hot desert air clashes with the icy Atlantic. Keep an eye out for the Cape Cross Seal Reserve a little further north! Officially known as the C34-D2302, this 437 km (271-mile) adventure runs north-south from the old German town of Swakopmund to Terrace Bay. The road is made of sand and salt, snaking through a desolate desert landscape dotted with the ghostly remains of shipwrecks. You'll feel like you're at the very edge of the earth. Out here, you're surrounded by nothing but sand for miles. Gas stations are scarce, so fuel up whenever you can. This road is seriously remote and lonely. The "salt" road is surprisingly smooth to drive on – almost better than asphalt! But watch out when the ocean mist rolls in; it gets super slippery, like black ice. You'll be tackling tarmac, gravel, sand, and salt-paved sections. Definitely a 4x4-only zone, and pack extra water and spare parts. Even during the day, drive with your headlights on to warn other drivers. The mirage effect is common, and the salt road becomes incredibly slippery after heavy mist. If it rains? Avoid the road altogether. Traction becomes non-existent, even for 4x4s, and the salt and mud will cake your vehicle. Don't even think about driving across the salt pans, even in a 4x4. And get this: even though Namibia uses kilometers, all the distance signs are in miles!
extremeTizi n'Amarskine
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Tizi-n-Amarskine Pass in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains is calling your name! Get ready to climb to 1,985 meters (that's 6,512 feet!) above sea level for views that will blow your mind. Word of warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is gravel, super narrow, and seriously steep. Think hairpin turns for days as you slowly ascend. And did I mention the HUGE drops beside the road? Yeah, no guardrails here, folks. This baby is strictly 4x4 territory. Seriously, though, check the weather before you go. This area can get hit with avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and crazy high winds. But if you're prepared, the views are absolutely worth it. Picture this: endless vistas of the High Atlas, rugged terrain, and a feeling like you're on top of the world. Just be careful out there!
moderateIs Col du Zad paved?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Col du Zad in Morocco is calling your name! This epic mountain pass sits way up high at 2,184 meters (that's over 7,000 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Middle Atlas mountains, straddling the Fès-Meknès and Drâa-Tafilalet regions. The road, also known as Route N13, is paved the whole way, so no need for a 4x4 – but be prepared for some seriously steep sections! The scenery is incredible; keep an eye out for the remnants of an ancient cedar forest near the top. Just a heads up, this area has a pretty wild climate, so while the pass is usually open year-round, winter weather can sometimes shut it down temporarily. Spanning almost 59 kilometers (or around 36 miles), this north-south route connects the towns of Timahdite and Zaida. Get ready for some stunning views and an unforgettable drive!