A paved road to Col du Zad in the Middle Atlas
Morocco, africa
58.8 km
2,184 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Col du Zad is calling, a seriously awesome mountain pass perched way up in Morocco's Middle Atlas range. We're talking 2,184 meters (that's 7,165 feet!) above sea level, right on the border of Fès-Meknès and Drâa-Tafilalet regions.
You'll be cruising on Route N13, a fully paved road that snakes its way to the top. Be prepared for some steep sections that will get your engine revving! This area can get pretty wild, climate-wise, but the good news is the road usually stays open year-round. Just keep an eye on the forecast in winter, as things can get snowy and temporarily shut down the party.
The whole shebang stretches for about 58.8 kilometers (or 36.5 miles for you imperial system fans), running north to south from Timahdite to Zaida. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for the remnants of a massive cedar forest near the summit. Trust me, the views are totally worth the drive!
Where is it?
A paved road to Col du Zad in the Middle Atlas is located in Morocco (africa). Coordinates: 31.7538, -7.0099
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 58.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,184 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 31.7538, -7.0099
Related Roads in africa
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!
hardA memorable road trip to Aït Tous
🇲🇦 Morocco
Hey adventure seekers! Ever heard of Aït Tous? This Moroccan mountain town sits way up high at 2,493 meters (that's over 8,100 feet!). You'll find it in the Azilal Province, nestled in the Atlas Mountains. The road there is paved, but don't let that fool you. Get ready for a wild ride! Think endless twists, hairpin turns, and narrow passages that will test your driving skills. Seriously, this road is a rollercoaster. Up, down, left, right – it never stops! If you're not used to these kinds of roads, definitely avoid driving at night or when the weather's bad. And a heads-up: if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe skip this one! The highest point of the road? A cool 2,586 meters (almost 8,500 feet!). Get your camera ready for some incredible views!
extremeA demanding unpaved road to Tizi n'Oulaoun
🇲🇦 Morocco
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Tizi-n-Oulaoun, a seriously epic mountain pass nestled way up in central Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region! We're talking a lung-busting 2,789m (9,150ft) above sea level, making it one of Morocco's highest roads. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget smooth tarmac – it's all unpaved, seriously narrow, and mind-blowingly steep. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops? We're talking hundreds of meters down, with nothing but air between you and the bottom. Hairpin turns for days, a relentless climb, and definitely a test of your driving skills (and maybe your sanity!). 4x4 is a must! Not for the faint of heart – if you're scared of heights or landslides, maybe skip this one. The road winds its way to Amezri village, your starting point for conquering Irhil M'Goun from the south. Pro tip: check the weather before you go. This road can get hammered by avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and crazy high winds. But the views? Absolutely worth it.
moderateWhere is Die Hel in South Africa?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Ever heard of a place called Die Hel? It's tucked away in South Africa's Western Cape Province, right on the southwestern coast. Getting there is half the adventure – or maybe the whole adventure, depending on how you look at it! The road to Die Hel is about 37km (23 miles) of pure, unpaved grit. It snakes through the Klein Karoo, a semi-desert region, and plunges into Die Hel, a seriously isolated valley within the Swartberg Mountains, nestled between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert. No one really knows how it got its name, but it stuck! This winding road dives from the top to the bottom of Die Hel, also known as Gamka's Kloof or Gamkaskloof. Word to the wise: during the rainy season, the Gamka River can flood, making the road impassable. Expect around 2 hours of driving with 201 bends, and overtaking is often out of the question. Stock up on supplies before you go, because there's no shops, gas stations, hospitals, or even cell service once you’re in there. You'll definitely need a 4x4 with high ground clearance to tackle this route – anything less is asking for trouble. A spare tire is also a great idea. This stunning, secluded valley is about 20km long and less than 1km wide, was isolated until 1962. For over a century, it supported a self-sufficient community, and remnants of old farms and restored cottages add to the valley’s romantic allure.