Can I drive through Ziz Gorges?
Morocco, africa
55.4 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 55.4 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in africa
moderateWhere is Lichens Pass?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Free State of South Africa, right? Specifically, in the eastern part, near the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. You're heading up Lichens Pass, a high-altitude beauty that climbs to a serious elevation. So, why the name "Lichens"? Well, I hear it's named for the lichen that grows there. Keep your eyes peeled! The road stretches for about 47.8 km (29.70 miles), running roughly west-east from Clarens to Phuthaditjhaba. It’s paved and features some lovely banked corners – perfect for those wind-in-your-hair moments. Watch out though, a few of them are pretty sharp, and there are some steep sections. This area's also known for its dramatic weather changes, so be prepared for potential low visibility. This drive delivers incredible views, but stay alert and drive safely!
moderateSpreetshoogte Pass is one of the steepest (14%) roads in Namibia
🇳🇦 Namibia
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Spreetshoogte Pass in Namibia's Khomas region! This isn't just any road; it's one of the highest in the country, clocking in at a cool 1,822 meters (5,977 ft) above sea level. You'll find this beauty connecting the wild Namib Desert to the Khomas Highland in central Namibia. Word has it that farmer Nicolaas Spreeth is the man to thank for naming it! The D1275 is mostly gravel, with some concrete thrown in on the super steep bits. This 50.4 km (31.31 miles) ride starts near Solitaire, close to Namib-Naukluft National Park, and winds its way to Nauchas on the D1261. Hold on tight because you'll be tackling a 14% gradient on some ramps! This pass is seriously steep, dropping almost 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) in just 4 kilometers (2.5 mi). It’s a bit of a white-knuckle drive! Speaking of which, you absolutely cannot bring trucks or caravans—seriously, don't even think about it. This route is strictly for vehicles without trailers. The sharp turns and steepness are no joke. Set aside about 45-60 minutes to soak it all in (without stops). Trust me, you'll want to. The views are seriously unreal, especially from the viewpoint at the top overlooking the Namib Desert. Pro tip: hit this pass in the afternoon. The sun makes the landscape absolutely pop, and you'll snag some seriously epic photos. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you!
moderateGreylings Pass
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Greylings Pass in South Africa's Eastern Cape! This high-altitude beauty tops out at 1,953m (6,407ft), and it's a real treat for the senses. We're talking serious views! The R396, a gravel road connecting Dordrecht and Barkly East, is your path to glory. Now, a word of caution: if you're hitting this pass in snow or heavy rain, a 4x4 is your best friend. But in good weather, most vehicles should be able to handle it. Just take your time, enjoy the ride, and soak in that incredible South African scenery!
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Kupferberg Pass in central Namibia
🇳🇦 Namibia
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Let's talk Kupferberg Pass in Namibia's Khomas region. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a high-altitude thrill ride reaching a whopping 2,050 meters (6,725 feet)! Seriously, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in Namibia. You'll find this gem nestled about 30km outside of Windhoek, the capital, chilling in the Khomas Highland plateau. The road, known as C26, stretches for 188km (116 miles) from Windhoek down to Tinkeringheib. Now, a heads-up: this isn't a smooth, paved paradise. The entire route is unpaved, and you'll be wrestling with loose gravel and some seriously steep sections, some clocking in at over 8%! Word is, the climb from the Windhoek side is steeper. Either way, be prepared to give your vehicle a workout—you might even catch a whiff of those hard-working parts along the way. But hey, the views and the bragging rights? Totally worth it!