
Can you drive through Gorges du Dadès?
Morocco, africa
60.8 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising through the Gorges du Dadès is an absolute must-do in Morocco! This epic canyon, carved by the Dadès River, snakes its way through the High Atlas Mountains. You'll find the road itself stretches about 61 km (38 miles) from M'Semrir to Boumalne Dades, and honestly, you'll want to budget at least 1.5-2 hours to soak it all in.
Picture this: breathtaking rock formations, ancient kasbahs dotting the landscape, and panoramic views that seem to go on forever. After tackling a series of hairpin turns, you'll be rewarded with some truly unforgettable vistas. The road, while paved, can get a bit slick, especially after rain, so keep that in mind.
This drive isn't for the faint of heart! The road is super curvy, so pay attention. While the scenery is incredible, it's definitely a challenging drive, with steep drop-offs and not much in the way of safety barriers.
The best time to explore the lower valleys is March to May, but if you're aiming for the high mountains, May to July is the sweet spot. And don't forget to stop at a cafe for a viewpoint! The Dadès River has carved deep gorges with greenery. Be sure to utilize the overlooks.
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 60.8 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in africa
hardMount Abuna Yosef is one of the highest drivable roads in Africa
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Mount Abuna Yosef in Ethiopia is calling your name! This beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 4,199m (that's 13,776ft!) making it one of the highest drives you can find in Africa. You’ll find this gem nestled in the Amhara region, right in the northern part of Ethiopia. At the very top, there's even a mountain hut called Agaw Beret Community Guesthouse where you can rest your weary bones. Let me tell you, the road to get there is not for the faint of heart. We're talking a completely unpaved 28 km (17 miles) stretch starting from Lalibela, packed with seriously steep, rocky climbs. A 4x4 isn't just recommended – it's essential. Think large, sharp rocks and super tight turns that demand all your driving skills (and a prayer for your tires!). You'll climb a staggering 1,835m with an average gradient of 6.55%, so prepare for a workout! The views? Absolutely breathtaking. You’ll wind your way through countless villages as you ascend into the Lasta massif of the Ethiopian Highlands. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
moderateHow to drive the scenic road from Agadir to Essaouira?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Morocco's Atlantic coast on the N1, heading from the bustling city of Agadir to the breezy, artsy haven of Essaouira. This coastal road trip is an absolute must-do! For about 172 km (106 miles), you’ll be winding between the shimmering sea on one side and the rugged desert landscape on the other. This fully paved road snakes along, offering a leisurely pace, so you can really soak it all in. No crazy steep drop-offs or super narrow sections to worry about, and the road surface is generally in great shape. Get ready for some seriously stunning views! The traffic can get a bit thick during rush hour or holidays, but the scenery is totally worth any delays. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready because every turn reveals another postcard-worthy moment. Think dramatic sea vistas and a glimpse into authentic, rural Moroccan life. Plus, for all you surf enthusiasts, you'll be passing by some world-class surf spots. It’s a total win-win!
extremeMajubanek Pass
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Majubanek Pass in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is calling your name. This bad boy climbs to a cool 1,848 meters (6,062 feet) above sea level. Hold on tight, because you'll hit some seriously steep parts, like 1:5 grade steep. Word to the wise: after a rain shower, this track turns into a muddy, slippery mess – challenging even for seasoned drivers. If a storm rolls through, you might as well turn around because even a 4x4 might not save you. Oh, and don't forget the mountain mists! They can roll in quick and make visibility a real nightmare. Heads up, the Tiffindell Ski Resort is nearby!
hardDriving The Escarpment Road through Ethiopia's Blue Nile Gorge
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Hey fellow travelers! Get ready for an epic ride through the Blue Nile Gorge in Northern Ethiopia, straddling the Amhara and Oromiya regions. Seriously, this gorge is HUGE, one of the world's biggest! We're talking about diving almost 5,000 feet deep into the Ethiopian highlands. The road you need to conquer is the Escarpment Road (Road A3), stretching for about 31 miles from Tik Giyorgis Bete Kiristyan to Gohatsion. It's mostly paved and sits way up high in the mountains, about 140 miles north of Addis Ababa. The views? Absolutely insane. Every single turn is a photo op! But hold on, it's not just a scenic drive. This road will keep you on your toes, even if you're a seasoned road tripper. Expect crazy sharp turns, seriously steep hills (up to 15%!), and a pothole or two (or maybe a hundred!). Going downhill demands your full attention, as you'll be navigating hairpin bends while dodging those pesky potholes. Keep an eye out for the two bridges crossing the river. The newer Japanese suspension bridge is what you'll drive on. And get this: the old Italian bridge is still standing, but now it's a cool pathway for shepherds. How cool is that?