Can you drive to Baboons Pass?
Lesotho, africa
26 km
2,689 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Baboons Pass in Lesotho's Maseru District is calling your name – if you're brave enough. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking about one of the most remote, roughest, and downright impassable passes in the country. Forget sedans – this is 4x4 territory, and even then, only for the seriously experienced.
Clocking in at 26km (16.15 miles) from Ramabantha Trading Post to near Semonkong, this road is a wild ride up to a staggering 2,689m (8,822ft) above sea level. Picture this: massive boulders the size of beach balls, super narrow spots, washouts from floods, seriously steep climbs, hairpin turns, and sheer drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. One wrong move and you're taking a tumble!
Built way back in the '60s, Baboons Pass, affectionately nicknamed "the car breaker," is legendary. Don't expect to cruise – you might cover only 500m before needing to fix something or clear the path. Landslides and monster-sized rocks are common roadblocks. Oh, and the weather? Totally unpredictable, so be prepared for anything, especially rain. You'll likely be crawling in first gear, low range, for the entire distance. This baby can take up to 10 hours on a good day, or even two days when conditions get dicey! Bring a convoy of 4–6 vehicles, because teamwork is key on this epic adventure.
Road Details
- Country
- Lesotho
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 26 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,689 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in africa
easyD1986 is a Road Through a Salt Field on the Coast of Namibia
🇳🇦 Namibia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the D1986 in Namibia, right on the edge of the Atlantic in Walvis Bay. This isn't your average road trip; it's a visual feast! This freshly paved 21.6km (13.42 miles) stretch takes you east to west from the city all the way to Paaltjies Parking Area, and it's all about the salt. We're talking seriously cool salt lakes. You're driving right through one of Africa's biggest solar evaporation facilities, a massive 3,500-hectare area where they pull in a crazy 24 million tons of seawater every year. The result? Over 700,000 tons of top-notch salt. It's not just a road; it's a working landscape, a photographer's dream, and a totally unique travel experience.
hardWhere is Tizi n'Tamatert?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, picture this: you're in Morocco, Marrakesh-Safi region to be exact, itching for an adventure. Look no further than Tizi n'Tamatert, nestled in the High Atlas Mountains within the Ait Mizane Valley. But hold on, this isn't your average Sunday drive. First things first, ditch the rental sedan. This route is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking unpaved, curvy, bumpy, narrow sections, and heart-stopping steep drops – the real deal. Trust me, you'll be gripping that steering wheel! The best time to tackle this beast? Avoid the snowy months of November to April. Instead, aim for April when the cherry and apple blossoms explode with color, or late autumn when the leaves are putting on their fiery farewell show. The pass itself isn't super long – roughly .9 miles – but those .9 miles pack a punch. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The summit views are unreal. Huge thanks to Hugh Wilson for turning us on to this memorable road. You won’t regret the ride.
hardCan you drive through Gorges du Dadès?
🇲🇦 Morocco
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.
moderateTake An Unforgettable Drive to Tizi n’Oughbar
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Tizi n’Oughbar Pass in the heart of Morocco's Atlas Mountains is calling your name. This beast of a road climbs to a dizzying 2,237 meters (7,339 feet), so be prepared for some serious altitude. We're talking a seriously rugged R302. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps – definitely not for the faint of heart. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, or you have a fear of heights, maybe skip this one. Even seasoned drivers will find the endless twists, turns, and narrow sections a test of skill. It's up, down, left, right the whole way! And pro-tip: skip the drive at night or in bad weather unless you know this road like the back of your hand. But, if you're up for an epic challenge, the views are totally worth it.