Driving the Challenging Road R307 in the High Atlas Mountains
Morocco, africa
142 km
2,194 m
hard
Year-round
Deep in central Morocco lurks the R307, a seriously epic (and slightly scary) route through the High Atlas Mountains. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks!
Winding between Azilal and Ouarzazate, this old French-built road is a real adventure. Think breathtaking vistas, quaint villages, and a serious dose of "did I just see that?" moments.
Okay, so technically it's paved, but let's be real: Mother Nature has other plans. Expect potholes, debris, the occasional rockfall, and stretches where only one car can squeeze through. After winter, things get especially hairy.
Clocking in at 142 km (88 miles) from Demnat to Ouarzazate, this north-south route is packed with hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Keep an eye out for erosion and scattered rocks—they love to surprise you.
A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle isn't a bad idea, especially after it rains. But trust me, the scenery is worth it. You'll be cruising through remote, time-forgotten villages that will blow your mind.
Heads up: the weather up here (around 2,000 meters) is totally unpredictable. Rain or snow can turn this challenging road into a downright beast. The highest point? A cool 2,194m (7,198ft) above sea level. Get ready for some serious mountain pass action!
Where is it?
Driving the Challenging Road R307 in the High Atlas Mountains is located in Morocco (africa). Coordinates: 31.9579, -7.4767
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 142 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,194 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 31.9579, -7.4767
Related Roads in africa
extremeTrans-Sahara Highway is 4.500km of true adventure in Africa
🌍 Algeria
Fancy a serious adventure? The Trans-Sahara Highway, stretching a whopping 4,500km (around 2,800 miles), slices right through Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria! It's not just a drive; it's a full-on immersion into one of the world’s most extreme environments. This epic route connects Algiers with Lagos, offering a chance to witness the Sahara in all its mesmerizing glory. While most of the TSH is now paved, keep in mind that some sections are still just sandy tracks, demanding a proper 4WD and serious desert driving skills. You’ll need to be totally self-sufficient with supplies and prepared to tackle some serious paperwork and visa hurdles. Heads up: in southern Algeria, a local escort is required by law, and the Algeria-Niger border can be closed due to regional instability. Even on the paved bits, be prepared for crazy sand drifts that can bury the road for days. Resources are scarce, sandstorms are common, and temperatures can soar to a brutal 50°C. Potholes and bumps abound, adding to the challenge. The Algerian stretch is considered the trickiest, with scorching heat and remote, unforgiving landscapes. While the central section is less traveled, it demands respect, careful planning, and robust vehicles to survive the desert's harsh conditions. Make sure your fuel and water are topped off – you don't want to get stranded!
moderateIs the road to Monte Verde paved?
🌍 Cape Verde
Okay, so you're heading to Monte Verde, a peak on the northern part of the island. The good news is, the road *is* paved – cobblestone, to be exact. The *slightly* less good news is that the paving isn't always in tip-top shape, so keep an eye out! You're looking at a climb of around , with an average gradient of . But hold on tight because some sections crank that up to a steeper . Is it worth it? Absolutely! This road, leading towards Monte Verde Natural Park, is an absolute stunner. Picture this: endless photo opportunities along the way. Seriously, charge your camera and clear some space on your memory card. The view from the top is insane – you'll see the whole island , plus views of the islands. Trust me; you won't regret this drive!
moderateMount Kenya Ring Road
🇰🇪 Kenya
# Mount Kenya Ring Road: A Scenic Loop Around Africa's Second Giant Ready for an adventure? The Mount Kenya Ring Road is a stunning 330-kilometer loop that circles one of Africa's most iconic peaks—the snow-capped Mount Kenya at 5,199 meters. Spoiler alert: the views are absolutely worth the drive. What makes this route special is the incredible diversity you'll experience. Start on the wetter southern slopes where you'll drive through lush cedar and bamboo forests that feel almost otherworldly. As you continue around, you'll pass through some of Kenya's most productive regions—sprawling tea and coffee plantations in Nyeri and Meru where the morning mist adds to the magic. The northern side transitions into semi-arid bushland with a completely different vibe, while traditional farmland worked by Kikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities dots the entire route. The towns of Nanyuki, Meru, Embu, and Nyeri serve as your main stops along the way, and each offers its own charm. But honestly? The real stars are the viewpoints. On clear mornings—especially from the north near Nanyuki—you'll get those jaw-dropping views of Mount Kenya's twin peaks, Batian and Nelion, with their glaciated summits and dramatic rock spires piercing the sky. It's the kind of scenery that makes you understand why people become mountain photographers. Beyond the views, you'll have easy access to Mount Kenya National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and several community conservancies where you might spot elephants, buffalo, and if you're lucky, the elusive bongo antelope deep in the montane forests. This loop truly offers something for every kind of traveler.
extremeWhere is Prince Alfred's Pass?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure awaits on Prince Alfred's Pass! This epic mountain route sits high in South Africa's Western Cape province, snaking through the Langkloof Mountains at a lofty 1,040m (3,412ft) above sea level. Picture this: Thomas Charles John Bain, along with 250 convicts, carved this masterpiece of a road between 1860 and 1867. Trust me, you'll want to take your time and soak it all in. Clocking in at 68.1 km (42.31 miles), this winding wonder connects Knysna to Uniondale in the Little Karoo, and it's known locally as the R339. The road plunges you into dense forests, with a seriously steep climb of 700 meters in just 14 kilometers. You'll be winding through gorges, up and down mountains, and passing valleys and the occasional lonely house. Seriously, don't rush – plan for at least 2 hours to enjoy the ride. Now, a word of warning: this isn't your average highway. The road is gravel, corrugated, and riddled with potholes. A high-clearance 4x4 is your best bet, or at least a vehicle with decent ground clearance. Expect hairpin bends galore, and sections that narrow to a single lane – buckle up for some hair-raising moments! Definitely avoid this route after heavy rains. And think twice about taking a trailer or caravan along for the ride. Also, there's no cell service out here. And don't forget to fill up your tank and wallet in Uniondale before you head out. They say this is one of South Africa's most beautiful passes, and I can see why. But be warned, it's not for the faint of heart. Blind corners, extreme drop-offs... keep your speed down and remember you're on gravel. Descending traffic yields to oncoming traffic. Watch for dust clouds from other vehicles and honk on those blind curves. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and the lush vegetation makes it all worthwhile. Just be aware that parts of the road are eroded with potholes along the way. Max speed is 40km/h, but you will likely be travelling around 25km/h.