Driving the Wild Col-Ain-Tinne
Algeria, africa
8.7 km
1,686 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventurers, buckle up for Col-Ain-Tinne (also known as Teniet Bou Irhyal)! This beauty sits way up in the Aures region of Algeria, Batna province to be exact, clocking in at a cool 1686m (5531ft) above sea level.
The road, Route Nationale 31 (N-31), is paved the whole way, so no need for a monster truck. But don't get too comfy – it's a seriously steep climb!
This epic drive is just 8.7 km (5.4 miles) long, taking you on a south-to-north adventure from Mardj hamath to Tzouket in the northeast of Algeria. Get ready for some seriously stunning views!
Where is it?
Driving the Wild Col-Ain-Tinne is located in Algeria (africa). Coordinates: 29.0983, 3.6919
Road Details
- Country
- Algeria
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 8.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,686 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 29.0983, 3.6919
Related Roads in africa
hardTizi n’Tighoughizine
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up for the Tizi n’ Tighoughizine pass in central Morocco's Midelt Province! This baby winds its way up to a cool 2,381 meters (that's 7,811 feet for those of you who think in feet!). The road, known as R703, is paved, but don’t let that fool you. Nestled in the Atlas Mountains, it's a real rollercoaster with hairpin turns and narrow sections that will test your driving skills. Seriously, this isn't the place to learn how to drive a stick shift. Up, down, left, right - you'll be doing it all! I wouldn't recommend tackling this one at night or if the weather is dodgy. And if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe choose a different adventure. Trust me, you don't want to be cleaning up puke while trying to navigate those curves! Oh, and be prepared for some seriously steep sections. But hey, the views are worth it, right?
difficultTizi n'Tichka Pass
🇲🇦 Morocco
# Tizi n'Tichka Pass: Morocco's Most Epic Mountain Drive Want to experience North Africa's highest mountain pass? The Tizi n'Tichka is your answer. This legendary stretch of road (the N9) climbs to a breathtaking 2,260 meters as it winds through Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, connecting the vibrant city of Marrakech with Ouarzazate—a gateway to the Sahara. The whole journey spans about 200 kilometers of pure mountain magic, following a route that French Foreign Legion soldiers carved out way back in 1936. These days, it's the main artery connecting Marrakech to the stunning Draa Valley oases and those famous film studios you've heard about. The drive from Marrakech is basically a masterclass in landscape transformation. You'll start in the lush Haouz plain and gradually climb through picture-perfect Berber villages that seem to defy gravity on the mountainsides. Walnut and almond groves give way to increasingly sparse terrain as you approach the pass itself. Fair warning: this road is a switchback lover's dream (or nightmare, depending on your comfort level). Hairpin turns everywhere, and you'll be sharing the road with an incredible mix of traffic—everything from sleek modern cars to donkeys to heavily laden trucks, all navigating those narrow curves at wildly different speeds. Once you crest the pass and head down toward Ouarzazate, you're entering the heart of Berber country. Ancient kasbahs (think Game of Thrones vibes) scatter across the landscape, and a quick detour to the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou is an absolute must. This stunning fortified village has doubled as ancient Rome, medieval deserts, and Middle Eastern cities in major films. The pass stays open year-round, though winter snow can occasionally cause closures. Along the way, don't miss the roadside mineral vendors selling gorgeous geodes and fossils, or stop at a small restaurant for authentic tagine and mint tea.
extremeThe beautiful precipice road to Serra da Leba
🌍 Angola
# Serra da Leba: Angola's Legendary Mountain Pass Perched on the border between Huíla and Namibe provinces in southwestern Angola, about 20 miles west of Lubango, Serra da Leba is one of the world's most famous hairpin-laden mountain roads. The fully paved EN280 (Estrada Nacional 280) has quite the origin story—legend says a Portuguese woman designed and built the road, only to pass away the very day it was completed after viewing her masterpiece. Built during Angola's colonial era starting in the late 1960s and officially opened in the 1970s, this engineering marvel still turns heads today. The most intense stretch runs 29.7km from Renato Grade to Leba, where the real drama unfolds. You'll spiral down from the high plateau at 1,845 meters to nearly sea level in just over 10 kilometers—essentially dropping through 3-4 completely different climate zones in one drive. Some sections hit a stomach-churning 34% gradient, and the lack of guardrails combined with rainy or dark conditions makes this road genuinely treacherous. Locals call it "the beautiful precipice," and it's earned that nickname through decades as a national landmark and, unfortunately, the site of numerous accidents. But it's absolutely worth experiencing. The scenery is stunning, so plan to stop and soak it in rather than just barrel through. Head to the communication masts at the top (turn left past the toll station) for an incredible viewpoint where you can watch the steepest sections plunge into the lush green below. There's even a small bar nearby if you need to steady your nerves after the drive down.
extremeHow to get to Erg Chigaga dunes in Morocco?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Zagora Province of Morocco, you'll find Erg Chigaga, supposedly the biggest and most untamed sand dunes in the whole country. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Tucked away near the Algerian border, the road to this sandy paradise, also called Erg Chegaga, is a real beast. Think sand, rocks, and more rocks – strictly 4x4 territory. Your jumping-off point is the Berber town of M'Hamid El Ghizlane (or Lamhamid Ghozlane, if you're feeling fancy). From there, it's a 50 km (30-mile) trek through a landscape of sand, dried-up lakes, and seriously rugged terrain. Trust me, you'll want a driver who knows their stuff. Budget about 2 hours for the whole adventure. And get this – the dunes here are the tallest in Morocco, towering over 150 meters high! What makes Erg Chigaga truly special is that it's off the beaten path. You won't find hordes of tourists here, just a savage, untouched desert experience miles from civilization. If you're looking for an authentic escape, this is it!