Driving to Jbel Ayachi, one of Africa's highest roads
Morocco, africa
29.7 km
3,727 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Jbel Ayachi, also known as Djebel Ayachi, is a beast of a mountain peak in Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region. We're talking serious altitude here – 3,727 meters (12,227 feet)! This is one of the highest roads you'll find in the whole country, nestled in the Eastern High Atlas.
The views from the top? Absolutely mind-blowing. You'll be perched high above everything, gazing out across the landscapes of the eastern High Atlas, including the Cirque de Jaffar. A huge cone marks the summit, so you'll know you've conquered it!
Now, for the road itself... It's rough, to say the least. Built in 2015 to facilitate mountain resort construction (which are now incomplete), it's completely unpaved and definitely not for your average car. As of now, even 4x4s can't make it. Maybe a dirt bike could manage, but be warned: mudslides and rockslides block the path about a third of the way up. The final section? Forget about it without some serious heavy machinery! Oh, and finding the road? Good luck! You'll probably need to rely on satellite images.
Starting from Zaouiet Sidi Hamza, the road stretches for about 29.7 kilometers (18.45 miles). In that distance, you'll climb a staggering 2,477 meters, with an average gradient of 8.34%. Snow lingers on the peak until late May or early June, and it stays chilly up there for a good chunk of the year. So, pack accordingly! This is one epic, challenging, and unforgettable adventure if you're up for it!
Where is it?
Driving to Jbel Ayachi, one of Africa's highest roads is located in Morocco (africa). Coordinates: 31.6892, -6.7435
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 29.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,727 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 31.6892, -6.7435
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