How long is the Black River Gorges National Park Road?

How long is the Black River Gorges National Park Road?

Mauritius, africa

Length

20.2 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so if you're in Mauritius and craving an adventure, ditch the beach for a bit and hit the road through Black River Gorges National Park! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though.

Stretching for about 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) from Chamarel to Chamouny, nestled in the hilly southwest, this paved road is a proper driving experience. You're smack-dab in the largest protected forest in Mauritius, so expect jaw-dropping views of lush gorges. Keep your eyes peeled for the local flora and fauna, too.

The ultimate payoff? The Black River Gorges Viewpoint. It's *the* spot, with an observation deck to soak in the panoramic vistas. Trust me, on a clear day, the views across the gorge and down to the west coast are some of the best on the island. Plus, you can grab souvenirs and a bite to eat. Basically, it's a must-do!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Mauritius
Continent
africa
Length
20.2 km
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in africa

Driving the Ait Qalla Track to Tizi n’Merekse: A hidden detour in the Anti-Atlashard

Driving the Ait Qalla Track to Tizi n’Merekse: A hidden detour in the Anti-Atlas

🇲🇦 Morocco

Way out in Morocco's Souss-Massa region, you'll find the Tizi n’Merekse, a super-high mountain pass topping out at 2,352m (7,716ft). It’s a quick detour, but the views of the Anti-Atlas mountains? Totally worth it, especially since you'll be far from the usual tourist crowds! Now, getting there is an adventure. You'll be tackling the Ait Qalla Track, a rough, unpaved mountain road that screams for a 4x4 with good clearance. Think classic Moroccan desert: loose gravel, red dust, and sharp rocks just waiting to mess with your tires. It's short, but seriously rugged, so be prepared to be self-sufficient. The climb starts from another high point, the Tizi n'Tmourhas, right off the already-challenging R112. The Ait Qalla Track is only about 1.9 km (1.18 miles) to the top, but don't let that fool you. Even though the road's fairly straight, there are some seriously steep sections, hitting a 7% gradient. And, at that altitude, the air gets thin, so your engine might struggle a bit. Plus, the loose surface means you'll definitely want 4WD to avoid spinning out. The Tizi n’Merekse is exposed and dry. In summer, expect intense heat and zero shade. Traffic is basically non-existent, so if you have car trouble, you might be waiting a while for help. Before heading up the Ait Qalla Track, make sure your ride's in top shape and you've got plenty of water. The reward? Epic panoramic views of the valleys below – a perspective of the Anti-Atlas most travelers never see. It's the perfect little add-on for overlanders already conquering the wild R112 and looking to bag another high-altitude pass!

Where is Lalibela?moderate

Where is Lalibela?

🇪🇹 Ethiopia

Lalibela, Ethiopia is a mountain town sitting pretty high up at 2,541m (8,336ft) in the Amhara Region. It's world-famous for its mind-blowing rock-hewn churches – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since '78! Seriously, these churches, carved straight out of solid rock back in the 12th and 13th centuries, are something else. Still used by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, it’s a major pilgrimage spot and often called the "New Jerusalem." Getting there? Buckle up! The road (D31) from Gashena is only 59.5 km (36 miles), but it's a wild ride. Expect a mix of paved tarmac and sandy sections, plus it's narrow, so watch out for buses and Land Cruisers. Budget 1-2 hours. Historically, its hard-to-reach location has preserved the town. There are other routes too, but they're mostly gravel. You can come from the west, branching off the Bahar Dar to Gondar road at Werota. Or, approach from the north, snaking along the road from Axum through Adwa, Abi Aday, and Sekota. Be warned: without your own wheels, that last 130 km stretch from Sekota to Lalibela could be tricky. When to go? Aim for the dry season (October to March) for the best weather. And don't worry about roughing it – Lalibela’s a popular spot these days, with plenty of places to stay and things to do.

Where is Tizi n'Tamatert?hard

Where 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.

R704: Conquering Morocco's Toughest Road in the High Atlasmoderate

R704: Conquering Morocco's Toughest Road in the High Atlas

🇲🇦 Morocco

# Morocco's R704: The Ultimate High Atlas Adventure Tucked deep in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, the R704 is genuinely one of the most intense driving experiences on the planet. This isn't your everyday road trip—it's a serious test of skill and nerves that reaches a jaw-dropping 2,910 meters (9,547 feet) above sea level. You'll find this beast in Tinghir Province, in the Drâa-Tafilalet region in eastern Morocco. The route stretches 77 kilometers (48 miles) from the stunning Boumalne Dades to the remote village of Agoudal, running north through the spectacular Gorges du Dadès. Fair warning: you'll absolutely need a 4x4 vehicle for this one—seriously, don't even think about attempting it otherwise. The landscape is wild and unpredictable. The first 70 kilometers are paved, which is nice while it lasts. Then you hit the piste—a rough, unforgiving dirt track that'll humble even experienced drivers. We're talking sweeping curves on slippery, rock-hard gravel that demands complete focus. The entire route sits above 1,600 meters elevation, with notable passes like Tizi n'Bou Oudi (2,794m), Tizi-n'Ouano (2,910m), and Jebel Ouamenzri (2,583m) throwing obstacles your way. Winter? Forget about it—this road doesn't get plowed. The views are absolutely stunning though. You'll weave through dramatic gorges, spot historic kasbahs, and watch the landscape shift from snowy peaks to semi-desert terrain. It's genuinely otherworldly. But let's be real: this road shows no mercy. You're driving inches from sheer drops with zero barriers in places. Single-track sections with hairpin turns mean meeting another vehicle is genuinely nightmarish. There's a notorious sticky clay puddle that'll trap you if you're not careful, and rain transforms this already-challenging route into something seriously treacherous. Plan your visit for March to May (lower valleys) or May to July (mountain sections) for the best conditions.