Is Col du Zad paved?
Morocco, africa
58.8 km
2,184 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Col du Zad in Morocco is calling your name! This epic mountain pass sits way up high at 2,184 meters (that's over 7,000 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Middle Atlas mountains, straddling the Fès-Meknès and Drâa-Tafilalet regions.
The road, also known as Route N13, is paved the whole way, so no need for a 4x4 – but be prepared for some seriously steep sections! The scenery is incredible; keep an eye out for the remnants of an ancient cedar forest near the top. Just a heads up, this area has a pretty wild climate, so while the pass is usually open year-round, winter weather can sometimes shut it down temporarily.
Spanning almost 59 kilometers (or around 36 miles), this north-south route connects the towns of Timahdite and Zaida. Get ready for some stunning views and an unforgettable drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 58.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,184 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in africa
extremeThe dangerous and not recommended road to Erta Ale volcano
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Ready for an adventure to the Erta Ale volcano in Ethiopia's Afar Region? Buckle up, because this isn't your average road trip! You're in for a wild ride through some of the toughest landscapes imaginable. Erta Ale, a 613-meter (2,011 ft) basaltic shield volcano, is a sight to behold. Known locally as the "Smoking Mountain" and the "Gateway to Hell," it's nestled in the heart of the northern Danakil Depression—one of the most scorching and arid spots on the planet. This volcano has been erupting non-stop since '67! Getting there is half the adventure (or maybe more!). This entirely unpaved road, a mix of sand and jagged lava rock, winds its way through the northeast. Watch out for those blinding dust clouds and sudden sandstorms that can cut visibility down to near zero. The 80 km (49.70 miles) journey from Afdera to Erta Ale can eat up about 6 hours. The scenery is starkly beautiful: think hardened lava flows, rocky stretches, sandy expanses, and the occasional vibrant, palm-fringed oasis. You can drive to within about 4.3 miles of the volcano itself. Word to the wise: given the area's instability, it's highly recommended to hire armed guards or local police as guides. Be aware this region has potential hazards, including landmines, terrorism, malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and weather extremes (temperatures can soar from 77°F to a blistering 118°F!). Plus, kidnapping, banditry, and armed attacks have occurred, some targeting tourists. Caution is not just advised, it's essential.
hardTizi n’Tiferguine
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Dra-Tafilalt region of Morocco and you've got a serious 4x4 and a taste for adventure, then Tizi n'Tiferguine is calling your name. We're talking a high mountain pass, hitting 2,025 meters (that's 6,643 feet!) above sea level, tucked south of the majestic High Atlas mountains. Forget smooth sailing! This road is a wild ride – gravel, rocky, and bumpy doesn't even begin to cover it. This one’s for the experienced off-roaders only; if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, steer clear. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4, and a good head for heights. It’s a steep climb, with twists, turns, and narrow sections that'll keep you on your toes. Expect an intense up-and-down rollercoaster the whole way. Oh, and keep an eye on the weather – thunderstorms can turn this track into a real 4x4-only zone, or even make it impassable. But hey, you're not afraid of a challenge, are you?
moderateWhere is Poelela Lake?
🌍 Mozambique
Okay, picture this: Mozambique, turquoise waters, and a seriously off-the-beaten-path adventure to Poelela Lake. This isn't your average Sunday drive! This hidden gem of a lagoon is totally unspoiled, surrounded by a few local villages, and fed by a river making its way to the Indian Ocean. So, how do you get there? Let's just say you'll need a serious 4x4! The road to the lake is...rustic, to say the least. Starting near the village of Mangal, the road to the lake is approximately 14 km long. But hey, the journey is half the fun, right? Along the way, you'll be treated to views of other stunning lakes, including Lombe and Nhamavue. Plus, you'll stumble upon a charming church called Inconje Igreja Vida em Christo. Trust me, this road trip is an experience you won't soon forget. Just be prepared for a bumpy ride!
hardHow long is The Escarpment Road?
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Northern Ethiopia, right on the edge of the Amhara and Oromiya regions, about 225 km north of Addis Ababa. You're about to plunge into the Blue Nile Gorge, one of the planet's biggest gorges, dropping almost 5,000 feet! The road you're taking? It's the Escarpment Road (Road A3), a 31.31-mile stretch from Tik Giyorgis Bete Kiristyan to Gohatsion, mostly paved but don't let that fool you. This baby's perched way up in the Ethiopian mountains, and the views? Seriously epic around every bend. But hey, it's not all postcard moments. This road keeps you on your toes! Think super-sharp turns, some seriously steep climbs (up to 15%!), and sections riddled with potholes. Descending is a white-knuckle experience, dodging those hairpin bends and crater-sized holes. Oh, and check out the bridges! There's a cool modern Japanese suspension bridge for cars, plus an old Italian bridge, now used by local shepherds. It's a wild ride, a proper adventure, and a true feast for the eyes!