Is Col du Zad paved?

Is Col du Zad paved?

Morocco, africa

Length

58.8 km

Elevation

2,184 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Morocco
Continent
africa
Length
58.8 km
Max Elevation
2,184 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in africa

A tricky desert road to Fish River Canyonmoderate

A tricky desert road to Fish River Canyon

🇳🇦 Namibia

Okay, picture this: you're in Namibia, ready for an adventure. Head south, almost to the South African border, and you'll stumble upon Fish River Canyon, Africa's grandest canyon! Seriously, this place is HUGE. Think 160 kilometers (100 miles) long, 27 kilometers (17 miles) wide, and a staggering 550 meters (1,800 feet) deep. Some say it's second only to the Grand Canyon. To get there, you'll want a 4x4 because the 57km (35 mile) road from the C10 is pure, unadulterated dirt. You're smack-dab in the Namibian desert here, so prepare for serious remoteness. Cell service? Forget about it. But trust me, the views are worth it! Think dramatic landscapes that'll leave you breathless. It's the perfect road trip for those craving a raw, untamed experience.

Swartberg Pass, switchbacks and breathtaking views at every turnextreme

Swartberg Pass, switchbacks and breathtaking views at every turn

🇿🇦 South Africa

# Swartberg Pass: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Tucked between the charming towns of Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn in South Africa's Western Cape, Swartberg Pass is an absolute gem for road trippers seeking drama and scenery. This 72.6 km (45.11 miles) route takes you up to 1,574m (5,164ft) and delivers some seriously jaw-dropping moments along the way. The unpaved R328 might sound intimidating, but here's the good news: you don't need a fancy 4x4 to tackle it. A regular car will do just fine—as long as the weather cooperates. Fair conditions? You're golden. But hit it after rain, and those unpaved sections become genuinely treacherous. When it's wet, forget about it entirely. Pro tip: the summit often wraps itself in cool, misty clouds, which adds a moody atmospheric vibe. What makes this pass legendary is its sheer audacity. With gradients hitting 15% at their steepest, it ranks among South Africa's most intense mountain drives. The road hugs the mountainside with hairpin turns so tight you'll need to focus intently on the steering wheel. There's barely enough room for two vehicles to pass, and those drops? They're honest-to-goodness sheer cliffs that'll keep adrenaline junkies wide awake. Not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. Built between 1881 and 1888 by engineer Thomas Bain and convict laborers, this historical marvel showcases incredible craftsmanship—hand-packed stone walls support the dramatic bends, and you'll spot relics of old prison buildings and toll huts scattered throughout. Budget around 2 hours for the drive (longer if you stop to soak in the views). The landscape is mesmerizing: twisted rock formations, unique plant species found nowhere else, and four gorgeous picnic spots punctuate the southern ascent. You'll gaze out over the sprawling Little Karoo to the south and the vast Great Karoo to the north. Every turn brings another postcard-worthy vista of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. This is mountain pass driving at its most spectacular.

Perdepoort Pass, a sensational road of South Africamoderate

Perdepoort Pass, a sensational road of South Africa

🇿🇦 South Africa

Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Perdepoort Pass in South Africa's Eastern Cape! This baby clocks in at 906 meters (almost 3,000 feet) above sea level. It's a fully paved national road – the N9 – so no need for a 4x4, but definitely keep an eye on the weather. Stretching for about 27 kilometers (around 17 miles), this north-south route links Willowmore to Vogelstruisleegte. The views are killer, especially for stargazing in the winter. Word of warning though: those winter nights get seriously cold, often below freezing! Summer? Think scorching, like 40 degrees Celsius scorching. Basically, pack for anything.

A Most Tricky Scenic Road to Tizi n’Ait Imimoderate

A Most Tricky Scenic Road to Tizi n’Ait Imi

🇲🇦 Morocco

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Tizi n’Ait Imi, a seriously high mountain pass in Morocco! We're talking a lung-busting 2,914m (9,560ft) above sea level – one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. Locals call it "The Pass of the Sheep with Black Eyes," which is kind of cool, right? You'll find this gem straddling the Béni Mellal-Khénifra and Drâa-Tafilalet regions, smack-dab in central Morocco. The route stretches for 61.4 km (38.15 miles) from Tabant, a small town in the north, all the way down to Ighil N'Oumgoun in the south. Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is totally unpaved, dating back to 2015-2016. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your friend here. And if it's been raining? Expect some seriously muddy conditions that'll test your driving skills. Good news is, it's technically open year-round. Bad news? Winter can dump a ton of snow up there, making it pretty much impassable. But if you catch it right, you'll be rewarded with insane views of the Western High Atlas, North Africa's biggest mountain range. Trust me, the scenery is worth the challenge!