Is Estrada Nacional 13 fully paved?
Mozambique, africa
689 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Hey fellow adventurers! Get ready to rumble on the Estrada Nacional 13 (EN13) in northern Mozambique! Also known as the Nacala Corridor (it used to be EN8, renamed around 2010), this baby stretches for 689 km (428 miles) between Nampula and Lichinga. Good news – it's fully paved as of 2021!
This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. As Mozambique's second-longest national highway, budget around 10-12 hours to conquer it, factoring in potentially heavy traffic from both people and cargo. And for those craving even *more* adventure, a rugged dirt track continues from Lichinga all the way to the Tanzanian border. What could be more fun than that?
Road Details
- Country
- Mozambique
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 689 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in africa
moderateIs the road to Mahlasela Pass paved?
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the A1 in Lesotho's Butha-Buthe District, headed toward Mahlasela Pass. You're climbing to a whopping 3,278m (10,754ft) above sea level! This 77.9 km (48.4 miles) stretch from Qalo to Letseng-la-Terae is totally paved, though you'll find more potholes than tar the closer you get to Mokhotlong. The road can get steep, with a max slope of 17%, and you'll be sharing the road with a fair amount of traffic, including some big rigs. Plan ahead though! This is the northern Highlands, so heavy snow can shut things down in winter – icy conditions can be super treacherous. But trust me, the views from the top are totally worth it. The journey itself is stunning, think frozen rivers, breathtaking vistas, and seriously spectacular views. It’ll take you between 1.5 and 2 hours to drive, but remember, this road is your gateway to Lesotho's high-altitude adventure, including the Afriski Mountain Resort. It's said to be one of the highest road passes in Southern Africa, so get ready for an unforgettable ride.
moderateGiza Road is the world’s oldest known paved road
🌍 Egypt
Picture this: you're cruising down a road built over 4,600 years ago, a true ancient highway! This isn't your typical scenic route; it's the Giza Road, or "Processional Way," one of the oldest paved paths *ever*. You'll find it on the west side of the Nile, just southwest of Cairo. Back in 2600 BC, this was the VIP route, constructed during Egypt's Old Kingdom. Think grand processions, royal events, and a killer entrance to the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx. We're talking serious history! This ancient byway stretches for seven and a half miles and is about six and a half feet wide. It was the lifeline for transporting massive basalt blocks from quarries southwest of Cairo to Lake Moeris and then onto the Nile. These stones were essential for paving projects and other construction in Giza. While time and sand have taken their toll, archaeologists have unearthed enough to give us a glimpse into the brilliant engineering and culture of ancient Egypt. Cruising this route is like stepping back in time and experiencing the echoes of pharaohs and ancient builders.
moderateDriving the Scenic Road of 1,000 Kasbahs in the High Atlas
🇲🇦 Morocco
Get ready for an epic Moroccan adventure on the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs! This legendary route snakes along the southern side of the High Atlas Mountains, plunging you into a world of ancient Berber villages and stunning desert scenery. "Kasbah" means fortress, and trust me, you'll see tons of them! These incredible structures, built by local leaders to show off their power and protect their turf, boast massive walls and cool towers. Picture this: fiery red mountains clashing with the lush green valleys, all framed by those iconic mud-brick kasbahs. Seriously, it's a photographer's dream! The road itself winds through jaw-dropping landscapes, dotted with vibrant villages, hidden oases, and of course, countless kasbahs. With the vast Jebel Sarhro range as your backdrop, it's a road trip you won't soon forget. The Road of 1,000 Kasbahs traces the Dades Valley in southeastern Morocco, linking the towns of Ouarzazate and Tinghir. Most of the road is paved, making for a relatively smooth ride, but the real draw is the scenery. These kasbahs are like nothing else on Earth, showcasing the unique artistry of the Berber people. While the name suggests a thousand kasbahs, you'll likely only spot a handful of the most famous ones. The best time to hit this road is spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) for comfortable weather. Summer in the desert? No thanks! Spring and autumn offer the perfect conditions for exploring this magical route.
moderateHow to drive the difficult road to Tislit Lake in Morocco?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Lac de Tislit is a seriously stunning high-altitude lake chilling way up at 2,270 meters (that's 7,447 feet!) in the heart of Morocco. You'll find this gem straddling the Béni Mellal and Drâa-Tafilalet provinces inside the Haut Atlas Oriental National Park. Picture yourself winding through the High Atlas mountains on R317, mostly paved, but with a cheeky little unpaved section that'll keep you on your toes! Think thrilling drops and views that'll make your jaw drop. The road stretches for about 30.5 km (almost 19 miles) from Ouaourioud in the north to Imilchil in the south. And hey, if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a gravel road just north of the lake that climbs even higher to Lac d’Isli, another awesome crater lake sitting pretty at 2,313 meters (7,588 feet). Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!