Is the road to Gara Medouar paved?

Is the road to Gara Medouar paved?

Morocco, africa

Length

3.2 km

Elevation

858 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Ready for a real adventure? Head out into the Moroccan desert near Erfoud and find the turnoff to Gara Medouar, or "the round mountain." But be warned, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The 3.2 km road is completely unpaved, so you'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle.

Gara Medouar is an impressive erosion cirque, standing at 858m. In fact, this geological wonder is so unique that it's been used in several movies, most famously as the headquarters of Spectre in the James Bond film Spectre. Other films shot here include The Mummy, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, and The Forgiven. Historically, it even served as a holding place for slaves.

The landscape is gorgeous, with smaller mountains, trees, and rugged cliffs inside the main circle. And if you're a fossil fan, keep your eyes peeled for trilobites and ammonites! The journey to this horseshoe-shaped site is as rewarding as the destination itself.

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Road Details

Country
Morocco
Continent
africa
Length
3.2 km
Max Elevation
858 m
Difficulty
hard

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