Is the road to Tizi Bou Taouelt unpaved?
Morocco, africa
17.6 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising through Morocco's Midelt Province? You've GOT to check out Tizi Bou Taouelt!
This high-altitude pass, nestled in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, is a seriously cool rural shortcut through the eastern High Atlas mountains.
Okay, so the P7318 isn't exactly paved – think 17.6 km (or about 11 miles) of pure, unadulterated gravel. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Generally, most cars can handle it in dry weather, and the hills aren't too crazy steep – topping out at around 6%. Just keep in mind this baby is sensitive to the seasons.
You'll be cruising between the tiny villages of Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef and Tounfit, making your way from the river valleys to those classic Midelt plateaus. Pro tip: give yourself extra time, because that gravel and those winding bends mean you won't be speeding.
Word of warning: rain can turn this track into a mud pit real quick, so maybe think twice if the weather's looking iffy and you aren't in a 4x4. And winter? Snow's a definite possibility up here around 2,100 meters. It's a remote spot, so fill up the tank and bring plenty of water!
But the VIEWS! Absolutely unreal. You'll be gawking at the snow-capped peaks to the south (seriously, they sometimes stick around 'til spring!). It's all rocky hills, sparse plants, and the occasional nomad camp. This isn't your typical tourist trap – it's a peaceful escape into the real, raw beauty of the High Atlas. The summit? Just you, the wide-open horizon, and the sound of silence. Trust me; it's epic.
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 17.6 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in africa
hardRoute de Tisemlale
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way through the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco on the Route de Tisemlale. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a proper adventure! We're talking a 43.5km stretch of dirt, gravel, and rocks, so definitely bring your 4x4. You'll be hugging the curves inside Parc National Talassemtane – "cold spring" in Berber, and trust me, the views are refreshing. Starting near Bab Taza (889m), the road gets steep pretty quick, climbing over 850m in just 13.4km up to Jebel L'kraa (1,745m high). The average gradient is over 6%, so hold on tight! This area is known for challenging conditions, especially when wet. You'll definitely earn your stripes on this one. Located in Chefchaouen province, this route connects Bab Taza to the famous blue city of Chefchaouen. This area is famous for its plant and rare animal species, Talassemtane National Park is the place to go if you want to see great scenery. It's a haven for those who love seeing nature at its best. But, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe stick to the paved ones. Otherwise, get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardSalt and mud on the 4x4 Skeleton Coast Road
🇳🇦 Namibia
Cruising the Skeleton Coast Road in Namibia's wild northwest is like driving on another planet. Seriously, it's one of the most surreal and breathtaking drives you'll ever experience! Tucked inside the Skeleton Coast National Park, this epic stretch of road hugs the Atlantic coastline on one side and stretches towards the central plains on the other, almost brushing up against the Angolan border. The Skeleton Coast is notorious for its shipwrecks – it’s practically the world's biggest ship graveyard. Why so many wrecks? Blame the crazy thick fogs that roll in when the hot desert air clashes with the icy Atlantic. Keep an eye out for the Cape Cross Seal Reserve a little further north! Officially known as the C34-D2302, this 437 km (271-mile) adventure runs north-south from the old German town of Swakopmund to Terrace Bay. The road is made of sand and salt, snaking through a desolate desert landscape dotted with the ghostly remains of shipwrecks. You'll feel like you're at the very edge of the earth. Out here, you're surrounded by nothing but sand for miles. Gas stations are scarce, so fuel up whenever you can. This road is seriously remote and lonely. The "salt" road is surprisingly smooth to drive on – almost better than asphalt! But watch out when the ocean mist rolls in; it gets super slippery, like black ice. You'll be tackling tarmac, gravel, sand, and salt-paved sections. Definitely a 4x4-only zone, and pack extra water and spare parts. Even during the day, drive with your headlights on to warn other drivers. The mirage effect is common, and the salt road becomes incredibly slippery after heavy mist. If it rains? Avoid the road altogether. Traction becomes non-existent, even for 4x4s, and the salt and mud will cake your vehicle. Don't even think about driving across the salt pans, even in a 4x4. And get this: even though Namibia uses kilometers, all the distance signs are in miles!
hardHow To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Tizi Tigherrouzine
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! We're heading to the Col de Tizi Tigherrouzine, a seriously epic mountain pass way up in Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region. At a whopping 2,675 meters (that's 8,776 feet!), this baby is one of the highest roads in the whole country! You'll find it clinging to the eastern side of the High Atlas Mountains, and guess what? It's paved! Yep, the R703 has been smooth sailing since 2014. But don't get too comfy – this road is still a wild ride. Think hairpin turns galore, seriously steep climbs, and weather that can throw you for a loop. This hidden gem winds its way for 34.4 kilometers (21.37 miles) between Agoudal and Aït Hani, running north to south. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the white knuckles. Get ready for views that will blow your mind!
extremeRoute Nationale 5 is said to be the worst road of Madagascar
🇲🇬 Madagascar
Ready for the ultimate off-road challenge? Head to the eastern coast of Madagascar and tackle RN5 (Route Nationale 5)! They say it's the *worst* road in the country, but that just means it's the *best* for adventure. This beast stretches 393km (244 miles) from Toamasina, south in the Atsinanana region, all the way north to the seaport town of Maroantsetra. Don't get too excited—most of it isn't paved! The first 160 km from Toamasina are smooth sailing, but after that, get ready for a wild ride. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance and serious driving skills. Think sections of deep sand, jagged rock, and bridges that have seen better days (inspect before crossing!). You're looking at almost a full 24 hours to complete the journey. Hugging the Indian Ocean, you'll ford 13 rivers by boat or ferry. Some crossings involve rickety homemade rafts where everyone pulls together to get across. Avoid December to March as the rainy season turns the road into an impassable mess. January and February? Forget about it. But here's the payoff: you'll be rewarded with some of the most isolated and breathtaking scenery Madagascar has to offer. Picture this: white sand coastline, swaying palm forests, and endless views of the Indian Ocean. This isn't just a road trip, it's an unforgettable adventure!