Mount Abuna Yosef is one of the highest drivable roads in Africa

Mount Abuna Yosef is one of the highest drivable roads in Africa

Ethiopia, africa

Length

28 km

Elevation

4,199 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Mount Abuna Yosef in Ethiopia is calling your name! This beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 4,199m (that's 13,776ft!) making it one of the highest drives you can find in Africa.

You’ll find this gem nestled in the Amhara region, right in the northern part of Ethiopia. At the very top, there's even a mountain hut called Agaw Beret Community Guesthouse where you can rest your weary bones.

Let me tell you, the road to get there is not for the faint of heart. We're talking a completely unpaved 28 km (17 miles) stretch starting from Lalibela, packed with seriously steep, rocky climbs. A 4x4 isn't just recommended – it's essential. Think large, sharp rocks and super tight turns that demand all your driving skills (and a prayer for your tires!).

You'll climb a staggering 1,835m with an average gradient of 6.55%, so prepare for a workout! The views? Absolutely breathtaking. You’ll wind your way through countless villages as you ascend into the Lasta massif of the Ethiopian Highlands. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Where is it?

Mount Abuna Yosef is one of the highest drivable roads in Africa is located in Ethiopia (africa). Coordinates: 8.7733, 39.4689

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Ethiopia
Continent
africa
Length
28 km
Max Elevation
4,199 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
8.7733, 39.4689

Related Roads in africa

A Steep Unpaved Road to Hela Hela Pass in KwaZulu-Natalhard

A Steep Unpaved Road to Hela Hela Pass in KwaZulu-Natal

🇿🇦 South Africa

Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the Hela Hela Pass! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a heart-pumping, 47.3 km (29.39 miles) dirt track adventure nestled in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Also known as Helehele or Hella Hella (it's so good, they named it thrice!), this pass climbs to a whopping 1,199m (3,934ft) above sea level. Think hairpin turns and seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients of 1:6 that'll test your driving skills! Word to the wise: this road is entirely unpaved and can be a beast when wet. The gravel becomes super slick, so take your time, embrace the slide, and soak in those unreal views as you ascend. Keep an eye out for the wicked 145-degree left hairpin turn about three-quarters of the way up. It's a stunner! The route runs from Owambeni to Richmond, going from west to east. Get ready for a ride you won't soon forget!

Where is Tizi n’Termant?moderate

Where is Tizi n’Termant?

🇲🇦 Morocco

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Drâa-Tafilalet region of Morocco awaits Tizi n’Termant, one of the country's loftiest roads, clocking in at a seriously high elevation. You'll find this stunner east of... well, let's just say near some other very high places, north of somewhere else equally remote. Basically, it's smack dab in the heart of Morocco. Now, let's be real: this isn't your average Sunday drive. This roughly -mile stretch is in rough shape, and a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's mandatory. Picture this: a rugged path winding east to west from point A to point B. Driving it is NOT a walk in the park. But the reward? Breathtaking scenery, views that stretch forever, and a story to tell. If you’re into wild landscapes and challenging drives, this is your jam!

The unpaved road to Tizi n’Targa isn't an easy onehard

The unpaved road to Tizi n’Targa isn't an easy one

🇲🇦 Morocco

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Tizi n’Targa in Morocco's Marrakesh-Safi region! We're talking serious elevation here – 2,535 meters (8,316 feet) to be exact, placing you high in the Western High Atlas mountains. Forget your fancy sports car; you'll NEED a 4x4 for this 37-kilometer (23-mile) dirt track running from Tiwona to Ouanchkrir. Expect seriously narrow sections and some steep climbs that will test your nerve, but the insane views from this remote pass more than make up for it! Think dramatic landscapes and that feeling of being on top of the world. Just south of Tizi n’Tabgourt, this off-the-beaten-path adventure is a must for intrepid travelers.

Tizi n’Ouaousrahard

Tizi n’Ouaousra

🇲🇦 Morocco

Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk about Tizi n’Ouaousra, a seriously cool mountain pass nestled in the Fès-Meknès region of central Morocco! We're talking Middle Atlas mountains, people! The R507 takes you to the top, and it's all paved, but don't think that means it's a breeze. This baby climbs to a whopping 2,137m (7,011ft) above sea level, and the road is a non-stop rollercoaster of twists, turns, and narrow stretches. Even seasoned drivers will find it spicy! Seriously, it's up, down, right, left the whole time. I wouldn't advise tackling this one at night or in dodgy weather unless you know it like the back of your hand. And if you've got passengers who get carsick easily? Maybe pack some barf bags! Seriously, go easy on the snacks before you go. This road is also pretty steep in sections. But hey, the views are totally worth it. Just take it slow, enjoy the scenery, and embrace the challenge!