The road to Gara de Medouar, Spectre’s headquarters in the James Bond film
Morocco, africa
3.2 km
858 m
hard
Year-round
Ever dreamed of driving through a real-life movie set? Head to Gara Medouar, a horseshoe-shaped rock formation (also called Jebel Mudawwar or Mdoura) in Morocco’s Dra-Tafilalt region near Erfoud. This place isn't just visually stunning; it's got serious history and Hollywood cred, thanks to films like *Spectre*, *The Mummy*, and *Prince of Persia* shooting here!
The 3.2 km (2 mile) road up to Gara Medouar starts off the paved N12, but quickly turns into a rough, unpaved track, so a high-clearance vehicle is a must.
Rising to 858m, Gara Medouar, literally “the round mountain,” is an erosion cirque with smaller mountains, trees, and craggy cliffs inside. You can even hunt for trilobites and ammonites here! The locals call it the “Portuguese Prison” from its days as a holding place for slaves.
Trust me, the views around this geological wonder are totally worth the trek. Just be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride!
Where is it?
The road to Gara de Medouar, Spectre’s headquarters in the James Bond film is located in Morocco (africa). Coordinates: 31.5965, -7.1588
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 3.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 858 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 31.5965, -7.1588
Related Roads in africa
extremeHow long is Moteng Pass?
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Lesotho's Butha-Buthe District, high up in the Drakensberg-Maluti Mountains, on the A1. You're tackling Moteng Pass, which hits a dizzying 9,252 feet above sea level! This isn't just any drive; it's a 48.4-mile ribbon of paved road stretching from Qalo to Letseng-la-Terae. Now, the road's mostly good, but keep your eyes peeled! The closer you get to Mokhotlong, the more potholes you'll find. And hold on tight because this road isn't shy about steep climbs, hitting a maximum gradient of 17%, and some seriously tight hairpin bends are thrown in for good measure! You'll be sharing the road with some serious traffic, including massive trucks, so stay focused. Speaking of focus, winter here is no joke. Heavy snow can shut this pass down completely. Even if it's not actively snowing, ice can make the road treacherous, so be extra careful. Don't be fooled into thinking summer will be sweltering either; even then, expect a cool climate. But honestly, it's all worth it. The views from the top are absolutely incredible! Think frozen rivers, breathtaking vistas, and scenery that just won't quit. This road is your ticket to a high-altitude adventure. Plan for around 1.5 to 2 hours to drive the whole thing without stopping.
easyGarden Route
🇿🇦 South Africa
# The Garden Route: South Africa's Best-Kept Coastal Treasure Picture this: 300 kilometers of pure coastal bliss stretching along South Africa's southern coast from Mossel Bay to Storms River. The Garden Route isn't just a drive—it's basically nature's love letter to road trippers, and honestly, it lives up to the hype. The whole vibe here is lush and dramatic. Ancient forests press right up against the Indian Ocean, golden beaches seem to go on forever, and those towering sea cliffs? Absolutely breathtaking. The name says it all—this place is bursting with vegetation, dotted with lagoons, lakes, and rivers that'll have you pulling over constantly to grab photos. You've gotta experience Knysna, where an iconic lagoon sits framed by those stunning Knysna Heads sandstone cliffs. Then there's Tsitsikamma National Park—seriously, the old-growth Afromontane forests alone are worth the detour, and that famous Storms River Mouth suspension bridge is the kind of moment you'll be talking about for years. Plettenberg Bay is postcard-perfect with pristine beaches and excellent whale watching (June to November is prime time). And the Wilderness section? A string of coastal lakes that looks almost too good to be real. The climate here is temperate and maritime, which means you get this wild mix of fynbos ecosystems alongside towering yellowwood and stinkwood forests. If you time it right during whale season, you might catch southern right whales putting on a show right from the shore. This is the kind of drive where every turn surprises you—easily Africa's most scenic coastal route.
moderateIs the road to Monte Verde paved?
🌍 Cape Verde
Okay, so you're heading to Monte Verde, a peak on the northern part of the island. The good news is, the road *is* paved – cobblestone, to be exact. The *slightly* less good news is that the paving isn't always in tip-top shape, so keep an eye out! You're looking at a climb of around , with an average gradient of . But hold on tight because some sections crank that up to a steeper . Is it worth it? Absolutely! This road, leading towards Monte Verde Natural Park, is an absolute stunner. Picture this: endless photo opportunities along the way. Seriously, charge your camera and clear some space on your memory card. The view from the top is insane – you'll see the whole island , plus views of the islands. Trust me; you won't regret this drive!
extremeA sensational road to Barkly Pass in the Eastern Cape
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Barkly Pass! Perched high in the Eastern Cape highlands of South Africa, this beauty clocks in at 2,018m (6,620ft) above sea level. Named after a bigwig colonial governor from way back when, it's steeped in history. The R58, as it's known, is paved, so no 4x4 needed! But don't get complacent - those gradients are STEEP and the curves are seriously sharp. Keep an eye on your speed, and you'll be fine. Stretching 62 km (38 miles) from Elliot (Khowa) to Barkly East, this pass is a proper climb. You'll gain a whopping 626 meters in just 12 km, after leaving Elliot at 1,473 meters above sea level. Think hairpin bends galore before you reach that summit! Nestled in the Drakensberg Mountains, be warned: winter here means SNOW. Like, serious snow that can shut things down. Cold weather + ice = a recipe for disaster, so take it slow. Expect closures when the first snow hits, especially between Barkly East and Elliot. But hey, the views are worth it!