The Unpaved Road to Tizi n’Ait Hamad in the High Atlas is Not for Timid Drivers
Morocco, africa
26.8 km
2,999 m
hard
Year-round
Hey thrill-seekers! Ever dreamt of conquering the High Atlas Mountains? Then Tizi n’Ait Hamad in Morocco is calling your name! This beast of a pass climbs to a dizzying 2,999 meters (that's almost 10,000 feet!), making it one of Morocco’s highest routes.
Also known as Tizi el Fougani, Tizi-n-Ait Hamed, this winding wonder sits south of Tizi Tigdane and Tizi n’Ait Imi. Keep an eye out for the radio transmitter at the summit!
Clocking in at 26.8 kilometers (about 16.65 miles) from Alemdoun, this road, built in 2017, serves up a hefty dose of adrenaline.
While mostly paved, there are a few rugged, unpaved sections near the top to keep things interesting. Get ready for a white-knuckle ride through a dramatic gorge, clinging to super narrow sections and tackling relentless hairpin turns. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, but keep your eyes on the road! Good news though, the whole thing should be paved by 2026.
Word of warning: this pass is best avoided when the snow starts falling. Trust me, you'll want clear skies to enjoy this epic adventure!
Where is it?
The Unpaved Road to Tizi n’Ait Hamad in the High Atlas is Not for Timid Drivers is located in Morocco (africa). Coordinates: 32.2351, -8.0812
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 26.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,999 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 32.2351, -8.0812
Related Roads in africa
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Kupferberg Pass in central Namibia
🇳🇦 Namibia
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Let's talk Kupferberg Pass in Namibia's Khomas region. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a high-altitude thrill ride reaching a whopping 2,050 meters (6,725 feet)! Seriously, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in Namibia. You'll find this gem nestled about 30km outside of Windhoek, the capital, chilling in the Khomas Highland plateau. The road, known as C26, stretches for 188km (116 miles) from Windhoek down to Tinkeringheib. Now, a heads-up: this isn't a smooth, paved paradise. The entire route is unpaved, and you'll be wrestling with loose gravel and some seriously steep sections, some clocking in at over 8%! Word is, the climb from the Windhoek side is steeper. Either way, be prepared to give your vehicle a workout—you might even catch a whiff of those hard-working parts along the way. But hey, the views and the bragging rights? Totally worth it!
hardThe inhumane climb to Hanskop with 27% ramps
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Just south of Cape Town in the Western Cape, South Africa, lies Hanskop – a mountain peak soaring to 1,159m (3,802ft). It’s also known as Hanse Kop, and trust me, you want to get up there! The summit is packed with communication towers, but that's a small price to pay for the unreal 360-degree views of the Cape Town area and the Overberg region. Seriously stunning! The road? It’s fully paved, so that’s a win, but hold on – it's narrow and steep. You'll be gripping the wheel, especially because it can get super slick after a rain shower, and access to the summit is sometimes closed. Starting in Grabouw at 360m, you've got 11.3 km (7.02 miles) of pure uphill bliss (and maybe a little pain). You'll climb a whopping 799 meters, averaging a 7.07% gradient. But brace yourself, because some sections crank up to a leg-burning 27%!
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Jaap se Hoogte
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, folks, buckle up for Jaap se Hoogte Pass in Mpumalanga, South Africa! This beauty clocks in at a lofty 1,888 meters (that's 6,194 feet for my imperial friends!). The road itself? Smooth asphalt all the way, following the R577. Be warned, though: you'll hit some pretty steep sections, with gradients hitting around 10% in places. But hey, the views along this scenic route more than make up for the climb! It's a truly awesome drive.
hardA Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Grootberg Pass
🇳🇦 Namibia
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've just conquered the Grootberg Pass in Namibia's Kunene region, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a 114 km (70-mile) stretch of pure, unadulterated C40 gravel, winding its way from Palmwag to Kamanjab. At a whopping 1,550m (5,085ft) above sea level, this pass is one of the highest in Namibia. The views from the Etendeka mountains are unreal, but keep your eyes on the road – it's rough, narrow in places, and can get seriously dicey when the rains hit. Oh, and did I mention it's a wildlife area? Keep an eye out for some large (and potentially grumpy) locals! If you're feeling extra adventurous (and have a 4x4!), take the side trip south to Grootberg Lodge. The climb is steep, but trust me, the views from 1,629m (5,344ft) are worth it. This pass isn't for the faint of heart, but if you're craving an unforgettable off-road experience, Grootberg Pass needs to be on your bucket list.