Travel Guide to Sossusvlei
Namibia, africa
66.5 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Namibia, southern Namib-Naukluft National Park, dunes for days. We're talking Sossusvlei, a massive salt pan surrounded by some seriously impressive red dunes. This place is a photographer's dream!
The road in starts from Sesriem, a tiny village nestled at the bottom of the Naukluft Mountains. Get ready for a straight shot – 66.5 km of flat, open road that seems to stretch on forever. I've heard whispers that the roads here can be a bit wild, Namibia's reputation for road accidents perhaps makes them a little more precarious than most, but most of it is easily doable in a regular car.
Heads up, though! The last 5 km are sandy, so you'll need a 4x4 to make it through. The road was paved way back in the early 2000s. And a pro tip: It's the desert, so bring plenty of water! Seriously, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Now get out there and explore some of the tallest dunes in the world – some towering as high as 400 meters! The desert scenery is absolutely unreal.
Where is it?
Travel Guide to Sossusvlei is located in Namibia (africa). Coordinates: -21.2807, 16.7367
Road Details
- Country
- Namibia
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 66.5 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -21.2807, 16.7367
Related Roads in africa
hardWhere is Matebeng Pass?
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Matebeng Pass in Lesotho! This epic route climbs to a whopping 2,960m (9,711ft), making it one of the highest roads in the country. You'll find it snaking along the border between Thaba-Tseka and Qacha's Nek districts, practically kissing South Africa. Now, fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. The 112 km (69 miles) from Mohlanapeng to Ramatšeliso is entirely unpaved, a rollercoaster of steep climbs, crazy twists, and endless hairpin turns through charming little villages. Seriously, you'll want a 4WD for this one. Keep an eye out for flooded bridges on the Semonkong-Mantsa Road during the rainy season! But hey, the rugged beauty of Lesotho and the sheer thrill of conquering this pass? Totally worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road adventure!
hardWhere is Tizi n'Tamatert?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, picture this: you're in Morocco, Marrakesh-Safi region to be exact, itching for an adventure. Look no further than Tizi n'Tamatert, nestled in the High Atlas Mountains within the Ait Mizane Valley. But hold on, this isn't your average Sunday drive. First things first, ditch the rental sedan. This route is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking unpaved, curvy, bumpy, narrow sections, and heart-stopping steep drops – the real deal. Trust me, you'll be gripping that steering wheel! The best time to tackle this beast? Avoid the snowy months of November to April. Instead, aim for April when the cherry and apple blossoms explode with color, or late autumn when the leaves are putting on their fiery farewell show. The pass itself isn't super long – roughly .9 miles – but those .9 miles pack a punch. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The summit views are unreal. Huge thanks to Hugh Wilson for turning us on to this memorable road. You won’t regret the ride.
extremeHigh Altitude Track from Tazeguezaoute: Climbing the three passes of Al Haouz
🇲🇦 Morocco
Deep in the Al Haouz Province of Morocco, you'll find one of the country's highest continuous driving experiences. This mountain track, a true hidden gem, stays entirely above 2,000 meters as it climbs through three epic passes before ending abruptly near Ikiss village. Just a heads up — this is a dead-end route, so you'll have to backtrack, but trust me, it's worth it! Starting from Tazeguezaoute, you'll traverse 18.2 km of seriously high-altitude terrain. The road steadily ascends, treating you to incredible views as you summit Tizi-n-Fiddi (2,225m), the mighty Tizi n’Teddi (2,750m), and finally, Tizi Arhbar (2,658m). The whole thing stays above 2,000 meters, promising thin air and non-stop mountain vistas. Expect 31 hairpin turns as you tackle the steep slopes of the High Atlas. The road surface is completely unpaved – think rocky sections and loose gravel. You'll find the average gradient around 6% between Tizi-n-Fiddi and Tizi n’Teddi, but some parts are way steeper. You'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4 for this adventure! Keep in mind that you'll be pretty isolated out there. No mobile signal, and far from any medical help. The high altitude also means snow can shut things down for months. And in summer, sudden thunderstorms can wash out the gravel track, turning those hairpins into a real challenge and potentially stranding you. If you're craving an authentic off-road experience, away from the crowds of Tizi n'Tichka, this unmarked track is a dream come true. It's a chance to drive high above 2,000 meters for almost 20 kilometers, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the Berber highlands and the stunning peaks of the Marrakesh-Safi region.
hardIs the road from Maydh to Erigavo unpaved?
🌍 Somalia
Okay, picture this: You're heading from the ancient port of Maydh up into the mountains towards Erigavo. This 77.5 km (48.15 miles) stretch is definitely off the beaten path! You'll be needing a serious 4x4 to tackle this unpaved adventure, and be prepared for some serious climbing because you'll be hitting some major elevation! Expect a wild ride with tunnels and hairpin turns galore. BUT (and it's a big but), traveling this route is seriously NOT recommended. Security risks are through the roof. Think high threats of banditry and, sadly, minimal police presence. Violent events like bombings and military action aren't uncommon. And if you're a foreigner? Kidnappings are a very real threat. Anti-Western sentiment is high, so this isn't the place for a casual road trip. Stay safe out there!