What’s Pico do Fogo?
Cape Verde, africa
20.5 km
2,829 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're on Fogo, one of the coolest islands in Cape Verde, ready for an adventure. You’re heading towards Pico do Fogo, a massive volcano that dominates the landscape. You start in Santa Catarina do Fogo, up in the north, and get ready for a ride that'll climb nearly 3,000 meters (over 9,000 feet!).
The road winds its way for about 20 kilometers (almost 13 miles) up the western side of the volcano and into the caldera – that's the giant crater left from past eruptions. Be warned, there are some seriously steep sections and hairpin turns galore, so keep your eyes on the road.
You'll pass through tiny villages where locals are farming right inside the caldera, growing crops in that super fertile volcanic soil. It’s a bit risky, especially with past eruptions to think about, but the soil is just too good to resist!
This whole area is a protected natural park, and for good reason. The scenery is out of this world – dramatic volcanic landscapes, black lava fields, and incredible views. Plus, if you're into hiking, this is your paradise. Climbing up to the volcanic cone itself is a must-do. The road isn't paved, but the views are worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Cape Verde
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 20.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,829 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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!
hardCan I drive through Ziz Gorges?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Gorges du Ziz is a very scenic canyon carved by the River Ziz located in the Errachidia Province of the Drâa-Tafilalet region of Morocco. Can I drive through Ziz Gorges? Tucked away in the Eastern High Atlas, the road through the gorges is fully paved yet challenging, with countless turns and hairpin turns. It’s called National Route Number 13 (N13). The road is surrounded by cliffs and is both mountainous and winding. When driving a Unimog, the road feels very narrow. Bus drivers often take up much of the road, overtaking on blind bends and steep inclines, so you’ll need to stay alert. How long is the road through Ziz Gorges? The road is 55.4 km (34.42 miles) long, running south-north from Errachidia to Kerrandou. The most iconic part of the drive runs from the Legionnaire’s Tunnel (built by French colonial troops in the 1930s to create a passageway to the Ziz Valley) to the dam of Barrage Al-Hassan Addakhil, an artificial lake. Is the road through Ziz Gorges worth it? The drive offers stunning views of a spectacular and dramatic scenery on the upper course of the Ziz River. There are a couple of viewpoints and picnic spots along the route. How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Tizi Tigherrouzine R703 is a scenic road in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardA dangerous paved road to Van Reenen's Pass in South Africa
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Let's talk about Van Reenen's Pass in South Africa. This beauty clocks in at 1,777m (5,830ft) high up in the Drakensberg mountains, right near the KwaZulu-Natal and Free State border. It's a 52.3 km (32.49 miles) stretch of paved road – that's the N3, the main drag between Durban and Johannesburg – running from Harrismith in the Free State to the Sand River Valley in KwaZulu-Natal. Give yourself about 40-50 minutes to cruise it without stops. Now, Van Reenen's Pass is gorgeous as you wind your way down towards Ladysmith, but heads up: it's known as one of the trickier roads around. It can get pretty hairy with tons of trucks and some seriously steep sections around 1:20. Accidents? Unfortunately, they happen. Most of the time you're good to go year-round, but winter can throw a wrench in things. We're talking heavy snow and temporary closures. Plus, the weather can be super wet and misty, making the road slick with seriously reduced visibility. Watch out for strong winds too – they've been known to flip lighter vehicles! So, drive safe and enjoy the views – if you can see them!
moderateThe Curvy Road to Tizi n'Bab n'Ouyyad Is Not for the Sissies
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just discovered the *most* epic road in Morocco: Tizi n'Bab n'Ouyyad. We're talking a whopping 2,290 meters (7,513 feet) above sea level! This beauty straddles the border of Béni Mellal and Drâa-Tafilalet provinces inside the Haut Atlas Oriental National Park. Seriously, the views alone are worth the trip! The road, which you'll find marked as N12-R317, climbs high into the High Atlas. Most of the 30.5 km (18.9 miles) route is paved, but be warned: there's a short unpaved section that is *intense*. Think crazy-steep drops and heart-pumping driving. This route links Ouaourioud to Imilchil, so buckle up for the ride of your life!