What’s Ruaha National Park?
Tanzania, africa
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hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're smack-dab in the middle of Tanzania, exploring Ruaha National Park. This place is HUGE – the largest in the country, clocking in at over 20,000 square kilometers! Think rugged landscapes – rolling plateaus, rocky hills, wide-open grasslands dotted with those classic baobab trees. The cool thing? Ruaha is still a bit of a hidden gem, so you'll feel like you have the place to yourself.
Now, about that road... Forget your cute little rental car. This ain't your average Sunday drive! We're talking unpaved, rough-and-tumble terrain. A proper 4x4 is a MUST. While technically "passable" year-round, trust me, during the short rainy season, it can get seriously dicey even for the most seasoned off-roaders. Expect thrilling river crossings and some seriously epic scenery. If you're looking for an adventure, this is it!
Related Roads in africa
moderateOngeluks Nek Pass: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇿🇦 South Africa
Ongeluks Nek Pass sits way up high at 2,541 meters (8,336 feet), straddling the border between South Africa and Lesotho. Seriously, don't even think about tackling it in bad weather. This is one of the highest roads you'll find around here! Linking Lesotho's Quthing District to the northern reaches of South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, it carves its way through the Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve. Locals call it "Accident Neck," and the name has a dark history, dating back to 1860 when a Griqua trekker met an untimely end from a gunshot. Forget smooth sailing; the road is completely unpaved and seriously rocky. We're talking off-road vehicles *only* – the kind with low range and plenty of ground clearance. Expect ruts, mud, and a generally challenging experience. This road needs some love or it might just disappear completely! Heads up: visibility can be a real issue. It's smart to hop out of your ride and scout ahead on foot before committing. If you're brave enough to tackle this dusty, bumpy beast, make sure you've got an experienced driver. Diff locks and high ground clearance will make life much easier, especially with an average gradient of 1:9. The higher you climb, the rougher things get. And for safety's sake, bring a buddy – two vehicles minimum! The road stretches for 28 km (18 miles), winding from Letlapeng (South Africa) to Makuaes (Lesotho). Tucked way up in the Drakensberg mountains, this area gets a *lot* of rain, which means the track is often super muddy and slippery. Expect fierce winds and thunderstorms at the summit in summer, and snow in winter.
hardTizi Tguerselt
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Tizi Tguerselt in Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about a high-altitude beast, topping out at 2,634 meters (8,641 feet)! It's one of the highest roads you'll find in Morocco. Forget smooth asphalt – this is rugged, rocky, gravel heaven (or hell, depending on your perspective!). Picture yourself battling menacing desert terrain, tackling steep, rocky inclines. Watch out for those large, sharp rocks that love to eat tires! You'll need some serious ground clearance, skid plates, and differential lockers – leave your stock vehicle at home, trust me. And navigation? Let's just say you'll be earning those GPS skills. The network of roads is poorly defined, so you'll need to pay attention, even with a tracklog. Oh, and did I mention it gets HOT in the summer? Pack that water! Seriously, bring a LOT. One last tip: This is NOT a solo mission. Find a buddy, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardIs the road to Tizi Bou Taouelt unpaved?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Cruising through Morocco's Midelt Province? You've GOT to check out Tizi Bou Taouelt! This high-altitude pass, nestled in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, is a seriously cool rural shortcut through the eastern High Atlas mountains. Okay, so the P7318 isn't exactly paved – think 17.6 km (or about 11 miles) of pure, unadulterated gravel. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Generally, most cars can handle it in dry weather, and the hills aren't too crazy steep – topping out at around 6%. Just keep in mind this baby is sensitive to the seasons. You'll be cruising between the tiny villages of Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef and Tounfit, making your way from the river valleys to those classic Midelt plateaus. Pro tip: give yourself extra time, because that gravel and those winding bends mean you won't be speeding. Word of warning: rain can turn this track into a mud pit real quick, so maybe think twice if the weather's looking iffy and you aren't in a 4x4. And winter? Snow's a definite possibility up here around 2,100 meters. It's a remote spot, so fill up the tank and bring plenty of water! But the VIEWS! Absolutely unreal. You'll be gawking at the snow-capped peaks to the south (seriously, they sometimes stick around 'til spring!). It's all rocky hills, sparse plants, and the occasional nomad camp. This isn't your typical tourist trap – it's a peaceful escape into the real, raw beauty of the High Atlas. The summit? Just you, the wide-open horizon, and the sound of silence. Trust me; it's epic.
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!