Where does the A2 Road start and end?
Ethiopia, africa
31.8 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: You're in Ethiopia, about to tackle a seriously epic drive! We're talking about Route 2, but specifically the wild section from Alamata to Korem. Alamata is a town nestled on the eastern edge of the Ethiopian Highlands, so you already know you're in for some views.
This isn't just a Sunday drive, though. Get ready for a proper climb! This 31.8 km (almost 20 miles) stretch throws you right into the heart of the mountains. We're talking steep, with gradients hitting up to 12% in places – so make sure your engine's ready to work. And while you're white-knuckling it up those inclines, remember to glance around! The scenery is absolutely stunning as you wind your way up through the eastern edge of the Ethiopian Highlands.
Road Details
- Country
- Ethiopia
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 31.8 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in africa
moderateGorilla Highlands Road
🌍 Uganda
# The Gorilla Highlands Road: East Africa's Most Epic Drive Picture this: a 200-kilometer stretch of road weaving between Uganda and Rwanda, connecting Kabale to Volcanoes National Park, and basically serving as the ultimate gateway to some of the planet's most incredible biodiversity. You'll be climbing through the Albertine Rift highlands anywhere from 1,800 to 2,500 meters up, which means your ears might pop and your jaw will definitely drop. The scenery here is absolutely bonkers. Imagine impossibly steep hillsides carved into thousands of tiny terraces (seriously, Rwanda earned the title "Land of a Thousand Hills" for a reason), wrapped in dense montane rainforest that looks like it belongs in a fantasy film. Add in bamboo forests that seem to go on forever and those iconic cone-shaped Virunga volcanoes punching up to over 4,500 meters, and you've got a landscape that'll haunt you in the best way possible. But here's the real magic: this is home to roughly 1,000 of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. You're literally driving through one of the last refuges for these endangered giants, navigating through ancient, tangled forest one moment and past meticulously cultivated hillsides the next. Every curve in the road brings another breathtaking valley into view, and that contrast between wild jungle and human-shaped landscape? Completely unforgettable. This isn't just a drive—it's a journey through one of East Africa's most spectacular and biodiverse regions.
hardThe Unpaved Road to Tizi n’Ait Hamad in the High Atlas is Not for Timid Drivers
🇲🇦 Morocco
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!
moderateWhy is it called Lootsberg Pass?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the Lootsberg Pass! This gem sits pretty high up in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, clocking in at a cool 1,781m (5,843ft). Word is, it's the highest pass in the Great Karoo! Ever wonder about the name? Legend has it that it's named after Hendrik Loots, who had a bit of a mishap back in the day when his carriage took a tumble on the original route. Ouch! That old route was actually carved out way back in 1858 by a chap named Andrew Geddes Bain. Now, the good news: you won't be dealing with any dirt tracks here. The entire 106 km (66 miles) from Middelburg to Graaff-Reinet is fully paved, following the N9. But, pro tip: keep an eye on the weather, especially during the winter months. Heavy snowfall can make things a bit dicey, and there have been accidents in the past. But, don't let that scare you off! This north-south route promises some killer views along the way. Just be prepared for potentially unpredictable weather, and you'll have an unforgettable adventure.
extremeWhen was Bosluiskloof Pass built?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, road trip dreamers, listen up! Bosluiskloof Pass in South Africa's Western Cape is calling your name. Perched high at 1,124m (3,687ft) between the Swartberg and Elandberg ranges, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Think 23.9 km (14.85 miles) of unadulterated, unpaved adventure from Seven Weeks Poort to Gamkapoort Dam. Built way back in 1862 by Adam de Schmidt (Thomas Bain's brother-in-law!), it gets its quirky name from the bush tick fossils embedded in the rocks. What to expect? Over 60 curves, super steep sections (we're talking up to 20% gradient!), and those "oh-my-gosh" unguarded drop-offs. A 4x4 is your best friend here. This isn't just a road, it's an experience. Prepare to be wowed by breathtaking views that change around every bend, making the remoteness of Gamkapoort Dam totally worth it. Just make sure you tackle this beauty in daylight and keep your eyes on the road! It demands your full attention, but trust me, the scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment.