
Where is Gaub Pass?
Namibia, africa
72.8 km
750 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to experience Gaub Pass. Tucked away in the Khomas region of Namibia, this isn't just a drive – it's a full-blown desert odyssey. Picture this: you're snaking your way through the Naukluft Mountains on 73 kilometers (45 miles) of pure, unadulterated gravel and sand.
Reaching a dizzying 750 meters (2,460 feet) above sea level, the views are insane. But, fair warning, this beauty comes with a bit of a thrill. Think hairpin turns with serious drop-offs down to the river below. Keep your eyes on the road, people! While the road itself is generally in good nick, those bends can be treacherous, especially when drivers get a little too confident. But trust me, if you take it slow and steady, the dramatic scenery makes it all worthwhile. Starting near Schlesien and winding down to Solitaire, this is one Namibian adventure you won't forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Namibia
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 72.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 750 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in africa
easyA drive through the scenic Todgha Gorge
🇲🇦 Morocco
Hey fellow adventurers! Get ready to explore Todgha Gorge, a mind-blowing limestone canyon nestled in Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet Region. The road, R703, is your ticket to ride, stretching about 20 km from the R317 near Agoudal, all the way to the N10 near Tinghir. Good news – it's been fully paved since 2014! Keep an eye on the weather, though. Prepare to be wowed by the scenery! The gorge squeezes down to a mere 33 meters wide in some spots, with towering cliffs soaring over 100 meters high. The last 600 meters are pure drama. The road's in great shape, but watch out for water on the surface if it's raining. During the dry season, it's mostly dry, but during heavy rains, the river can turn into a torrent. Located in the High Atlas Mountains, this road trip is one for the books. And it's a filming hot spot, too – it's even been used in "The Mummy"! Don't forget your camera – the landscapes and palm grove views are epic. Plus, there are tons of vendors along the way. Trust me, you'll want to stop often!
moderateIs Estrada Nacional 13 fully paved?
🌍 Mozambique
Hey fellow adventurers! Get ready to rumble on the Estrada Nacional 13 (EN13) in northern Mozambique! Also known as the Nacala Corridor (it used to be EN8, renamed around 2010), this baby stretches for 689 km (428 miles) between Nampula and Lichinga. Good news – it's fully paved as of 2021! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. As Mozambique's second-longest national highway, budget around 10-12 hours to conquer it, factoring in potentially heavy traffic from both people and cargo. And for those craving even *more* adventure, a rugged dirt track continues from Lichinga all the way to the Tanzanian border. What could be more fun than that?
hardCan you drive to Mafika Lisiu Pass?
🇱🇸 Lesotho
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Lesotho, high up in the Maloti Range, on the A25 – a completely paved road built back in the 90s. You're tackling the Mafika Lisiu Pass, one of the highest roads in the whole country, topping out at over 10,173 feet! This isn't just a Sunday drive though. This 109-mile stretch, connecting Thaba-Tseka to Hlotse, will keep you on your toes with its steep climbs and descents, plus hairpin bends that’ll test your driving skills. Factor in 4-5 hours to soak it all in. Oh, and keep an eye out for waterfalls cascading down the mountains! A word to the wise: this pass isn't for the faint of heart. You'll spot signs warning of sharp descents, snow/ice, and falling rocks. Seriously! Mother Nature keeps things interesting here, especially when it rains, sending rocks tumbling onto the road. But hold up, because the views are absolutely killer. Think unique alpine flora, insane photo opportunities, and the Bokong Nature Reserve (the highest in Africa you can reach by car!) near the summit. Check the weather forecast before you go because you do NOT want to be up here in a storm. Trust me, despite the potential hazards, the scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment. The winter snow here? Totally unmatched in Southern Africa.
hardTizi n’Tighoughizine
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up for the Tizi n’ Tighoughizine pass in central Morocco's Midelt Province! This baby winds its way up to a cool 2,381 meters (that's 7,811 feet for those of you who think in feet!). The road, known as R703, is paved, but don’t let that fool you. Nestled in the Atlas Mountains, it's a real rollercoaster with hairpin turns and narrow sections that will test your driving skills. Seriously, this isn't the place to learn how to drive a stick shift. Up, down, left, right - you'll be doing it all! I wouldn't recommend tackling this one at night or if the weather is dodgy. And if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe choose a different adventure. Trust me, you don't want to be cleaning up puke while trying to navigate those curves! Oh, and be prepared for some seriously steep sections. But hey, the views are worth it, right?