
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
hardTizi n'Talougout
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through southern Morocco, in the Ouarzazate Province, south of the High Atlas mountains. The road starts to climb, and I mean *really* climb. You're heading for Tizi n'Talougout, a mountain pass that tops out at almost 6,550 feet! The good news is, the road is paved. The slightly less good news is, it's seriously steep in places, and if you have a fear of heights, this might be a bit of a challenge. But trust me, the views are absolutely worth it. Prepare for an unforgettable drive!
moderateTizi Tirkabine
🌍 Algeria
Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Tizi Tirkabine! This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,362 meters (that's 4,468 feet!) in the stunning Djurdjura Mountains of northern Algeria, specifically in the Bouïra province. You'll find it nestled within the gorgeous Djurdjura National Park, accessible via the N30 road. Trust me, the scenery alone is worth the trip – think majestic peaks and lush cedar forests blanketing the hillsides. Now, let's be real: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is... challenging, let's say. You'll definitely need your wits about you! Expect asphalt, but don't be surprised if you need chains or snow tires, even outside of winter. This route demands respect!
moderateDriving the Steep Road to Mariepskop
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Mariepskop! This South African beauty, peaking at 1,942m (6,371ft), sits right on the border of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and let me tell you, it's a drive you won't forget. Mariepskop, also known as Marepe or Maripekop, is nestled within the Mariepskop Nature Reserve. Named after Chief Maripe Mashile, who used this mountain as a stronghold back in the day, this peak is the highest in the northern Drakensberg Escarpment. And the views? Unreal! On a clear day, you can supposedly spot the Indian Ocean and Maputo! Plus, the summit is home to some cool government installations, like a radar station. The adventure starts in Moloro, with a 20.2 km (12.5 miles) climb ahead. You'll gain a whopping 1,253m in elevation, averaging a gradient of 6.20%. Word to the wise: skip this drive during the rainy season or when it's wet. The road is a mix of gravel, paved sections, and concrete. A high-clearance vehicle is a must, and a 4x4 is highly recommended. The final 7 km are concrete, with some seriously steep sections hitting 33%! But don't worry too much, the concrete road itself is fairly safe, without any crazy drop-offs. Get ready for an epic climb!
moderateWhere is Tizi n'Tichka?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Tizi n'Tichka Pass in Morocco – get ready for a ride! This epic route climbs to a whopping 2,212m (7,257ft), straddling the Marrakesh-Safi and Drâa-Tafilalet regions, right in the heart of the High Atlas mountains. "Tizi n’Tichka" basically means "difficult mountain pasture" in Berber, which kinda tells you what to expect. This entirely paved ribbon of road, also known as Route Nationale 9, stretches for 54km (33 miles) between Zerkten and Agouim. It’s been around since 1936, carved out by the French army as a military highway. Nowadays, it’s your ticket from Marrakech to Ouarzazate. The pass is generally open year-round, but be warned: from November to March, snow can shut things down. Even when it's clear, the sun can be intense. Is it dangerous? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think winding roads, some a lane and a half wide, with a distinct lack of guardrails and seriously steep drops. Expect over 100 turns! The road quality varies – you might find yourself on a newly sealed section one minute, then bouncing along an older stretch the next. And the wind? Prepare to be windswept! A 2WD can handle it though. Mornings are your friend – hit this road early to beat the tour buses *and* the trucks. But, oh, the views! Each switchback reveals another jaw-dropping vista of the Atlas Mountains. At the summit, prepare to be wowed. Descending towards Ouarzazate, you'll glimpse the pre-Sahara landscape, a stark contrast to the majestic Atlas peaks. This road often gets blocked by snow in winter, making your kasbah (clay medieval fortress) journey all the more interesting. Plus, just near the pass, you'll find Aït Benhaddou, the famous kasbah where they filmed *Gladiator* (and tons of other movies). It's in fantastic condition, and still has families living there! You can even grab some minerals from the shops at the top. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience.