Where is Ras Dashen?

Where is Ras Dashen?

Ethiopia, africa

Length

33.4 km

Elevation

4,277 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for an unforgettable ride! We're heading to the roof of Africa, deep in the Amhara Region! This isn't just any road; this one snakes its way up to a staggering 14,032 feet (4,277 meters) above sea level.

We're talking about the road through Ras Dashen, right in the heart of the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park in northern Ethiopia. The whole stretch clocks in at about 20.75 miles (33.4 km) of pure, jaw-dropping scenery.

Word to the wise: plan your trip carefully. This high-altitude pass can get seriously icy, especially at night. Always prioritize your safety.

Prepare to be blown away. Mount Abuna Yosef area boasts one of the highest drivable roads in all of Africa, rivaled by the B90 from Dodola to Dinsho. This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Ethiopia
Continent
africa
Length
33.4 km
Max Elevation
4,277 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in africa

Hiking On Mount Kilimanjaro Is Safe If You Follow These Thingsextreme

Hiking On Mount Kilimanjaro Is Safe If You Follow These Things

🇹🇿 Tanzania

Okay, picture this: The Million Dollar Highway, a.k.a. US 550, slicing through the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. This baby's about 25 miles long, connecting Ouray and Silverton. Don't let the length fool you, though! We're talking serious elevation changes here. You'll climb to over 11,000 feet at Red Mountain Pass. Hold on tight because this road is famous (or infamous) for its hair-raising drop-offs, lack of guardrails in many spots, and seriously tight curves. But the payoff? Unbelievable views! Think towering peaks, plunging gorges, and landscapes that'll make your jaw drop. Be warned: snow and ice are common in winter.

Driving the technical gravel road to Groot Zuikerboschkop Pass in Mpumalangaextreme

Driving the technical gravel road to Groot Zuikerboschkop Pass in Mpumalanga

🇿🇦 South Africa

Groot Zuikerboschkop Pass: buckle up for a wild ride in Mpumalanga, South Africa! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a full-on off-road adventure sitting pretty at 2,102m (6,896ft) above sea level, near Dullstroom. Think high-altitude grasslands, dramatic scenery, and weather that keeps you on your toes. This 12.6 km (7.8 miles) gravel track kicks off from the R540, but don't expect smooth sailing. We're talking seriously rugged conditions here. Low-clearance vehicles need not apply – even 4x4s will be put to the test. Imagine loose stones, deep ruts carving their way through the landscape, and inclines that'll make your engine roar. Speaking of inclines, some sections hit a steep 1:6 gradient (around 16.6%)! Pair that with the uneven surface, and you'll need your A-game when it comes to gear selection. Potholes the size of small craters are lurking, ready to wreak havoc on your tires or alignment. Seriously, stay focused! The weather can be a real game-changer. Rain turns the gravel into a slippery mess, challenging even the best 4x4 systems. Plus, being up high means visibility can vanish in a blink due to low clouds and mist. Being in the back country of Mpumalanga means you're on your own. Double-check that spare tire, pack your essential tools, and be ready to handle minor repairs yourself – help isn't exactly around the corner. It's a high-risk, high-reward kind of route that demands respect and careful driving.

Mokobulaan Passhard

Mokobulaan Pass

🇿🇦 South Africa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're looking for a serious off-road thrill in South Africa's Mpumalanga province, the Mokobulaan Pass is calling your name. We're talking a lung-busting climb to 1,921 meters (that's 6,302 feet!) inside the beautiful Mokobulaan Nature Reserve. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The road linking Lydenburg and Sudwala is all gravel and gets seriously steep in sections – think gradients of 1:4! You'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle this beast. And pro tip: avoid it like the plague during bad weather. This track turns into a mud bath after rain, making it incredibly slippery. Snow? Forget about it, it becomes downright lethal. Storms can make the road impassable, even for experienced off-roaders. Seriously, if you're a newbie or rolling solo, maybe skip this one. But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with some stunning views!

Where is the R704 road located?hard

Where is the R704 road located?

🇲🇦 Morocco

This Moroccan road is a wild ride through the High Atlas Mountains! We're talking about the R704, connecting the lush Dadès Valley to the remote northern plateaus, near Tinghir. Get ready for a serious climb! You'll hit a whopping 2,910 meters (9,547 feet) at the Tizi-n'Ouano pass! The total length is 122 km, but here's the kicker: the first 70 km from Boumalne Dades is smooth asphalt winding through incredible gorges. Then BAM! The next 52 km to Agoudal turns into a rugged, unpaved "piste"—think loose gravel, hard dirt, and sharp rocks. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's mandatory! You'll be conquering some serious passes: Tizi-n'Ouano (the highest!), Tizi-n'Tinififft at 2,794m (9,166ft), and Tizi-n'Isly at 2,583m (8,474ft). Snow can shut this road down from November to April, so plan accordingly. Once the pavement ends, things get real. Expect hairpin turns with no guardrails and massive drop-offs. Much of the road is single-track. Watch out for sticky clay patches at higher elevations that turn into a muddy nightmare after rain. Flash floods in the lower gorges and rockfalls on the upper slopes are other things to consider. The sweet spot for driving the whole thing is late May to September, when the passes are clear of snow. If you're just exploring the Dadès Valley, March to May offers ideal temps. Fill up your tank and stock up on water before heading out. You won't find any services once you leave the gorges and head towards Agoudal!