
Where is Ras Dashen?
Ethiopia, africa
33.4 km
4,277 m
moderate
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!
Road Details
- Country
- Ethiopia
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 33.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,277 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in africa
hardPitseng Pass
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Pitseng Pass! You'll find this beauty snaking through the Eastern Cape of South Africa, topping out at a cool 1,900 meters (that's 6,233 feet for those playing along at home). Now, a regular car can handle it in good weather, but fair warning: the road's gravel and can be pretty gnarly. Think bumpy massage for your tires. Things get interesting after rain, transforming the route into a muddy slip-n-slide. Seriously, after a big storm, even 4x4s might think twice about tackling this one. But if you're up for a bit of a challenge, the scenery is totally worth it!
extremeRoute Nationale 5 is said to be the worst road of Madagascar
🇲🇬 Madagascar
Ready for the ultimate off-road challenge? Head to the eastern coast of Madagascar and tackle RN5 (Route Nationale 5)! They say it's the *worst* road in the country, but that just means it's the *best* for adventure. This beast stretches 393km (244 miles) from Toamasina, south in the Atsinanana region, all the way north to the seaport town of Maroantsetra. Don't get too excited—most of it isn't paved! The first 160 km from Toamasina are smooth sailing, but after that, get ready for a wild ride. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance and serious driving skills. Think sections of deep sand, jagged rock, and bridges that have seen better days (inspect before crossing!). You're looking at almost a full 24 hours to complete the journey. Hugging the Indian Ocean, you'll ford 13 rivers by boat or ferry. Some crossings involve rickety homemade rafts where everyone pulls together to get across. Avoid December to March as the rainy season turns the road into an impassable mess. January and February? Forget about it. But here's the payoff: you'll be rewarded with some of the most isolated and breathtaking scenery Madagascar has to offer. Picture this: white sand coastline, swaying palm forests, and endless views of the Indian Ocean. This isn't just a road trip, it's an unforgettable adventure!
hardHow long is Route Nationale 17 (N17)?
🌍 Cameroon
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through southeastern Cameroon on Route Nationale 17, a wild ride stretching 184 kilometers (or 114 miles for you imperial folks). You'll start in Kribi, a chill beach town right on the Gulf of Guinea—imagine kicking back there for a day or two! Then, you're off eastward towards Ebolowa, the capital of Cameroon's South Region. Now, heads up: the road's a mix of paved and unpaved bits, and after a good rain, things get seriously uneven. I'm talking 4WD recommended territory. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Get ready for some killer scenery, though!
hardWhen was Outeniqua Pass built?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Cruising through the Western Cape of South Africa? You HAVE to check out Outeniqua Pass! This beauty climbs to 800m (2,600ft) in the stunning Outeniqua Mountains. Built between 1943 and 1951 by Italian POWs (talk about history!), this pass has been upgraded a couple of times since then, so you're in for a smooth ride. We're talking a well-maintained, two-lane tar road - the N9/N12 national road, to be exact. Clocking in at 18.2 km (11.30 miles) between Oudtshoorn and George, it’s a sweet alternative to the other roads in the area. Now, it does get a bit twisty – about 40 curves in total, with some steep sections hitting a 1:10 gradient. Plus, it's a popular route for big trucks, and accidents can sometimes lead to temporary closures. And heads up: mist and low-hanging clouds are common, so drive carefully! Rockfalls are also a risk, especially when it's wet. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! There are three little parking areas near the top with killer vistas. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Indian Ocean. Seriously, pick a sunny day for this drive – you won't regret it!