
Ziz Gorges: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Morocco, africa
55.4 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region, specifically the Errachidia Province. You're about to dive into the Gorges du Ziz, a canyon carved by the Ziz River. Trust me, this is epic!
You’ll be twisting and turning along National Route 13 (N13), a fully paved but oh-so-challenging road tucked into the Eastern High Atlas. Think countless hairpin turns, dramatic cliffs looming over you, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop. Seriously, even in a sturdy Unimog, it feels narrow at times! Keep your eyes peeled for those bus drivers—they can be a bit… enthusiastic… when overtaking.
This 55.4 km (34.42 miles) stretch runs from Errachidia to Kerrandou, and the real highlight is between the Legionnaire’s Tunnel (built way back in the 30s!) and the dam of Barrage Al-Hassan Addakhil (hello, stunning lake!).
Expect mind-blowing views of the Ziz River's upper course, a totally dramatic landscape. There are plenty of viewpoints and picnic spots to pull over and soak it all in. Trust me, you’ll want to!
Where is it?
Ziz Gorges: A Comprehensive Travel Guide is located in Morocco (africa). Coordinates: 31.2362, -6.8773
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 55.4 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 31.2362, -6.8773
Related Roads in africa
hardIs C14 Road in Namibia unpaved?
🇳🇦 Namibia
Get ready for an unforgettable Namibian adventure on the C14! This epic 643 km (399 miles) route stretches from Goageb in the south all the way to Walvis Bay on the coast. You'll cross the Tropic of Capricorn and cruise along the edge of the breathtaking Namib-Naukluft Park, passing through the dramatic Kuiseb Canyon. The C14 is mostly unpaved, offering up classic Namibian desert scenery. Picture a flat, moon-like landscape of gravel and sand. This isn't a drive for just any car – leave your sedan at home! While you might not *need* a 4x4, a sturdy vehicle is highly recommended. Keep your wits about you, though. You'll be tackling some tight corners and navigating some serious drops along the gorge. Plus, the gravel can get slippery, and other drivers are out there too! Slow and steady wins the race. The road climbs to 1.528m (5,013ft) with some steep sections, and conditions can change dramatically. Rainy season can make the road impassable, but most of the year it's an easy drive. Just remember to concentrate on the road ahead.
hardA great drive to Col de Bouhmama
🌍 Algeria
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Col de Bouhmama in Algeria's Khenchela Province! This isn't just a drive; it's an experience reaching a lofty 1,707 meters (5,600 feet) above sea level. Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Algeria, within the boundaries of Parc National de Chélia, this pass is a hidden gem. And get this – near the top, a little dirt road branches off, beckoning you towards Mount Chelia itself, a towering peak at 2,293 meters (7,522 feet)! The main road? Pure driving bliss. Picture this: smooth pavement, an endless stream of curves, and hairpin turns galore, some so tight they'll get your heart pumping! Clocking in at 19 kilometers (almost 12 miles), this west-to-east route connects Ichmoul (in Batna Province) to Bouhmama (in Khenchela Province). The views? Absolutely breathtaking. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
hardBen Macdhui Peak
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ben Macdhui in South Africa's Eastern Cape province is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about a seriously high mountain pass topping out at almost 10,000 feet! The gravel road to the summit is bumpy and steep. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 (low range a must!). And this isn't just about the vehicle; you've got to be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws at you. Expect strong winds, rapidly changing weather, and seriously cold temperatures, even in summer! Yes, you might even see snow, which is wild for South Africa. The views from the top? Stunning. But be warned, this route is not for the faint of heart. It's rough, tough, and will test your driving skills, especially after rain, so keep an eye out for loose gravel! Get prepped for an unforgettable, challenging climb.
moderateDriving Die Hel, South Africa's Road To Hell
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, picture this: you're in South Africa's Western Cape, ready for an adventure. You're about to tackle the road to Die Hel (aka Gamkaskloof), a seriously remote valley nestled in the Swartberg Mountains, between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert. First things first: ditch the sedan. This is strictly 4x4 territory. The 37km unpaved road snakes down from the Swartberg Pass into the Klein Karoo semi-desert. Why "Die Hel" (The Hell)? Legend says an animal inspector in the 40s dubbed it so after a particularly brutal trip. Locals prefer "Gamkaskloof," which feels a bit less ominous, right? Expect about two hours of seriously twisty driving – we're talking 201 bends! Overtaking? Forget about it. The road is narrow, bumpy, and can be completely cut off when the Gamka River floods during the rainy season. So, stock up on supplies, because you won't find any shops, gas stations, or even a cell signal once you're in. And seriously, bring a spare tire. But here's the payoff: you're entering a hidden valley, roughly 20km long and less than 1 km wide, that was totally isolated until a road was carved out in the early 60s. For over a century, a community thrived here, living off the fertile land. Now, you can explore relic farms and restored cottages, soaking up the romantic, almost mythical vibe of this secluded paradise.