
Adventure along the Old Mill Drift 4x4 in the Free State
South Africa, africa
28.6 km
2,183 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, fellow adventurers, listen up! If you're cruising through South Africa's Free State and have a hankering for some off-road thrills, Old Mill Drift 4x4 is calling your name. Nestled between Fouriesburg and Clarens, this isn't your average Sunday drive.
We're talking serious 4x4 territory here. You'll need a trusty four-wheel-drive beast with low range and plenty of ground clearance. Forget smooth pavement – this trail is all rugged, unpaved glory, featuring rocky stretches that will test your mettle.
Clocking in at just under 30 km (18 miles) with a hefty 531m climb to reach a peak of 2,183m (7,162 ft) above sea level, it's a slow and steady adventure, especially with those seriously steep sections (think 1:4 gradients!).
Keep an eye out for washouts and incredibly narrow single-lane sections. Passing another vehicle? Get ready for some strategic reversing in tight spots. Also, it's always smart to check if the trail is open before you head out, as closures can happen. But trust me, the views and the challenge make it all worthwhile.
Where is it?
Adventure along the Old Mill Drift 4x4 in the Free State is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -29.2657, 21.6094
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 28.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,183 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -29.2657, 21.6094
Related Roads in africa
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?
moderateA Most Tricky Scenic Road to Tizi n’Ait Imi
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Tizi n’Ait Imi, a seriously high mountain pass in Morocco! We're talking a lung-busting 2,914m (9,560ft) above sea level – one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. Locals call it "The Pass of the Sheep with Black Eyes," which is kind of cool, right? You'll find this gem straddling the Béni Mellal-Khénifra and Drâa-Tafilalet regions, smack-dab in central Morocco. The route stretches for 61.4 km (38.15 miles) from Tabant, a small town in the north, all the way down to Ighil N'Oumgoun in the south. Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is totally unpaved, dating back to 2015-2016. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your friend here. And if it's been raining? Expect some seriously muddy conditions that'll test your driving skills. Good news is, it's technically open year-round. Bad news? Winter can dump a ton of snow up there, making it pretty much impassable. But if you catch it right, you'll be rewarded with insane views of the Western High Atlas, North Africa's biggest mountain range. Trust me, the scenery is worth the challenge!
moderateA tricky desert road to Fish River Canyon
🇳🇦 Namibia
Okay, picture this: you're in Namibia, ready for an adventure. Head south, almost to the South African border, and you'll stumble upon Fish River Canyon, Africa's grandest canyon! Seriously, this place is HUGE. Think 160 kilometers (100 miles) long, 27 kilometers (17 miles) wide, and a staggering 550 meters (1,800 feet) deep. Some say it's second only to the Grand Canyon. To get there, you'll want a 4x4 because the 57km (35 mile) road from the C10 is pure, unadulterated dirt. You're smack-dab in the Namibian desert here, so prepare for serious remoteness. Cell service? Forget about it. But trust me, the views are worth it! Think dramatic landscapes that'll leave you breathless. It's the perfect road trip for those craving a raw, untamed experience.
hardSmuts Pass
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're looking for a wild ride in South Africa's Eastern Cape, Smuts Pass is calling your name. This gravel road connects Dordrecht and Molteno, climbing to a lofty 1,916 meters (that's 6,286 feet!). Word of caution: This isn't your Sunday drive. You'll need a 4x4, and serious off-road skills are a must. We're talking steep sections (up to 1:4!), and after a rain, this track turns into a muddy, slippery mess. Snow is common in winter, and honestly, expect unpredictable weather any time of year. Storms can make this road completely impassable, even for experienced drivers in capable vehicles. But if you're prepared for the challenge, the views are incredible. Just make sure you're not traveling alone and keep a close eye on the weather forecast. Smuts Pass isn't for the faint of heart, but for the adventurous souls, it's an unforgettable experience.