Adventure Along The Wild Road to Platberg in Harrismith
South Africa, africa
12 km
2,394 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Platberg Peak in South Africa's Free State province is calling! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking a rugged 4x4 track climbing to a whopping 2,394m (7,854ft).
Starting near Harrismith, you've got about 12km (7.45 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road goodness ahead of you. Don't expect smooth tarmac – think more along the lines of dirt, gravel, and a few concrete strips thrown in for good measure. Those concrete sections are there to help you tackle some seriously steep inclines (we're talking gradients steeper than 1:3!). Seriously, leave your sedan at home – this one demands a proper 4x4 and a driver who isn't afraid of a challenge!
Up top, you'll find a bit of civilization in the form of communication towers, facilities, and the Gibson reservoir. But the real reward? The views! Just be warned, this eastern part of the country can get seriously wild, weather-wise. Winter brings regular and heavy snowfall, making the road treacherous. So, plan accordingly and prepare for an epic adventure!
Where is it?
Adventure Along The Wild Road to Platberg in Harrismith is located in South Africa (africa). Coordinates: -31.5402, 23.9210
Road Details
- Country
- South Africa
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 12 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,394 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -31.5402, 23.9210
Related Roads in africa
moderatePerdepoort Pass, a sensational road of South Africa
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Perdepoort Pass in South Africa's Eastern Cape! This baby clocks in at 906 meters (almost 3,000 feet) above sea level. It's a fully paved national road – the N9 – so no need for a 4x4, but definitely keep an eye on the weather. Stretching for about 27 kilometers (around 17 miles), this north-south route links Willowmore to Vogelstruisleegte. The views are killer, especially for stargazing in the winter. Word of warning though: those winter nights get seriously cold, often below freezing! Summer? Think scorching, like 40 degrees Celsius scorching. Basically, pack for anything.
moderateWhere is Sheikh Pass?
🌍 Somalia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Somaliland's northwestern Sahil province, headed for Sheikh Pass. This baby clocks in at a cool 1,497 meters (that's 4,911 feet for you imperial system folks) above sea level. Found in the Togdheer region, get ready for views that'll make your jaw drop! The road up, also known as Shiikh Pass, is a twisty, paved dream – or maybe not so dreamy. It's steep, and the turns are endless, so keep your eyes peeled. A local told me to watch out for landmines—yikes! This 13.9 km (8.63 mile) stretch of road snakes through the Golis Mountains, running from Laaleys to Sheikh. Trust me, it's a drive you won't soon forget.
extremeWhere is Masjiennek Pass?
🇿🇦 South Africa
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! We're heading to Masjiennek Pass in South Africa's Mpumalanga province – a seriously epic, high-altitude adventure. This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking one of the highest paved passes around, with drop-dead gorgeous views of the Drakensberg escarpment. You'll find this beauty nestled in the northeastern part of the country, a stone's throw from the iconic Long Tom Pass. "Masjiennek," which means something like "Machine Neck" in Afrikaans, winds its way through the Makobulaan Nature Reserve – think unique high-altitude plants and rugged, rocky vistas. The R37 highway is your path, a fully paved ribbon of asphalt that's generally in tip-top shape, thanks to some seriously good engineering. But don't get too comfy; this road throws curveballs – literally! Expect endless twists and turns, and some seriously steep sections that will test your car's (and your) mettle. Keep an eye on the weather, too. Winter can bring snow, turning the asphalt into an ice rink. This thrilling stretch of road clocks in at 55 km (34 miles), stretching between the forestry town of Sabie (right on the Sabie River) and Mashishing. Heads up, though! Two things to watch out for: First, this area is notorious for sudden, super-thick fog. Seriously, visibility can drop to almost nothing in seconds. Second, the R37 is a major economic artery, so expect a good amount of traffic, including big mining and timber trucks. Overtaking needs to be handled with extreme care because of all the curves.
moderateHow long is the D707 road in Namibia?
🇳🇦 Namibia
Located in southern Namibia, the D707 road is a very scenic drive running through the Namtib Desert. This gravel and sand road is known for its varied landscapes. How long is the D707 road in Namibia? The D707 is 123 km (76 miles) long, starting at Spes Bona on the C27 and ending at the C13 near Aus. It’s often called ‘Dream Road’ for its scenic views. How challenging is the D707 road in Namibia? The D707 provides a true off-road experience. The road has soft sand, corrugated sections, potholes, and scattered stones. It’s mostly straight with occasional curves. A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating this rugged terrain. Pic: Tobias Hankemeier Us-Hoogte Pass is pure adventure in Namibia A tricky desert road to Fish River Canyon Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.