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
difficultTizi n'Tichka Pass
🇲🇦 Morocco
# Tizi n'Tichka Pass: Morocco's Most Epic Mountain Drive Want to experience North Africa's highest mountain pass? The Tizi n'Tichka is your answer. This legendary stretch of road (the N9) climbs to a breathtaking 2,260 meters as it winds through Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, connecting the vibrant city of Marrakech with Ouarzazate—a gateway to the Sahara. The whole journey spans about 200 kilometers of pure mountain magic, following a route that French Foreign Legion soldiers carved out way back in 1936. These days, it's the main artery connecting Marrakech to the stunning Draa Valley oases and those famous film studios you've heard about. The drive from Marrakech is basically a masterclass in landscape transformation. You'll start in the lush Haouz plain and gradually climb through picture-perfect Berber villages that seem to defy gravity on the mountainsides. Walnut and almond groves give way to increasingly sparse terrain as you approach the pass itself. Fair warning: this road is a switchback lover's dream (or nightmare, depending on your comfort level). Hairpin turns everywhere, and you'll be sharing the road with an incredible mix of traffic—everything from sleek modern cars to donkeys to heavily laden trucks, all navigating those narrow curves at wildly different speeds. Once you crest the pass and head down toward Ouarzazate, you're entering the heart of Berber country. Ancient kasbahs (think Game of Thrones vibes) scatter across the landscape, and a quick detour to the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou is an absolute must. This stunning fortified village has doubled as ancient Rome, medieval deserts, and Middle Eastern cities in major films. The pass stays open year-round, though winter snow can occasionally cause closures. Along the way, don't miss the roadside mineral vendors selling gorgeous geodes and fossils, or stop at a small restaurant for authentic tagine and mint tea.
moderateTizi n’ Tgourt n’Aït Haddou Ou Amer
🇲🇦 Morocco
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Tizi n’ Tgourt n’Aït Haddou Ou Amer pass in central Morocco? Stunning! We're talking a lofty 2,415m (7,923ft) high, right in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. The R-706, that's your ticket up, is paved, but don’t let that fool you. This isn't your average Sunday drive! Think hairpin turns, switchbacks galore, and enough twists to make you dizzy. Even seasoned drivers will be kept on their toes. Seriously, up, down, left, right – it’s a constant dance! I wouldn't recommend tackling this one after dark or in bad weather, especially if you're a newbie. Linking Ait Amar and Tidrine, this road unveils a breathtaking plateau dotted with acacia trees. But a word to the wise: if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. Expect some serious dropoffs that will have you gripping the door handle! The views, though? Totally worth it.
moderateWhere is Tizi n’Ait Imi?
🇲🇦 Morocco
Tizi n’Ait Imi is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.914m (9,560ft) above sea level, located in Morocco. It’s one of the highest roads in the country. Where is Tizi n’Ait Imi? The pass is located on the boundary between Béni Mellal-Khénifra and Drâa-Tafilalet regions, in the central part of the country. The pass is also known as The Pass of the Sheep with Black Eyes. How long is Tizi n’Ait Imi? The pass is 61.4 km (38.15 miles) long, running north-south from Tabant, (a small town in Azilal Province, Béni Mellal-Khénifra) to Ighil N'Oumgoun (in the Ouarzazate Province of the Souss-Massa-Drâa administrative region). Is Tizi n’Ait Imi unpaved? The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It was built in 2015-2016. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. After rains the road can be very tricky because of mud. Is Tizi n’Ait Imi open in winters? Set high in the Western High Atlas, the greatest mountain range of North Africa, the road is open all year round. However, it’s impracticable in winter because of snow covering the road. Pic: Jorge Ruiz Dueso www.jrdueso.es A paved road to Col du Zad in the Middle Atlas How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Tizi Tigherrouzine 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.
extremeA dangerous road to Tsaris-Hoogte Pass
🇳🇦 Namibia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle one of Namibia's highest and wildest roads? Then you HAVE to experience Tsaris-Hoogte Pass! This epic pass, also called Tsaris Pass or Zarishoogte Pass, sits way up high at 1,672m (5,485ft) in the Hardap region, smack-dab in the Tsaris Mountains. Forget smooth tarmac, this is a FULLY unpaved, 150 km (93 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or hell, depending on your driving skills!). We're talking about the C19, folks. After a bit of rain, be warned: this track turns into a muddy, slippery beast! Expect corrugated sections that'll rattle your bones, and some seriously steep climbs – averaging 6%, but hitting over 20% in places! You'll need a trusty 4x4 for this one, no question. And caution is key – this drive can be a bit dangerous if you're not careful. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Think jaw-dropping scenery and untamed nature at every turn. The pass connects Sesriem, a tiny Namib Desert settlement, with Maltahöhe, a village in the Hardap Region. It's a true adventure for nature lovers!